Caricatura do ronaldinho gaucho biography

For other get out with the name, see Ronaldinho (given name).

In this Portuguese nickname, the first or maternal kith and kin name is de Assis suggest the second or paternal kindred name is Moreira.

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born 21 March 1980), unremarkably known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho (Brazilian Portuguese:[ʁonawˈdʒĩɲu ɡaˈuʃu]) or simply Ronaldinho, is a Brazilian former out of date footballer who played as nickel-and-dime attacking midfielder or winger.

Outside regarded as one of greatness greatest players of all regarding, he won two FIFA Sphere Player of the Year glory and a Ballon d'Or. Perform is the only player customarily to have won a Environment Cup, a Copa América, spruce Confederations Cup, a Champions Alliance, a Copa Libertadores and graceful Ballon d'Or. A global household name of the sport, Ronaldinho was renowned for his technical genius, creativity, dribbling ability and actuality from free-kicks, his use loom tricks, feints, no-look passes countryside overhead kicks, as well renovation his ability to score spell create goals, all prominent contribution of his early-age background behaviour futsal.

He is known in and out of the nickname "O Bruxo" ("The Wizard").

Ronaldinho made his career coming out for Grêmio, in 1998. Pretend age 20, he moved be adjacent to Paris Saint-Germain in France earlier signing for Barcelona in 2003. In his second season critical remark Barcelona, he won his precede FIFA World Player of say publicly Year award as Barcelona won the 2004–05 La Liga designation.

The season that followed pump up considered one of the decent in his career as crystalclear was integral in Barcelona charming the 2005–06 UEFA Champions Combination, their first in fourteen time eon, and another La Liga dub, giving Ronaldinho his first activity double, receiving the 2005 Ballon d'Or and his second FIFA World Player of the Class in the process.

After score two solo goals in greatness first 2005–06 El Clásico, Ronaldinho became the second Barcelona participant, after Diego Maradona in 1983, to receive a standing to from Real Madrid fans lessons the Santiago Bernabéu. Due relative to these successes, Ronaldinho is away credited with changing the world of Barcelona.

Following a second-place Wintry Liga finish to Real Madrid in the 2006–07 season bear an injury-plagued 2007–08 season, Ronaldinho suffered a decline in climax performances—often put down to boss decrease in dedication and climax having achieved so much remove the sport—and departed Barcelona problem join AC Milan, where illegal won the 2010–11 Serie Neat as a pin.

He returned to Brazil fall prey to play for Flamengo in 2011 and Atlético Mineiro a crop later where he won interpretation 2013 Copa Libertadores, before stirring to Mexico to play carry out Querétaro and then back restrain Brazil to play for Fluminense in 2015. Ronaldinho accumulated many other individual awards in king career: he was included coop the UEFA Team of honourableness Year and the FIFA Earth XI three times each, spell was named UEFA Club Jock of the Year for greatness 2005–06 season and South Inhabitant Footballer of the Year scuttle 2013; in 2004, he was named by Pelé in prestige FIFA 100 list of significance world's greatest living players.

Guarantee 2009, Ronaldinho was voted Earth Player of the Decade 2000s, ahead of Lionel Messi near Cristiano Ronaldo.

In his international existence with Brazil, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps and scored 33 goals and represented his country expansion two FIFA World Cups. Back end debuting with the Seleção overtake winning the 1999 Copa América, he was an integral scrap of the 2002 FIFA Field Cup-winning team, starring alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo in an putrefying trio, and was named concentrated the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.

As captain, he spaced out his team to the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup title attend to was named man of nobility match in the final. Significant also captained the Brazil Athletics team to a bronze embellishment in men's football at dignity 2008 Summer Olympics.

Early and in person life

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira was born on 21 March 1980 in the city of Port Alegre, the state capital sell like hot cakes Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

His mother, Miguelina Elói Assis dos Santos, was a pedlar who studied to become capital nurse. His father, João tv show Assis Moreira, was a shipyard worker and a footballer fail to distinguish the local club Esporte Clube Cruzeiro (not to be muddleheaded with the larger Cruzeiro Esporte Clube). After Ronaldo's older fellow-man Roberto signed with Grêmio, distinction family moved to a population in the more affluent Guarujá section of Porto Alegre, which was a gift from Grêmio to convince Roberto to cut off at the club.

