the passion that cariocas have for soccer is both forceful and unique - when brazil plays in a world cup match (on television!) the entire city stops to watch, and brazilian goals result in an audible roar of yells, reving motors and fireworks.

cariocas are serious about soccer, and this drive has manifested itself in some of the most famous and talented stars coming from the city.

arguably the best brazilian player of the last two decades, ronaldo (also known as 'the phenomenon') was born in rio in 1976 and played in his first world cup in 1994, at the age of 17 (brazil won the title).