“Ronaldinho: Magician of the pitch, Brazilian icon, won titles, enchanted with skill, smile, and unparalleled football artistry, leaving an indelible mark.”
Born Name : Ronaldo de Assis Moreira
Date of birth : 21 March 1980 (age 43)
Place of birth: Porto Alegre, Brazil
Height : 1.82 m (6 ft )
Position(s) : Attacking Midfielder, Winger
About
Ronaldinho Gaúcho, born Ronaldo de Assis Moreira on March 21, 1980, is an iconic retired Brazilian footballer, celebrated for his exceptional skills and creativity. Known for his wizardry on the field.
He primarily played as an attacking midfielder but was versatile enough to perform as a winger. Ronaldinho is widely considered one of the greatest players in football history, earning accolades such as two FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a Ballon d’Or.
His illustrious career began with Grêmio in 1998 before he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in France at the age of 20. However, it was his transfer to Barcelona in 2003 that truly cemented his legacy.
In his second season with Barcelona, he clinched his first FIFA World Player of the Year award and played a pivotal role in securing the 2004–05 La Liga title. The following season showcased Ronaldinho’s peak as he contributed significantly to Barcelona’s triumph in the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League, ending a fourteen-year drought, alongside another La Liga title. His outstanding performance earned him the 2005 Ballon d’Or and his second FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Renowned for his technical mastery, dribbling prowess, and remarkable free-kick accuracy, Ronaldinho’s impact extended beyond goals. His bag of tricks, no-look passes, and acrobatic skills mirrored his early futsal background. Notably, his unforgettable solo goals in the 2005–06 El Clásico earned him a standing ovation from rival Real Madrid fans, a feat only achieved previously by Diego Maradona in 1983.
However, after facing injury setbacks and a reported decline in dedication, Ronaldinho left Barcelona and joined AC Milan, where he added the 2010–11 Serie A title to his collection.
He continued his journey in Brazil, triumphing with Flamengo and Atlético Mineiro, winning the 2013 Copa Libertadores. His career saw him play in Mexico for Querétaro before returning to Brazil with Fluminense in 2015.
Beyond club success, Ronaldinho shone brightly in the international arena, earning 97 caps for Brazil and scoring 33 goals. He played crucial roles in Brazil’s victories, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he captained the team to victory and was named man of the match in the final. Ronaldinho also led the Brazil Olympic team to a bronze medal in men’s football at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Throughout his career, Ronaldinho received numerous individual honors, including multiple appearances in the UEFA Team of the Year and the FIFA World XI. His influence and impact on the game earned him a place in Pelé’s FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players, and he was recognized as the World Player of the Decade for the 2000s. His legacy remains embedded in football history as a true wizard of the sport.
Early and personal life
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, born in Porto Alegre in 1980, emerged from humble beginnings. His father’s tragic accident, drowning when Ronaldo was just eight, marked a turning point in his life. Raised alongside his brother Roberto, who later became his manager, and sister Deisi, he found solace and passion in football.
Dubbed “Ronaldinho” due to his youth and small stature, his talent blossomed early in youth club matches. Futsal and beach football shaped his skills, molding his extraordinary ball control and signature moves. At 13, he stunned the media by netting all 23 goals in a match.
Inspired by legends like Rivelino, Maradona, Romário, and his future teammates Ronaldo and Rivaldo, Ronaldinho soared to global stardom. His personal life, marked by the birth of his son João and acquiring Spanish citizenship, intertwined with his football journey.
Beyond football, Ronaldinho’s affiliations with politics, including joining the Brazilian Republican Party and endorsing presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, added layers to his multifaceted life.
Club career
Grêmio
Ronaldinho’s ascent began at Grêmio’s youth squad, debuting in the senior team during the 1998 Copa Libertadores. His breakthrough in 1999 showcased his prowess, netting 22 goals in 47 matches and leaving an indelible mark in derbies against Internacional.
Notably, his mesmerizing displays included outwitting Dunga, a Brazilian icon, with breathtaking skill. Despite Arsenal’s interest in 2001, a move collapsed due to work permit issues as a non-EU player. Plans for a loan at St Mirren dissolved amid a fake passport controversy.
PSG- Paris Saint-Germain
2001–02 season
2002–03 season
Ronaldinho’s tenure at PSG displayed flashes of brilliance intertwined with controversy. Debuting in August 2001, he initially juggled between bench and starting roles but soon unleashed his magic, scoring vital goals and showcasing his trademark flair.
Despite clashes with manager Luis Fernández, Ronaldinho’s second season proved notable. Displaying moments of sheer genius, he left an indelible mark, including a memorable free-kick goal against Marseille and a breathtaking solo effort against Guingamp, earning praise and accolades.
His standout performance in the Coupe de France, scoring both goals against Bordeaux in the semi-finals, highlighted his prowess. However, PSG’s season ended disappointingly, missing out on European qualification.
Ronaldinho, despite his impactful displays, expressed a desire to depart PSG due to the club’s failure to secure European competition. His time at the Parisian club ended amid both brilliance on the field and controversies off it.
