In a year of big comebacks - Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong - the best so far is probably the least likely. Ronaldo, the Brazil forward, followed a serious knee injury in early 2008 by playing out his private life in nightclubs and it seemed he had accepted the end of his career.

However, now with Corinthians in Brazil, he has re-earned his nickname “The Phenomenon”, having scored ten goals in 12 appearances since his comeback in March. And these goals have not only had Corinthians crowned state champions but may lead to “Ronaldo”, the film.

Luis Rosemberg, the sporting director of Corinthians, is looking to have the revival given the full-length motion picture treatment. “What Corinthians have done in 2009 is like something from Hollywood,” he said.

Pacquiao told to keep his distance

Manny Pacquiao beat Ricky Hatton and has been voted into Time magazine's 100 most influential people on the planet. However, he still was not welcome home in the Philippines, defying a request to delay his return because of swine flu fears, and at his homecoming parade yesterday punters were advised to practise “social distancing” by staying at least a metre away. Not funny: the Mexican footballer who spat at an opponent and then informed him that he had swine flu. Héctor Reynoso, the Guadalajara defender, has provisionally been suspended.

Everything's going downhill for skiers

The credit crunch and sport: Rossignol, the ski manufacturer, has told its endorsed skiers that their incomes are to be cut by 50 per cent. For the highest earners, this will be a drop of about £35,000. Other ski manufacturers are expected to follow, which may explain why Bode Miller has signed up for the American version of rejuvenated 1970s hit Superstars. Other contestants include Jennifer Capriati, the former tennis player who once had a penchant for marijuana, and Brandi Chastain, the footballer famous for revealing her bra during a goal celebration. For anyone in need of a reminder of the splendour of Superstars, the YouTube clip of boxer Joe Frazier's attempted two lengths' crawl in the pool is a must.