Ronaldo's four long years of pain, fear and heartbreak evaporated today as the world's greatest striker finally fulfilled his destiny.
The Brazilian, whose career was threatened by a terrible knee injury three years ago, buried his dreadful memories of the 1998 World Cup final once and for all with a command performance in the 2-0 win over Germany.
A virtual passenger four years ago following his pre-match convulsions, the 25-year-old produced a virtuoso second half display on Sunday, scoring both goals in a win that brought Brazil their fifth world crown.
The goals also earned him the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals - the highest total since 1970 when Gerd Mueller got 10 for West Germany.
It was a fitting reward for a man who looked the sharpest player on the field just as he has done for most of Brazil's unbeaten run.
Wrapped in a Brazilian flag and overcome by emotion, once the whistle was blown, he walked slowly towards the huddle of celebrating players.
When they saw him coming they turned as one and he was hoisted shoulder high to be paraded in front of the delirious Brazil fans.
It was a moment he could hardly have dared imagine as he fought to come back after his devastating knee injury. Twice he broke down to spark real concern that he would not only return to the World Cup stage but might never play again.
"The goals crowned my work and the work of the whole team. I worked for 2 years trying to recover from that injury and today God reserved this for me and the Brazilian team," he said.
He dedicated his goals to "my family in the first place and my physiotherapist who fought with me without knowing that we would be here two years later".
Just hours before the game, Ronaldo had met the French doctor, Gerard Saillant, who had reconstructed his right knee in two operations.
"It gives hope to everyone who is injured or hurt, even those who aren't sportsmen, to see that by fighting you can make it and he's back to where he was," Saillant said.
"It's hugely satisfying. I am very moved."