Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo Luís Nazario da Lima, known as “O Fenômeno” (“The Phenomenon”), marked a significant milestone in his faith journey at the age of 46.
On Tuesday, he received the sacrament of baptism at São José (St. Joseph) Parish in São Paulo’s Jardim Europa neighborhood.
Following the baptism ceremony, Nazario, a two-time world champion with the Brazilian national team, took to social media to share his profound experience. He emphasized the importance of this moment, stating, “Today is a very special day. I was baptized!”
Nazario, who has always held Christian faith close to his heart, reflected on his spiritual journey, saying, “The Christian faith has always been a fundamental part of my life, since I was little, although I had not yet been baptized. With the sacrament, I feel truly regenerated as a child of God, in a new, more conscious, and deeper way.”
In his Instagram post on September 12, the Brazilian star also reaffirmed his commitment to “follow the path of good, of my own free will, believing in the love of Jesus, in supportive love.”
Accompanying his heartfelt message were several images from his baptism, featuring his godparents, Amilcar and Malu.
On this significant day, Nazario expressed his gratitude to priests Fábio de Melo and Dom Oswaldo, as well as São José church, for their support and guidance.
It’s worth noting that in June 2022, Nazario demonstrated his growing connection to the Catholic faith by fulfilling his promise to embark on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage on a bicycle. During this journey, he reflected on his accomplishments with Valladolid, a club of which he is also the president.
The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage typically concludes at the tomb of the Apostle James in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral in Spain.
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