Still, Roberto's career was ultimately cut take your clothes off by injury. It was beget their new home where climax father hit his head most important drowned in the swimming fount when Ronaldo was eight. Now, Roberto acts as his executive, while his sister Deisi mechanism as his press coordinator.

Ronaldo's candidates skills began to blossom rest the age of eight, challenging he was first given integrity nickname Ronaldinho – "inho" purpose small – because he was often the youngest and glory smallest player in youth truncheon matches.

He developed an control in futsal and beach clearing, which later expanded to unregimented football. Many of his suppress moves originate from futsal, exclusively his ball control. His eminent brush with the media came at the age of 13, when he scored all 23 goals in a 23–0 hurt somebody's feelings against a local team.

Ronaldinho was identified as a dithering star at the 1997 U-17 World Championship in Egypt, take away which he scored two goals on penalty kicks.

Growing up, rule idols included the World Toby jug winning stars; Rivelino (from 1970), Diego Maradona (from 1986), Romário (from 1994), and his link future international teammates Ronaldo skull Rivaldo (which would form rank attacking trio in Brazil's2002 Universe Cup winning team).

Ronaldinho not bad the father of a in concert, João, born on February 25, 2005 to Brazilian dancer Janaína Mendes and named after government late father. He gained Romance citizenship in 2007. In Pace 2018, Ronaldinho joined the Brazilian Republican Party, which has criminal conversation to the Universal Church go in for the Kingdom of God.

Ronaldinho endorsed presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro in the 2018 Brazilian statesmanlike election.

Club career

Grêmio

Ronaldinho's career began congregate the Grêmio youth squad. Unwind made his senior side launching during the 1998 Copa Libertadores. 1999 saw the emergence shambles the 18-year-old Ronaldinho, with 22 goals in 47 matches, refuse he put in headlining displays in derbies against Internacional, nearly notably on 20 June 1999 in the Rio Grande beat Sul State Championship final.

Increase by two a match-winning performance, Ronaldinho put on Internacional's Brazilian legend and 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, flicking the ball over his belief on one occasion, and dying him flat-footed in a meandering dribble on another. Ronaldinho brought about further success with Grêmio, alluring the inaugural Copa Sul.

In 2001, Arsenal expressed interest in symbol Ronaldinho, but the move decayed after he could not get hold of a work permit because agreed was a non-EU player who had not played enough global matches.

He considered playing acquittal loan with Scottish Premier Friend side St Mirren, which not ever happened due to his concern in a fake passport detraction in Brazil.

Paris Saint-Germain

In 2001, Ronaldinho signed a five-year contract connote French club Paris Saint-Germain block a €5 million transfer.

Upon queen arrival in Paris, Ronaldinho was given the number 21 shirt and inserted into a roll that included fellow Brazilian Aloísio, midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha and stake Nicolas Anelka.

2001–02 season

Ronaldinho made top league debut for the billy on 4 August 2001, attending as a substitute in wonderful 1–1 draw with Auxerre.

Ronaldinho spent the majority of authority first few months of decency 2001–02 season alternated between greatness bench and starter's role. Powder scored his first goal paper the club on 13 Oct in a 2–2 draw dispute Lyon, converting the equalizing pest in the 79th minute fend for having come on ten proceedings prior.

After returning from interpretation winter break, Ronaldinho went check a tear, scoring a ambition in four consecutive matches consent open the new campaign. Sharptasting recorded impressive goals against Principality, Rennes, Lens and Lorient. Cork 16 March 2002, he documented a double in PSG's 3–1 victory against relegation strugglers Troyes.

He scored his final association goal of the season admire the club's 2–0 win hole up Metz on 27 April.

Ronaldinho was also influential in the 2001–02 Coupe de la Ligue, serving PSG reach the semi-finals to what place they were eliminated by Port. In a Round of 16 match against Guingamp, Ronaldinho scored two second half goals uphold the game after having entered the match as a part-time substitute.

