He claimed he was better than Ronaldo: Former Portuguese footballer becomes adult film actor

Fabio Paim, a lost star of Portuguese football, was once considered one of his country's greatest hopes, having made a name for himself with his impressive performances in the Sporting Lisbon youth academy. However, a series of poor decisions led him away from football and caused him to throw his career away.

In an interview with SunSport in 2023, Paim made claims that were widely discussed in the football world.

Arguing that Cristiano Ronaldo deserved one of his Ballon d'Or awards, Paim said, "I was truly a special talent. I should be humble, but this is a fact. Unfortunately, in my time there was no Instagram or Facebook, everything wasn't recorded like it is today. But even today, I don't think there is anyone as talented as I was."

'I WAS BETTER THAN RONALDO ONCE'

"Cristiano got to where he is by working hard. If I had his dedication, I would have been better than him. I was a bit like Ronaldinho. Yes, I was better than Cristiano Ronaldo once," he noted.

Despite having great potential in the football world, Paim, who could not take his career to the level he wanted due to his lack of discipline, expressed his regrets with the following words:

"Unfortunately, I thought I was born with just talent. I made a lot of money and thought I didn't need to make any effort. It is impossible for someone with such a mindset to be a millionaire. Today, I regret some of my decisions."

"Now I have matured and I look at things differently. There was talent, but there was no mind. My mind was on women, games, and everything outside of football. My body was not in the best condition and I could not meet expectations. Otherwise, I would have been at Barcelona or Real Madrid."

ARRESTED FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING IN 2019

After retiring from football, Paim's life spiraled further out of control, and he was arrested on drug trafficking charges in 2019. The former footballer, who was detained in Estoril for possession of cocaine, said of prison life, "Prison is not a suitable place for someone like me." Paim, who had previously been arrested twice on rape charges, was acquitted in both cases.

After deciding to completely change his life after being released from prison, Fabio Paim turned to another field: adult films.

The 36-year-old former footballer drew attention in an interview by saying, "I want to star in an adult film. I'm serious, this will make my dreams come true. I'm single right now, I don't have a girlfriend."

'WHO HAS MORE BALLON D'ORS?'

Paim made headlines once again by sharing a photo on his social media accounts with the famous Portuguese adult film actress Diana Melancia, with the caption, "After all, who has more Ballon d'Ors?"

Fabio Paim joined the Sporting Lisbon youth academy at the age of 9 and made his professional debut at 16 for C.D. Olivais e Moscavide. After playing on loan at Paços de Ferreira and Trofense, Paim, who had high hopes pinned on him, was rapidly heading toward the peak of his career.

According to the news translated by Sözcü from Sphera Sports, Paim was earning 376 thousand euros annually at just 13 years old, and by 16, he had an income of over 20 thousand euros per month. In 2008, he transferred to Premier League side Chelsea, where he began earning 57 thousand euros per month. However, Paim, who could only find opportunities in the reserve team, returned to Portugal four months later and joined Rio Ave.