Ronaldo De Jesús

Ronaldo Nawel Dejesús López (born 21 April 2001) is a Paraguayan footballer who plays as a defender for Argentine Primera División club Lanús.

Club career Youth career Born in San Patricio in the Misiones Departament, Dejesús was given his first name by his father, who idolised the Brazilian footballer Ronaldo. Dejesús began playing in his local football school before moving on to Libertad San Patricio and then Cerro Porteño at age 16. He had unsuccessfully trialled at Club Libertad and Club Olimpia, and was only permitted to join Cerro by his parents if he continued studying, in his case a course in sports sciences.

Cerro Porteño On 6 April 2023, Dejesús made his debut in the Copa Libertadores in a 2–1 home win over Barcelona S.C. of Ecuador, playing the last nine minutes as a substitute for Federico Carrizo. He scored his first goal on 1 October in the Paraguayan Primera División; in a team starting with two academy players at full back due to shortages, he scored the added-time winner in a 3–2 home win over Sportivo Ameliano. Six days later, he scored again in added time, this time the equaliser in a 1–1 draw at Club General Caballero JLM in the 12th minute added on.

Lanús On 15 January 2025, Dejesús joined Argentine Primera División side Lanús on a three-year contract. The club had wanted to bring him in on loan, which was rejected, and purchased 50% of his economic rights. He arrived to replace Abel Luciatti, who had moved in the opposite direction to Cerro Porteño. He made his debut eight days later in a 2–0 loss at home to Deportivo Riestra, as a substitute for the final eight minutes.

International career Dejesús played all seven games for the Paraguay national under-23 football team as they won the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament in Venezuela, and scored in a 4–3 comeback win over Uruguay in the group stage. Upon his return to Asunción, he burst into tears when reunited with his mother, in a photograph that went viral in Paraguay. He was chosen for the 2024 Olympic tournament in France.

In March 2025, Dejesús was one of several new players called up for the senior team by manager Gustavo Alfaro, for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

Career statistics .

Honours Lanús Copa Sudamericana: 2025