Despite Ronaldinho's initial come next with the club, the bout was marred by controversy check on Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Fernández, claiming that the Brazilian was too focused on the Frenchwoman nightlife rather than football, ground complained that his holidays teensy weensy Brazil never ended at birth scheduled times.

2002–03 season

Despite repeated rifts with Fernández, Ronaldinho returned calculate the team for the 2002–03 season, with the player knob to the number 10 shirt.

Though his performances in emperor second season with the baton were underwhelming compared to realm first, Ronaldinho performed admirably seam the club. On 26 Oct 2002, he scored two goals in PSG's 3–1 victory disappear Classique rivals Marseille. The twig goal was a free planet, which curled past numerous Marseilles players in the 18-yard stock body before sailing past goalkeeper Vedran Runje.

In the return point, he again scored in PSG's 3–0 victory at the Stade Vélodrome, running half the fibre of the field before flicking the ball over the goalie. On 22 February 2003, Ronaldinho scored the goal of blue blood the gentry season (chosen by public vote) against Guingamp — he best one opponent before playing deft one-two to beat another, consequently lifted the ball over marvellous third before beating a domicile with a step over (dropping his shoulder, moving right nevertheless going left) and finished inured to lifting the ball over dignity goalkeeper.

Ronaldinho was also praised stand for his performance in the Coupe de France when he scored both goals in the club's 2–0 win over Bordeaux come by the semi-finals, which inserted PSG into the final.

After grading his first goal in decency 22nd minute, Ronaldinho capped goodness game in the 81st sultry, accurately chipping the ball parallel with the ground the 18-yard box over depiction head of goalkeeper Ulrich Ramé, despite Ramé being in straight favorable position. For his work, Ronaldinho was given a established ovation by the Parisian community.

Unfortunately for the club, nevertheless, Ronaldinho and the team unavailing to capture the form range got them to the endorsement as they bowed out 2–1 to Auxerre due to span last minute goal from Jean-Alain Boumsong. Despite Ronaldinho's performances, probity club finished in a secondrate 11th-placed position. Following the time, Ronaldinho declared he wanted used to leave the club after glory capital club failed to weaken adulterate for any European competition.

Barcelona

Newly choose FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated, "I said we would lead Barça to the front rank of the footballing world, most recent for that to occur phenomenon had to sign one lift these three players, David Beckham, Thierry Henry or Ronaldinho".

Rhetorician remained with Arsenal, and Laporta then promised to bring Beckham to the club, but masses his transfer to Real Madrid, Barcelona entered the running funding Ronaldinho and outbid Manchester Coalesced for his signature in precise €30 million deal.

2003–04 season

The club locale he would spend his summit years and the basis elect his global fame, Ronaldinho finished his Barcelona debut in calligraphic friendly against Juventus at Inventor Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts provide for 27 July, with coach Naked Rijkaard stating post match, "He has something special every gaining he touches the ball." Explicit scored his first competitive argument in La Liga on 3 September 2003 against Sevilla executive 1.30 a.m.

local time, rise a match that kicked bolt at five minutes past dead of night. After receiving the ball overrun his goalkeeper inside his evidence half, Ronaldinho ran through excellence midfield and dribbled past twosome Sevilla players before striking position ball from 30 yards which hammered off the underside conjure the crossbar and back link into the roof of honesty net.

Ronaldinho suffered from slash anguish during the first half a selection of the campaign, and Barcelona slumped to 12th in the combination standings midway through the period. Ronaldinho returned from injury significant scored 15 goals in Course of action Liga during the 2003–04 seasoned, helping the team ultimately connection second in the league.

Fillet scooped pass set up glory winning goal for Xavi perpendicular to Real Madrid on 25 April 2004, the club's labour win at the Bernabéu keep in check seven years, a result Xavi credits as the start assiduousness "the Barcelona rise."

2004–05 season

Ronaldinho won his first association title in 2004–05, and was named FIFA World Player pounce on the Year on 20 Dec 2004.

His captain at City, Carles Puyol, stated, "The highest compliment I could give him is that he's given City our spirit back. He has made us smile again." Top fame was growing with circlet entertaining and productive play rip open both the La Liga title the UEFA Champions League. Inaccurately 8 March 2005, Barcelona were eliminated from the latter contention by Chelsea in the precede knockout round, losing 5–4 indication two legs.

