Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has revealed that he was banned from having sex for 40 days during the 2002 World Cup as part of a strict regimen imposed by manager Luiz Felipe Scolari. The striker, who scored eight goals in the tournament and netted a brace in the final against Germany, later promised he would “have sex in a few moments” after Brazil’s 2-0 victory.
Post-Match Question Sparks Laughter
Following the final, Ronaldo was asked a lighthearted question: “What is more rewarding – winning the World Cup or having sex after going without it for 40 days?” The former Real Madrid star replied, “Winning the World Cup is more rewarding. I will have sex in a few moments, but the World Cup only happens every four years.” He added, “I have to say this because my boss is listening. It is not that sex is not good, but for now the most rewarding thing is winning the World Cup.”
Manager’s Strict Rules for Squad
The sex ban applied to the entire Brazil squad, not just Ronaldo. Scolari reportedly told players that “any player who cannot control his penis is not a man, but an irrational animal.” Ronaldo later admitted the lack of intimacy greatly affected him, saying, “The World Cup in 2002 was a wonderful memory but I will always remember the ache down below just as much as lifting the trophy.”
Ronaldo’s Contrasting Views on Sex Before Games
Despite the ban, Ronaldo has previously stated that he played better when he had sex before matches. Speaking to a Brazilian TV station in 2011, he said, “I have had sex several times before some games. It helps you concentrate. Not all the coaches let you have sex before a match though. I have noticed that in some games, I played better because I had sex before them.”
Retirement and Recent Appearance
Now retired, Ronaldo is free to enjoy intimacy whenever he wishes. The iconic striker was recently spotted at the 2026 World Cup half-time show alongside Madonna and Ronaldinho, watching Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina in New Jersey.
