By Jim van Wijk & Martyn Ziegler, PA Sport

While true genius in life is rare, there is nothing more tragic than potential unfulfilled.

Pele and Diego Maradona were both blessed with brilliance and each went on to crown their individual talent by winning the biggest team prize of them all.

But then there were others who did not, such as Ferenc Puskas of Hungary in 1954 or Holland's Johan Cruyff 20 years later.

Eight years ago, a young Ronaldo watched from the bench at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena as his nation were crowned world champions for an unprecedented fourth time.

Four years later the Inter Milan striker had the world at his feet, acclaimed as the best player on the planet and the spearhead of Brazil's bid to retain the trophy in France.

All was going to plan as Ronaldo bagged four goals to help steer the South Americans into a showpiece final against the hosts in Paris on July 12 1998.

But rather than that date being etched on everyone's memory for a stunning performance by the then 21-year-old, the outcome was completely the opposite.

The prolific striker cut a forlorn figure during the final after taking to the field despite a mysterious seizure just hours before.

It cost Brazil dear, though France were in the end worthy winners.

Weeks of argument and speculation followed over why he played when his name had earlier been missing from the team sheet.

The intervening years have been desperate ones for the now 25-year-old, with a series of minor strains ending in a terrible knee injury sustained while playing for Inter in the 2000 Italian Cup final.

It needed several operations, and there were false starts and regressions, even fears Ronaldo's career could be over, before he finally made his full return less than four months ago.

It was Pele himself who provided much-needed inspiration to Ronaldo, drawing on his own experience when he suffered a knee injury which forced him out of the 1966 World Cup in England.

Ronaldo said: "Pele told me that he had suffered a bad injury during the 1966 World Cup and that the doctors told him he might never play again.

"But he did. Four years later he won the World Cup in 1970 and was chosen as player of the tournament. Pele gave me the courage to persevere."

Any fears Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari may have had about whether Ronaldo had retained his awesome power and skill were laid to rest in the first game against Turkey, with a full-length lunge to guide the ball in to the net laying the foundations for victory.

Further goals against China, Costa Rica and Belgium reinforced the view that Ronaldo was back, and as good as ever, while his match-winning strike against Turkey in the semi-final was a combination of superb running and a wily brain.

Ronaldo finally came full circle from Paris with his second-half double this evening in Yokohama, each strike evidence of his place among the great names of Brazil's illustrious past; Garrincha, Pele, Rivelino, Tostao, Jairzinho, Carlos Alberto, Dunga and Romario - all of whom have had their hands of the greatest prize in team sport.

Not only did Ronaldo's double win him the Golden Shoe, but as well took him level with Pele's Brazilian record of 12 goals in World Cup finals.

Few would bet against him returning to terrorise defences when the best footballing nations gather to do battle once again in Germany four years from now, and perhaps even eclipsing the greatest of them all before calling time on the beautiful game.