The 1996/97 season was a spectacle unlike any other for Barca fans, as Camp Nou witnessed the arrival of Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima aka O Fenomeno (The Phenomenon).
The young world champion entered Europe with a bang, and scored 30 league goals for PSV. His skills were astounding, his runs devastating, and his finishing exquisite. His goal-scoring ability caught eyes of many European giants. However, the main candidates of his signature were Barca and Inter Milan. Barca won the transfer tussle and what followed on is widely regarded as one of the greatest season ever seen by a footballer.
Ronaldo’s Brief Run at Barca was Sensational
Born For Stardom
Ronaldo arrived in the city of Barcelona in the summer of 1996. Having already made big headlines across Europe due to his PSV Eindhoven run, he had something special under his belt. He was only 20 and made a name for himself. However, his move to Barca was Nazario’s true transition to stardom.
Barca had started a new project under an English manager, Bobby Robson, and secured Ronaldo’s sign for a world record fee. The English coach, who had previously coached the English national team, was considered a tactician. He put his faith in the 20-year-old goal machine, and the result? A campaign which was truly unforgettable.
R9 was Unstoppable On The Footballing Pitch
The 1996/97 season was nothing short of sensational for Barca. Ronaldo bagged 47 goals in 49 games across all competitions. He led Barca to three trophies, i.e., the Spanish Super Cup, Copa Del Rey, and UEFA Cup, and he also scored in the Clásico, which Barca won 1-0.
The Goal Against Compostela
One of the most breathtaking goals scored by Nazario that season came against a La Liga team, Compostela. The goal was something that had become more of a signature for Ronaldo.
Ronaldo won the ball in his own half. He got past the player who tugged at his shirt, but he somehow evaded him, balancing effortlessly. Then, he initiated a powerful solo run toward the box, effortlessly going past two defenders in a jiffy. The defenders tried to keep up and ran hard, but Ronaldo tricked them with a sudden pause and cut inside on his right foot, and with a final ‘La Croqueta,’ he banged the goal in the bottom left corner. What a goal it was.
“El Fenomeno” is Born
Former Barca captain and coach, Luis Enrique, once remarked on Ronaldo:
“He’s the most spectacular player I’ve ever seen. He did things I’d never seen before.”
Ronaldo possessed a rare skill set. He was effortlessly strong, but he also had the finesse of a magician. He used to dribble effortlessly past entire defense lines and had an excellent technique.
He was a complete striker and soon was feared across Europe. He earned his legendary nickname “El Fenomeno,” which means “The Phenomenal.” At 20, he won the 1996 FIFA World Player of the Year award, making him the youngest ever to win the prize. He was also awarded the Ballon D’or award in 1997.
1996/97 : A Season of Ecstacy & Agony
Despite having a record-breaking season, Barca had to cut ties with the player. There was a lot of instability between the player and club off the pitch. The contract issues caused disputes between both parties, and the player was sold off to Inter Milan at a world record fee, yet again. The player reflected:
“I wanted to stay, but the decision wasn’t mine. I would’ve loved to continue, but the club didn’t value me the way they should have.”
The stay of Ronaldo at Barca was sadly brief and he later went on to play for our rivals Real Madrid, which is a shame. However, his short stint at Barca was absolute legendary and is considered one of the best individual campaigns in history.