Rivaldo Vitor Borba Ferreira is a Brazilian football legend famously called Rivaldo by the world, whose teaching of obstacles beginning with his poor background to the top of super star nations around the world is a lesson in excellence, hard work and dedication. Rivaldo is a magician with the ball, a master of magnificent goals and his history will remain ever in the chronicle of football.
Early Life
Rivaldo was born on April 19, 1972, in Recife, Bridge, Brazil. His life growing up was one that was characterized by poverty and destituteness, and he lost his father in a road accident. Rivaldo had to fight with his money and body (suffered bowed legs and lost teeth as a result of malnutrition) to go forward with football with great passion. His story of transformation, having played barefoot along the beaches of Pernambuco to one of the biggest superstar in the globe is an inspirational one.
Club Career
Rivaldo started his career in the team of Paulista and then transferred to such clubs as Santa Cruz and Mogi Mirim. He made his breakthrough with Corinthians and Palmeiras in which he demonstrated glimpses of brilliance which caught the attention of European scouts.
At the end of the 1996 season, he transferred to Deportivo La Coruna in Spain where he scored 21 goals in his first season in La Liga. However, it was in FC Barcelona (1997 - 2002) that Rivaldo really became a superstar. In his time at Barca, he:
- Scored 130-times in 235 games
- Earned two La Liga (1997/98 and 1998/99)
- Ballon d or winner of 1999
Provided iconic displays, such as scoring a hat-trick against Valencia in 2001 to keep the team in contention to qualify to the champions league.
A subsequent team that Rivaldo played is AC Milan, Olympiacos, AEK, Athens Bunyodkor, and S. Caetano which continued to spell awe on people around the globe by his prowess and professionalism.
International Career
Rivaldo took part in the Brazil national team in the golden period in the late 90 and early 2000s. Brazil career highlights:
- Playing 74 games and gaining 35 goals in the Brazilian team.
- Golden Boot and MVP in the 1999 Copa America.
- Winning 2002 FIFA world cup.
- Having scored 5 goals in the 2002 World Cup which included critical goals against England and Belgium.
Sharply praised on his creativity, dribbling and thunder left footed shots, Rivaldo was much acclaimed. He was used as an inside forward or a poacher.
Stats Summary
| Category | Career Stats |
|---|---|
| Club Appearances | 553+ |
| Club Goals | 239+ |
| Brazil Appearances | 74 |
| Brazil Goals | 35 |
| Ballon d'Or | 1999 Winner |
| Major Titles | FIFA World Cup (2002), Copa América (1999), La Liga (2), Champions League (2003, AC Milan) |
Wife and Family
Rivaldo is married to Eliza Kaminski Ferreira and they have kids, of which his son Rivaldinho is a footballer like his father and is a professional footballer.
A humbler and rather subtle Christian, Rivaldo has been known to spread words of the bible and words of inspiration. It is also in the realm of philanthropy and business endeavors that he has engaged in after retirement.
Net Worth
When compared to the year 2025, the net worth of Rivaldo is estimated to be about 70 million dollars. He is a rich man thanks to:
- Signing bonuses and football contracts
- Endorsement contracts (especially with Nike)
- Investments in businesses and in the business world
He also had financial rewards in his time in such countries as Spain, Italy, Greece and Uzbekistan where he played.