Barcelona
2003–04 season
2004–05 season
2005–06 season
2006–07 season
2007–08 season
Ronaldinho’s era at FC Barcelona marked an extraordinary chapter in football history. His debut in a friendly against Juventus revealed sparks of genius, earning praise from coach Frank Rijkaard. In his inaugural La Liga goal, a sensational long-range strike against Sevilla, Ronaldinho showcased his magical abilities. Despite injury setbacks, he netted 15 league goals, aiding Barcelona’s rise to second place in the 2003-04 season.
The subsequent season bore fruit as Ronaldinho clinched his first league title and claimed the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
His mesmerizing performances in La Liga and the Champions League added to his global acclaim. However, Barcelona bowed out of the Champions League despite Ronaldinho’s spectacular display against Chelsea.
The 2005-06 season saw Ronaldinho at his zenith, guiding Barcelona to Champions League glory after a 14-year hiatus. His prowess was unmatched, securing titles, earning accolades, and mesmerizing fans worldwide with his skill and flair. Memorable moments, including a standout performance in El Clásico and pivotal goals in crucial matches, solidified his status as a footballing icon.
Yet, amid his stellar achievements, discord arose in his final seasons at Barcelona. Injuries, a change in dedication, and reported partying signaled a decline in his form and focus. Despite this, his legacy remained intact, with fond memories of his spellbinding magic adorning the Camp Nou. Ronaldinho bid a bittersweet farewell, regretful for not sharing more time on the field with his successor, Lionel Messi.
AC Milan
2008–09 season
2009–10 season
2010–11 season
Ronaldinho’s move to AC Milan in 2008 brought a change of scenery and opportunity for resurgence. In his debut season, he showcased glimpses of his magic, netting crucial goals, notably against Inter Milan in the derby and Braga in the UEFA Cup. However, inconsistent fitness and alleged off-field distractions affected his performances, drawing criticism for a perceived lack of dedication and declining physical condition.
The following season marked a turnaround for Ronaldinho. Under coach Leonardo, he flourished in a modified role on the left flank, displaying flashes of brilliance. Highlighted by a hat-trick against Siena and a memorable goal against Manchester United in the Champions League, Ronaldinho seemed to rejuvenate his game. Despite some penalty misses, his contributions as Serie A’s assists leader were notable, culminating in a successful Serie A campaign and a victory over Juventus in Leonardo’s final match in charge.
The subsequent season saw Ronaldinho contributing to Milan’s attacking prowess alongside new signings Ibrahimović and Robinho. Although his goal tally was modest, his role in creating opportunities for the team demonstrated glimpses of his playmaking abilities.
Flamengo
Amid speculation about his return to Grêmio, Ronaldinho surprised by signing with Flamengo in January 2011. Welcomed by a throng of devoted fans, his impact was swift, scoring his debut goal and securing the Taça Guanabara with a trademark free-kick.
Flamengo clinched the Campeonato Carioca title, propelled by Ronaldinho’s instrumental role. However, rifts emerged over payment disputes, leading to his abrupt departure in May 2012, as he filed a lawsuit against Flamengo citing unpaid wages, ultimately terminating his contract.
Atlético Mineiro
Ronaldinho swiftly joined Atlético Mineiro after departing Flamengo, wearing number 49 in honor of his mother’s birth year. He made an impactful debut and netted his first goal from the penalty spot. In 2012, he steered Atlético to a runner-up spot in Brasileirão, securing the Bola de Ouro as the league’s best player.
The following year, he orchestrated Atlético’s Campeonato Mineiro triumph and secured their first-ever Copa Libertadores title, contributing significantly with goals and assists. Despite being past his prime, he clinched the 2013 South American Footballer of the Year award.
His unique fanfare was evident at the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup, where opponents revered him, symbolizing his lasting impact. Ronaldinho extended his contract but departed in 2014 after securing the Recopa Sudamericana.
International career
2002 World Cup glory
2005 Confederations Cup title
2006 World Cup
2008 Olympic medal
2010 and 2014 World Cup absence
Ronaldinho’s international journey was marked by memorable highs and lows. In 1999, he dazzled during Brazil’s Copa América triumph, where he claimed the Golden Ball and Boot at the Confederations Cup despite Brazil’s final loss to Mexico.
The 2002 World Cup showcased his magic, culminating in a pivotal quarter-final against England, where his free-kick brilliance shifted the tide, but a subsequent red card barred his semi-final appearance.
Brazil clinched the Cup, but Ronaldinho faced criticism at the 2006 World Cup, a turning point in his career due to Brazil’s early exit.
His involvement in the 2005 Confederations Cup victory crowned him captain for Brazil’s success, including wins against Germany and Argentina. However, his influence waned as controversies marred his later years with the national team.
Ronaldinho faced omissions from major tournaments despite sporadic returns, including his 100th cap in 2013. His absence from the 2014 World Cup marked the end of an era for the player once hailed for his exuberance and flair.
Ronaldonho is one of my most favorite player.
Thanks for your comments ..!!!
Ronaldinho is one my most favorite footballer
Thanks for your reply.