I was better than Cristiano Ronaldo but ended up in prison

FABIO PAIM was supposed to become the best footballer in the world.
He is the only player Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly stated is better than him.
But while his childhood friend became one of football’s GOATs, Paim’s career spiralled into obscurity due to the fame, money and partying lifestyle.
Then it hit rock bottom when Paim spent a year in the infamous Caxias prison and literally watched Ronaldo training with Portugal through the window.
In this exclusive interview we talk to him about his time in prison, the reasons he was sent there and what it was like watching his former academy teammate become a star, while he watched through bars.
www.thesun.co....
The winger was snapped up by Sporting’s academy at eight, leaving home to live in Lisbon and the hype quickly gained momentum.
Paim’s scintillating talent seemed destined to propel him to greatness - and exceed fellow Sporting academy prodigy Ronaldo who is three years older.
So much so that when Ronaldo signed for Manchester United in 2003, he said: "If you think I'm good, wait until you see Fabio Paim."
www.thesun.co....
#Football #cristianoronaldo #portugal
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[@martinjones4516]

Don't remember him from Chelsea but clearly had so much talent. A fascinating but cautionary tale. Grateful for the sub-titles!

[@BXOFICIAL1]

I know Fábio very well because was my neighbour in Portugal, he’s humble and very kind person… God bless you Fábio! 👆🏾👌🏾

[@RM-gr1mc]

CR7 saying fabio was better when they were very young is not surprising. There are many kids that are very talented, but at the end dont make it. I remember in an interview even Kaka saying that when he was at Sao Paulo there were a few kids better than him. Its much easier to stand out during that youth, amateur level. The pros is a whole different world, in any sport.

[@djonyfranco]

Fabio paim great person. Amazing interview

[@fahvm4362]

Message to all footballers, we watching you play because we love the sport. Don't let live "eat" you. ❤❤❤

[@momo-nt3de]

What is the name of the beat starting from 22:12

[@momo-nt3de]

@The Sun Sport?

[@fidencio0]

anyone know the video where ronaldo said he was good?

[@chockito13]

I know Fabio.....he won for me 7-8 CHL and Greek Championships with Panathinaikos in CM 03-04

[@darkmotherboard272]

6:21 this part was gold. A lot of people need reality checks fr

[@justtestingonce]

When he talks about his mother saying he’s not good looking, is the translation correct? I think she was referring to football.

[@missesse9483]

She was talking about his look. She said to him: “you are ugly”

[@justtestingonce]

@@missesse9483 That’s sad!

[@bigmoney7332]

​@@missesse9483why would a Mum said that to his son?😭

[@zamb323]

Horrible no wonder he’s messed up.

[@tiago.engenheiro]

I am portuguese, his mom wanted to say to him that he is not as beautiful as he thinks, because it was getting into his head. He was getting full of himself, and his mom noticed that. The ugliness was not physical but rather pshycological

[@carlosmp1853]

Vai usando os jogadores que chegarem ser Futebolistas profissionais grande clubes, para tu se quer sers lembrado!

[@mikelplaka9887]

Better then ronaldo haha😂

[@Stxr2006]

@miguelfernandes8992 At early stages in both careers, Maybe true. But realistically, not a single coach would have prime paim over prime cristiano in a squad. Paim Can't lace Ronaldo's boots. Paim is a 'what if', Ronaldo is a certified 'Legend'.

[@choppamargarida4963]

Ronaldo himself said that bout Fabio yes it's TRUE story much Respect for him to be honest on what happened to his career!! Big ups God bless him

[@BXOFICIAL1]

I know Fábio very well because was my neighbour in Portugal, he’s humble and very kind person… God bless you Fábio! 👆🏾👌🏾