By Louis Smith.
Brazil’s state championships are one of the most historic aspects of Brazilian football. Countless legends—including as Pelé, Romário, Zico, and Neymar—began their professional journeys in these tournaments, facing their fiercest local rivals in a quest not only for glory but also for bragging rights.
Swansea City’s Ronald Pereira Martins, better known as Ronald, began his professional career in Brazil state championships, making his debut aged just 17 when he came on as a substitute for his hometown side Corumbaense in a 2-0 victory over Operário de Dourados in the Campeonato Sul-Mato-Grossense.
Just a few weeks later, he scored his first professional goal in another win, this time helping his team secure a 3-1 victory over Aquidauanense.
Ronald’s performances attracted interest from other clubs in Brazil, and in 2020, after several trials, he joined Atlético Goianiense.
The following year, Ronald moved on loan to Grêmio Anápolis, where he and the side, nicknamed Azulão Anapolino, made history by lifting the Campeonato Goiano for the first time.
On their way to the trophy, Ronald scored twice, including an important half-volley in a penalty shootout victory over his then-parent club, Atlético-GO.
Ronald spoke to WFi regarding the importance of state championships to his career,
“State championships are very important for both athletes and clubs,” he said.
“Since Brazil is such a large country, it would be very difficult to create national competitions that could accommodate all the clubs that exist here. So, the state championships fulfil that role.
“Through them, smaller clubs have the opportunity to grow, create jobs, and provide chances for many young boys who dream of playing football.
“That’s how it happened for me. Zé Humberto, a former player and now a coach who discovered players like Marcos, the goalkeeper of Leiria-POR; Marcos Rondon, the full-back of Vila Nova-GO; and Bruno Henrique, the forward of Flamengo, worked with me at Corumbaense and introduced me to the agent Francisco Araújo.
“Chico [Francisco Araújo] took me to Atlético-GO’s youth academy in 2018 and became a key figure in my career. He still manages my career today.”
Following their state championship triumph, Ronald was signed permanently by Grêmio Anápolis and subsequently loaned to Atlético Goianiense, where he became a regular during their Brasileirão campaign, making 28 appearances for the club.
“My time at Atlético Goianiense was very important for my professional growth,” Ronald said.
“I arrived at the youth academy, left, and then returned in 2021, when I played in the Brasileiro Série A and the Copa do Brasil—a competition that was very special for me because I scored a goal and provided an assist in the match where we eliminated Corinthians, one of Brazil’s biggest clubs.
“Thank God I was able to put in strong performances and had a good run of games. I was very happy during my time there, and I can only thank the management, the fans, and my teammates.”
His time in his native country came to an end in 2022 after a loan spell with Guarani, as he seized the opportunity to move abroad, joining Portuguese club Estrela da Amadora ahead of their 2022/23 campaign on another loan deal.
Despite the challenges of a new country and league, he made an immediate impact at Estrela da Amadora, playing a key role in their promotion push. The winger featured 35 times in his first season as he helped the club secure promotion to the Primeira Liga, scoring five goals along the way.
Estrela da Amadora finished the season in third place, just outside the automatic promotion spots, but secured their top-flight status with a penalty shootout victory over Marítimo.
Ronald’s work rate and key performances convinced the club to extend his loan deal for the 2023/24 season as they prepared for life in the top flight.
“Playing European football was always a dream and a goal I set for my career,” Ronald said of his move to Portugal.
“So when the opportunity arose to play for Estrela da Amadora, such a traditional club in Portugal, I didn’t think twice.
“The Portuguese league is highly competitive, with great players, and I worked hard every day to make the most of the opportunities that came my way.
“It was an honour to wear the Estrela shirt and to work with a great coach, Sérgio Vieira, who pushes his players a lot—sometimes to the point of being annoying (laughs)—but I grew a lot as a person and as an athlete. I can only thank him.”
Adjusting to football outside of Brazil can be a challenge for many players, and Ronald was no exception. He spoke about how he had to adapt his style of play to meet the demands of European football.
“I think the biggest difference was tactical positioning on the field,” he revealed. “Brazilian players usually notice this when they arrive in Europe, and it was no different for me.
“In Europe, they demand a lot of tactical discipline—where you position yourself on the field and how you contribute to the team’s defensive structure.
“In Brazil, we also have tactical responsibilities, but at the same time, there is more freedom for improvisation.
“However, I knew that if I wanted to earn opportunities in Europe, I had to adapt quickly. So, I focused on doing exactly what the coaches asked and executing it in the best way possible.”
He then took a moment to reflect on the achievement of securing promotion in his first season abroad.
“It was a moment of great pride, not just for me but for everyone in that group—players, the coaching staff, and the management,” he said.
“It was a major achievement that everyone at the club and the fans had been longing for. Gaining promotion in my very first season, while delivering strong performances, proved to me that I was on the right path.”
In January 2024, Ronald was on the move again, cutting his loan spell with Estrela da Amadora short to move to Wales, joining EFL Championship outfit Swansea City.
From the get-go, he became a regular in the starting XI, hitting the ground running and just six games in, he played a pivotal role in a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light scoring a brace with his first goals for The Swans.
“It was magical,” he says. “I will never forget that match—one of the most important of my career, without a doubt.
“Scoring a goal for your team is always amazing, but scoring two, and my first goals for the club? It was a unique and special feeling.”
Ronald and Swansea finished the season strongly and one of his standout performances came against rivals Cardiff. Whilst not scoring or turning provider for either goal, his work rate and skill were a threat, which helped Swansea enjoy a 2-0 victory over their bitter rivals.
His next goal for the club came in an important away fixture against Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium, where he and Swansea dominated in a 4-0 win–a result that ensured their Championship status for another year.
“Every derby is different from any other game, whether it’s in Corumbá or in England,” he said.
“Since arriving at Swansea, I’ve made an effort to learn about the club’s history and English football, and I realized that this derby is very traditional.
“So, I don’t think there’s a major difference when speaking in general terms. It’s just another great football rivalry, and, of course, players from both teams go into these matches even more focused on winning.”
This season has been a rollercoaster for Swansea, with its share of ups and downs. However, throughout the challenges, Ronald has been a constant presence, featuring in every game—a testament to his fitness, durability, and ability to stay injury-free.
His reliability has made him an essential figure in the squad, providing consistency in a campaign filled with uncertainties.
“I’ve always been very committed to my physical conditioning, nutrition, and rest,” he says.
“I had to overcome many obstacles in my life to get here, and I fully understand that only if I’m at 100% physically will I be able to seize my opportunities.
“I stay very focused on taking care of myself because my dream is to play in the Premier League, and I’m working hard toward that goal.
“My most memorable moment from this season was in the last match of 2024 against Luton Town at our home.
“Our team was losing but managed to equalize before halftime. I was involved in the first goal by taking the shot that the goalkeeper saved, and my friend Gonçalo Franco scored on the rebound.
“Then, the winning goal came in stoppage time of the second half, with Myles scoring. The stadium went wild.
“The team gave everything in that game, and I had my best individual performance of the season. I was voted Player of the Match by the fans, and it was amazing to receive the love from the kids as I left the stadium. It was a truly unforgettable moment for me.
“I want to establish myself even more at Swansea, giving my all every day to bring joy to our passionate fans.
“The club has the potential to dream about returning to the Premier League, which is a goal we all share here, and we must fight for it every season.”
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