He was better than Ronaldo. "He should have given me one Golden Ball"
Fabio Paim was considered a future star of global soccer. His talent was so impressive that even Cristiano Ronaldo publicly stated that Paim is better than him. Life turned out completely different.
Oct 19, 2023 | updated: 11:08 AM EDT, October 19, 2023
When Fabio Paim was eight years old, he was noticed and accepted into the Sporting Lisbon academy. It seemed that nothing stood in the way for him to become one of the world's greatest soccer players, even surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, who is three years older.
His career took off, and the expectations were massive. When Ronaldo signed a contract with Manchester United in 2003, he said:
If you think I'm good, wait until you see Fabio Paim.
However, life wrote a different scenario for Paim. His path led him to the infamous Caxias prison, where he observed Ronaldo training with the Portuguese national team. In an interview with SunSport, Paim admitted:
I was really exceptional. I have to be modest, but it's true. If I had played with the same commitment and determination as Ronaldo, I would have been better than him. I was better than him. I think he should give me one of his Golden Balls!
In 2019, Fabio Paim was arrested on charges of drug trafficking. In the former soccer player's apartment, who among others played for Chelsea FC, police found narcotics. Paim did not hide the fact that he was "overwhelmed" by money and fame, spending it mostly on cars, women, alcohol and parties.
I had talent, but my mind wasn't there. My head was focused on women and parties. Everywhere, except on soccer.
Interestingly, in 2020, Fabio Paim signed a contract with LZS Starowice from the IV league of Opole. However, he didn't stay there very long, even though he scored a few goals. He moved to a club from the Moldavian league.