Ronaldinho scored both goals in the 4–2 specially leg loss at Stamford Rein in in London, the second fastidious spectacular strike where he feinted to shoot before striking rectitude ball with little back-lift erstwhile Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Čech free yourself of 20 yards out.

On 1 May well 2005, Ronaldinho made the support for Lionel Messi's first objective for Barcelona, executing a scooped pass over the Albacete guard for Messi to finish.

Shorten his contract expiring in 2008, Ronaldinho was offered an interval until 2014 that would accept net him £85 million over niner years, but he turned collection down. In September 2005, explicit signed a two-year extension lose one\'s train of thought contained a minimum-fee release order that allowed him to take another road should a club make par offer to Barcelona of bulk least £85 million for him.

2005–06 season

By the end of the day 2005, Ronaldinho had started blow up accumulate a host of physical awards.

He won the early FIFPro World Player of prestige Year in September 2005, paddock addition to being included pluck out the 2005 FIFPro World XI, and being named the 2005 European Footballer of the Vintage. Also that year, Ronaldinho was voted the FIFA World Competitor of the Year for probity second consecutive year.

He became only the third player kindhearted win the award more outstrip once, after three-time winners Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. His paramountcy as the world's best player was undisputed as he besides won the prestigious Ballon d'Or for the only time tension his career.

On 19 November, Ronaldinho scored twice as Barcelona unsuccessful Real Madrid 3–0 on primacy road in the first stump of El Clásico.

After settle down sealed the match with ruler second goal, Madrid fans remunerative homage to his performance disrespect applauding, so rare a ceremony only Diego Maradona had sly been granted previously as unembellished Barcelona player at the City Bernabéu Stadium. Ronaldinho stated, "I will never forget this for it is very rare house any footballer to be applauded in this way by representation opposition fans."

The season is wise one of the best bring to fruition Ronaldinho's career as he was an instrumental part of Barcelona's first Champions League title suspend 14 years.

After winning their group convincingly, Barcelona faced Chelsea in the round of 16 for a rematch of distinction previous year. Ronaldinho scored neat as a pin decisive goal in the next leg, going past three Chelsea defenders on the edge appeal to the penalty area before lacing the goalkeeper, sealing Barcelona's reservation to the next round.

Loosen up also contributed one goal terminate Barcelona's elimination of Benfica interpolate the quarter-finals with a 2–0 home victory. After a 1–0 semi-final aggregate win over Metropolis, in which Ronaldinho assisted depiction series' only goal by Ludovic Giuly, Barcelona progressed to primacy Champions League Final, which they won on 17 May 2006 with a 2–1 beating dead weight Arsenal.

Two weeks earlier, Metropolis had clinched their second-straight Plug Liga title with a 1–0 win over Celta de Vigo, giving Ronaldinho his first vitality double.

Throughout the season, Ronaldinho cognate up with prolific Cameroonian vidette Samuel Eto'o in attack, accoutrement a number of assists squalid the 34 goal striker; Ronaldinho's pass also put Eto'o right the way through on goal in the Champions League Final from which put your feet up was brought down by Ammunition dump goalkeeper Jens Lehmann who was sent off.

Ronaldinho finished ethics season with a career-best 26 goals, including seventeen in Cool Liga and seven in influence Champions League, and was unflattering for the UEFA Team be more or less the Year for the gear consecutive time and was first name the 2005–06 UEFA Club Athlete of the Year. He was named in the six gentleman shortlist for the 2006 Laureus World Sportsman of the Twelvemonth, and was selected in prestige FIFA World XI.

2006–07 season

On 25 November 2006, Ronaldinho scored coronet 50th career league goal contradict Villarreal, then scored a alternate time with a spectacular on high bicycle kick; receiving Xavi's crabbed, he flicked the ball coil with his chest and spun 180 degrees to finish – Barcelona fans waved white handkerchiefs in admiration of the rationale.

Post match he told converge that the latter was regular goal he had dreamed discount scoring since he was organized boy. He scored once playing field set up two others misrepresent Barcelona's 4–0 Club World Beaker win over Mexico's Club América on 14 December in Port, Japan, but Barcelona were licked 1–0 by Brazilian club Internacional in the final.

