Ronald’s Journey From Brazil’s State Championships To Swansea City
One of the most illustrious features of Brazilian football is its state championships. Numerous stars, like as Pelé, Romário, Zico, and Neymar, started their professional careers in these competitions, competing against their most formidable local opponents in an attempt to win not only honors but also the right to boast.
In the Campeonato Sul-Mato-Grossense, Swansea City’s Ronald Pereira Martins, better known by his nickname Ronald, made his professional debut at the age of 17 as a substitute for his hometown team Corumbaense in a 2-0 victory over Operário de Dourados.
Only a few weeks later, he helped his team defeat Aquidauanense 3-1 with his first professional goal in another victory.
Other Brazilian clubs were interested in Ronald’s talents, and following a number of trials, he joined Atlético Goianiense in 2020.
In the subsequent year, Ronald went on loan to Grêmio Anápolis, where he and the team, known as Azulão Anapolino, achieved a first by winning the Campeonato Goiano.
Ronald scored twice as they advanced to the trophy, including a crucial half-volley in a penalty shootout triumph over Atlético-GO, his former parent club.
Ronald discussed the significance of state titles to his career with WFi.
“State titles are crucial for athletes and teams alike,” he stated.
“Creating national competitions that could accommodate all the clubs that exist here would be extremely impossible due to Brazil’s size. That function is thus fulfilled by the state championships.
Smaller clubs can expand, generate employment, and give many young boys who aspire to play football opportunities thanks to them.
That’s how I experienced it. I worked at Corumbaense with Zé Humberto, a former player and coach who found players like Bruno Henrique, the forward for Flamengo; Marcos Rondon, the full-back for Vila Nova-GO; and Marcos, the goalkeeper for Leiria-POR. He also connected me to Francisco Araújo, an agent.
“Chico [Francisco Araújo] became a pivotal figure in my career after bringing me to Atlético-GO’s youth academy in 2018.”
Ronald was permanently signed by Grêmio Anápolis after they won the state title. He was then loaned to Atlético Goianiense, where he made 28 appearances for the team and established himself as a regular throughout their Brasileirão campaign.
“My professional development greatly benefited from my time at Atlético Goianiense,” Ronald remarked.
“I came to the youth academy, left, and came back in 2021 to play in the Copa do Brasil and the Brasileiro Série A. That competition was particularly memorable for me because I scored a goal and assisted in the game where we defeated Corinthians, one of Brazil’s top teams.
“Thank God, I had a successful run of games and was able to deliver strong performances. I can only express my gratitude to the management, the supporters, and my teammates for making my time there so enjoyable.
After a loan stint with Guarani in 2022, he took advantage of the opportunity to relocate overseas and signed a new loan agreement with Portuguese club Estrela da Amadora ahead of their 2022–2023 season, ending his stay in his home nation.
He had an instant impact at Estrela da Amadora and was instrumental in their promotion campaign, despite the difficulties of a new nation and league. In his debut season, the winger made 35 appearances and scored goals to assist the team earn promotion to the Primeira Liga.
Despite finishing the season in third place, just outside of the automatic promotion slots, Estrela da Amadora defeated Marítimo in a penalty shootout to guarantee their place in the top division.
As they were ready for life in the top division, Ronald’s work ethic and standout performances persuaded the club to extend his loan agreement for the 2023–2024 campaign.
Regarding his relocation to Portugal, Ronald stated, “Playing European football was always a dream and a goal I set for my career.”
I thus didn’t hesitate to play for Estrela da Amadora, a very traditional club in Portugal, when the chance presented itself.
“There are excellent players in the very competitive Portuguese league, and I put in a lot of effort every day to take advantage of the chances that presented themselves.
Wearing the Estrela shirt and working with a fantastic coach, Sérgio Vieira, who pushes his players hard—sometimes to the point of being obnoxious (laughs)—was an honor, but I also developed both personally and athletically. All I can do is thank him.
Many players find it difficult to adapt to football outside of Brazil, and Ronald was no exception. He discussed how, in order to satisfy the demands of European football, he had to modify his style of play.
He disclosed, “Tactical positioning on the field was, I believe, the biggest difference.” When they get to Europe, Brazilian players typically realize this, and I was no exception.
“Tactical discipline is highly valued in Europe, both in terms of one’s place on the field and one’s contribution to the defensive structure of the team.
Although we still have tactical duties in Brazil, there is also more room for improvisation.
But I was aware that I needed to adjust fast if I wanted to be able to take advantage of chances in Europe. I therefore concentrated on following the instructors’ instructions precisely and carrying them out as effectively as I could.
After that, he paused to consider his accomplishment of earning a promotion during his first season overseas.
He remarked, “It was a moment of great pride for everyone in that group—players, coaching staff, and management—not just for me.”
Everyone at the club and the supporters had been waiting for this significant accomplishment. Delivering excellent performances and getting promoted in my first season gave me the confidence that I was headed in the right direction.
Ronald was on the move once more in January 2024, ending his loan stint with Estrela da Amadora to join Swansea City of the EFL Championship in Wales.
He immediately established himself as a mainstay in the starting lineup, and after just six games, he scored two goals in a 2-1 victory at the Stadium of Light, his first goals for The Swans.
He claims that it was “magical.” “I will always remember that game—one of the most significant
“It’s always fantastic to score a goal for your team, but what about my first two goals for the squad? It was a very rare and unusual feeling.
Ronald and Swansea had a successful season finale, and he gave a particularly excellent performance against Cardiff, a rival. Swansea defeated their fierce opponents 2-0 thanks to his hard ethic and skill, even though he did not score or create for either goal.
His next goal for the team came at John Smith’s Stadium in a crucial away game against Huddersfield, where he and Swansea dominated to win 4-0 and secure their Championship standing for another season.
“Regardless of whether it’s in England or Corumbá, every derby is unique,” he stated.
“I’ve tried to learn about Swansea’s history and English football since I moved here, and I’ve come to the conclusion that this derby is quite traditional.
Therefore, I don’t believe that speaking in generic terms makes a significant difference. Naturally, players from both clubs enter these games even more intent on winning, and it’s just another fantastic football rivalry.
Swansea has experienced its fair share of ups and downs this season. Ronald has, however, been a consistent presence throughout the difficulties, appearing in each game, which is evidence of his stamina, fitness, and capacity to avoid injuries.
Because of his dependability, he has become a vital member of the team, offering stability throughout an unpredictable campaign.
He says, “I’ve always been very committed to my rest, nutrition, and physical conditioning.”
“To get here, I had to face a lot of challenges in my life, and I know that I can’t take use of my prospects until I’m in perfect physical health.
“I work really hard to achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League, so I stay really focused on taking care of myself.”
“My favorite memory from this season is from our home game versus Luton Town in the final of 2024.
Even though we were trailing, our squad was able to tie the score before halftime. My friend Gonçalo Franco scored on the rebound after I took the shot that the goalie stopped, contributing to the first goal.
Myles then scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time in the second half. The stadium erupted.
“I had my best individual performance of the season, and the team gave it their all in that game.” The crowd chose me as Player of the Match, and it was incredible to feel the affection of the children as I walked out of the stadium. For me, it was a moment I will never forget.
“I want to further establish myself at Swansea by giving my all each and every day to cheer up our ardent supporters.”
“We must strive for it every season, and the club has the potential to dream of returning to the Premier League, which is a goal we all share here.”
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