Without much thought, December 23, 2005, might not hold vivid memories for the Flamengo fan. However, the 6th of the same month, but in 2009, is unforgettable. Sunday, Maracanã Stadium was filled with the nation. Anyone who saw Ronaldo Angelim climb, head the ball, and immortalize a legacy of grit and dedication to the Sacred Mantle will never forget it. The number 6 of the Hexa was born on the iconic number 23. A defender renowned there arrived from Fortaleza to make history here.

Born on November 26, 1975, Angelim was born a fighter. While taking his first steps in professional soccer, he earned his living as a baker and well-digger. With him came the company of the Sacred Mantle, a passion he'd had since childhood. A latecomer to the world of soccer, he joined Icasa-CE at the age of 20. 

"In the beginning, I worked more digging wells and delivering bread than playing soccer. That's what gave me the most money. I earned R$100 a month digging wells and R$80 at Icasa," Angelim said in interview with globoesporte.com, last year, when he turned 40.

Icasa-CE, Juazeiro-CE, Ceará, and Ituano-SP served as the "Steel Thin"'s path to Fortaleza in 2001. Wearing the jersey of the Ceará Tricolor, the red-and-black opponent this Wednesday, 21:45 PM, in the Copa do Brasil, Angelim signaled that defending and destroying opposing attacks would not be the end of his career. The defender's decisive power emerged in the final round of the 2004 Série B, with Fortaleza needing a two-goal win to secure promotion. A decisive header from the brilliant defender into the back of the net with 15 minutes remaining sealed his return to the top flight. 

The following year, during the 2005 Brazilian Championship, Flamengo met Angelim. The defender, in return, was already familiar with Manto. The partnership promised success, with Flamengo's signature look and the heart of not only him, but also 40 million.

As with all moments in life, the path to achievement was full of obstacles, but Angelim never gave up. Little by little, his work would be exalted.

"I consider myself a fan, I play with my soul. I try to play with passion because I've been a Flamengo fan since I was a little kid and the least I can do is run when I step onto the field," said the scorer of the Hexa goal, right after the victory.

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Ronaldo Angelim wore the Manto on 285 occasions and scored 17 goals. He made his debut against Americano on February 02, 2006. Mengão won 4-2 in a match valid for the Campeonato Carioca, with a goal from "Magro de Aço". The defender said goodbye to the Mais Querido on November 13, 2011, against Coritiba, in a match of the Campeonato Brasileiro that year.