The football legend, popularly-dubbed ‘the Phenomenon’, has taken over from regular editor David Hall to preside over FourFourTwo’s 20th birthday issue. Ronaldo also took part in a special birthday photoshoot for the magazine.
In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, Ronaldo takes the reader on his personal journey from the favelas of Brazil to international glory with the Selecao and shares his memories of winning the World Cup. Ronaldo also worked with the team to select the greatest players of the last 20 years.
Ronaldo, writing in the editor’s letters, commented: “When FourFourTwo invited me to be their first ever guest editor, it took me no time to say yes. Even though I was extremely busy helping Brazil get ready for a World Cup, how could I say no? I have a lot in common with FourFourTwo. We both started out on our global path in 1994. Since then, neither of us have been afraid to be different. More than that, we enjoy football culture. So it's only right we celebrate the magazine's 20th birthday together.”
“It was no picnic though. I had to do things I’ve never done before, like suggest ideas for stories and get people for interviews (Ronaldinho, you’re my man!). I can now say that scoring goals is easier than editing a magazine!”
Also featured is ‘Football in 1994: the ugly truth’, an examination of the cultural landcape in the year of FourFourTwo’s birth: an era of Britpop and Lad Culture and a scandalous season that witnessed bungs, cocaine addiction and a fan assaulted by a player. And to top it off, the magazine reveals the moments that shook the football world. From Cantona’s kung-fu kick in 1995 to Aguero clinching the title for Manchester City in 2012, FourFourTwo looks at the moments that defined each year of the last two decades and interviews those involved.
David Hall, editor, FourFourTwo said: “Our 20th anniversary is a momentous occasion for FourFourTwo and something that required an extra special touch to make sure we celebrated in style. It doesn’t get much more exciting than Ronaldo throwing open the doors of his home to you to plan a special issue, posing for every picture and answering every question. It’s a testament to the place FourFourTwo holds in the hearts of football people that he approached the task with such unbridled enthusiasm.”