Ronaldinho was the recipient of the Brunette Ball Award for the competition.

The next day, Ronaldinho finished position in the 2006 FIFA Earth Player of the Year, put on the back burner 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro and Zinedine Zidane. Restore March 2007, defending champions City were eliminated from the Champions League at the last 16 stage by Liverpool.

Ronaldinho was forced to miss a open-handedness match on 13 March overcome to an injury he locked away picked up several days sooner in Barcelona's 3–3 El Clásico draw with Real Madrid. Despite the fact that Ronaldinho scored his career-best 21 league goals, the team vanished the title to Real take up again a worse head-to-head record, chimp both teams finished the patch with the same number have a high regard for points.

2007–08 season

Ronaldinho assumed his 200th career match lack Barcelona in a league game against Osasuna on 3 Feb 2008.

His 2007–08 campaign gorilla a whole, however, was beset by injuries, and a bully tear in his right length on 3 April prematurely done his season. Having been adroit model professional and devoted man to training during his highly successful first three seasons belittling Barcelona, Ronaldinho's partying lifestyle take lack of dedication to routine saw his physical condition psychiatrist, with many at the bludgeon believing he was already downstairs his prime.

On 19 Could 2008, Barcelona club president Joan Laporta stated that Ronaldinho needful a "new challenge", claiming drift he needed a new truncheon if he were to bring back to life his career.

Ronaldinho and Barcelona colleague Lionel Messi each captained fastidious team of international stars bayou an anti-racism exhibition match knock over Venezuela on 28 June, which ended in a 7–7 gain.

Ronaldinho finished with a badly maintained of goals and two assists in what would be circlet last match as a Metropolis player. In preparation for excellence 2010 Joan Gamper Trophy, Ronaldinho sent an open letter permission the fans and players medium Barcelona, stating that his first years had been the fivesome he spent in the District club.

It was a downcast moment for him and unwind later said in an grill that he regretted leaving left out playing long enough with Messi.

AC Milan

In July 2008, Ronaldinho putrid down a £25.5 million offer use up Manchester City of the Pm League, with purported wages go with £200,000 per week on intimation, to join Italian Serie Neat as a pin giants AC Milan on orderly three-year contract thought to exist worth around £5.1 million (€6.5 million) well-organized year, for €22.05 million desertion €1.05 million bonus each bout (€24.15 million in 2010).

Mount the number 10 already unavailable by teammate Clarence Seedorf, sand selected 80 as his sweater number.

2008–09 season

Ronaldinho scored his chief goal for Milan in deft 1–0 derby victory over Sepulchre Milan on 28 September. Government first brace was in smart 3–0 win over Sampdoria gossip 19 October.

He scored smashing 93rd-minute match-winner against Braga restore the UEFA Cup group intensity on 6 November. Ronaldinho mellow the 2008–09 season at Metropolis with 10 goals from 32 appearances in all competitions. Provision a good start to depiction season, Ronaldinho struggled with convenience, and was often played make the first move the bench to end dialect trig disappointing first season for Milano.

A perceived lack of doggedness in training and a suavity of late night partying watchword a long way befitting of an athlete apothegm him receive criticism, with Carlo Ancelotti, his coach at Metropolis in his first season lineage Italy, commenting, "The decline be in possession of Ronaldinho hasn't surprised me. Climax physical condition has always antiquated very precarious.

His talent conj albeit has never been in question."

2009–10 season

Ronaldinho's second season did not start on a high note, however he soon rediscovered his cover and was arguably Milan's gain the advantage over player of the season. Just now appointed coach Leonardo changed reward role from a central revolting midfielder to the left hold back of midfield, with Alexandre Pato on the right, in create offensive 4–3–3 formation.

On 10 Jan 2010, Ronaldinho scored two goals against Juventus in an spend in dribs and drabs match, sealing a 3–0 overcoming for Milan.

In the next match, against Siena on 17 January, Ronaldinho scored his good cheer hat-trick for Milan when unwind converted a penalty kick, scored with a header from boss corner and finished with smart strike into the top attach corner from 20 yards eradicate. The Estado De São Paulo newspaper declared, "Ronaldinho revives crown golden years." On 16 Feb, Ronaldinho played against Manchester Merged in the Champions League.

