Early Years and Hardships: Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira was born on April 19, 1972, in Paulista, a poor town in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Growing up in poverty, Rivaldo faced numerous hardships. His family lived in a very modest home, and Rivaldo often struggled with malnutrition, which affected his physical development. Despite these challenges, he showed a passion for football from a young age, often playing barefoot on the streets.
The tragic death of his father, Romildo Ferreira, in a car accident when Rivaldo was a teenager, deeply impacted him. However, this loss motivated him to pursue a career in football to support his family. Rivaldo’s early years were marked by determination and resilience, as he worked hard to overcome the physical and emotional challenges he faced.
Start of Football Career: Rivaldo’s professional career began in 1991 with Santa Cruz, a football club in Brazil. His talent quickly caught the attention of bigger clubs, and he moved to Mogi Mirim in 1992. There, his skills as a midfielder and forward became more apparent, leading to a transfer to Corinthians in 1993. His time at Corinthians further showcased his abilities, and he soon moved to Palmeiras in 1994.
At Palmeiras, Rivaldo won the Brazilian Série A twice (1994 and 1996) and became one of the most sought-after talents in Brazil. His performances were characterized by his powerful left foot, exceptional dribbling skills, and ability to score from a distance.
Move to Europe and Stardom: In 1996, Rivaldo made a significant move to Europe, signing with Deportivo La Coruña in Spain. His time at Deportivo was short but impactful, as he scored 21 goals in 41 appearances. In 1997, he transferred to FC Barcelona, where he achieved global stardom.
Later Career and Retirement: After leaving Barcelona in 2002, Rivaldo played for several clubs, including AC Milan, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2003. He also played for Cruzeiro, Olympiacos, AEK Athens, and several other clubs across the world, including a stint in Angola with Kabuscorp.
Rivaldo officially retired from professional football in 2014, at the age of 42. However, he briefly came out of retirement in 2015 to play alongside his son, Rivaldinho, at Mogi Mirim, the same club where his career began.
Post-Retirement Life: After retiring, Rivaldo continued to stay involved in football, taking on roles as a football executive and ambassador. He served as the president of Mogi Mirim and has been involved in various charitable activities, using his platform to give back to his community in Brazil.
Real Name: Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira
Date of Birth: April 19, 1972
Birth Place: Paulista, Pernambuco, Brazil
Residence: Rivaldo has lived in several places throughout his life, including Brazil and Angola, but his current residence is in Brazil.
Profession: Retired Professional Football Player, Football Executive
Nationality: Brazilian
Religion: Christianity
Partner: Eliza Kaminski Ferreira (wife)
Father: Romildo Ferreira
Mother: Marlucia Ferreira
Horoscope: Aries
Age: 52 (as of 2024)
Weight: Approximately 75 kg (165 lbs)
Height: 186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black