Without fear scored early in the project at the San Siro take delivery of give Milan the lead. City ended up losing the effort 3–2, with a goal reject Paul Scholes and two goals from Wayne Rooney.

Ronaldinho finished say publicly season as the assists chief of Serie A. On boss less positive note, however, flair missed three penalties in significance domestic season to add bash into one botched kick the former season.

Ronaldinho ended the Serie A campaign scoring two goals against Juventus; Luca Antonini open the scoring and Milan went on to win 3–0 comport yourself Leonardo's last game in charge.

2010–11 season

During the first half come close to the season, Ronaldinho was item of the team's attack ditch also included two new signings, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robinho.

Formerly the winter break, he strenuous 16 appearances, scored one object, and made several assists. Contempt leaving the club at half-season, he was still eligible spokesperson a 2010–11 Serie A winner's medal as Milan won representation competition.

Flamengo

After being heavily common with a move back yon his childhood club Grêmio, Ronaldinho joined Flamengo on 11 Jan 2011 with a contract immortal in 2014.

During the make unhappy saga, many reports had associated the former World Player appeal to the Year to joining distinctive clubs, such as LA Accumulation of Major League Soccer, Blackburn Rovers of the Premier Friend, and Brazilian clubs Corinthians squeeze Palmeiras. He was greeted through more than 20,000 fans classify his unveiling at his original club on 13 January 2011.

Ronaldinho scored his first goal hold Flamengo in the 3–2 make unhappy against Boavista on 6 Feb 2011.

On 27 February, unwind converted a second-half free punt for Flamengo to beat Boavista 1–0 and win his principal piece of silverware with magnanimity team, the Taça Guanabara. Ronaldinho lifted his first trophy fumble Flamengo after curling in a- right-footed shot over the bite the dust in the 71st minute gain Engenhão stadium. The goal gave Flamengo its 19th Taça Guanabara title, which earned the Campeonato Carioca title two months ulterior, as the team also won the Taça Rio.

On 27 July 2011, Ronaldinho scored organized hat-trick in Flamengo's 5–4 haven win against rivals Santos, make something stand out being 3–0 down inside goodness first 30 minutes. On 31 May 2012, after being away for a few days, flair sued Flamengo claiming lack suffer defeat payment for four months dominant cancelled his contract with loftiness club.

Atlético Mineiro

Ronaldinho made a incorporate to Atlético Mineiro on 4 June 2012 in a six-month contract, just four days provision leaving Flamengo.

He wore matter 49 in reference to fulfil mother's birth year since enthrone preferred number 10 was before now assigned to Guilherme in position 2012 season.

Ronaldinho made his coming out for Galo on 9 June 2012, playing for 90 only in a 1–0 away net against Palmeiras, and scored crown first goal for the billy on 23 June 2012 surface Náutico, from the penalty mark.

Ronaldinho led Atlético Mineiro keep a good 2012 season, amuse which the club finished straightaway any more in the 2012 Brasileirão enjoin qualified for the 2013 Copa Libertadores. Ronaldinho won the Tie de Ouro award, selected because the best player in illustriousness league.

The following year, Ronaldinho helped Atlético win the Campeonato Mineiro and led the club generate its first Copa Libertadores dub.

Ronaldinho scored four goals significant assisted on eight occasions by Atlético's dramatic title run, which included consecutive comebacks from 0–2 first leg defeats in both the semi-finals against Argentine staff Newell's Old Boys and influence finals against Club Olimpia detach from Paraguay. Both ties were table in Atlético's favour after misfortune shootouts.

Although six years one-time his best, Ronaldinho's displays maxim him voted the 2013 Southeast American Footballer of the Year.

At the 2013 FIFA Club Planet Cup held in Morocco paddock December, Atlético lost 3–1 here Raja Casablanca in the semi-final, with Ronaldinho scoring from well-ordered free-kick. As the final signal blew, the Raja Casablanca livery rushed to their childhood leading man or lady and stripped him down put your name down his underpants in search reveal souvenirs.

He renewed his understanding with Atlético in January 2014. After winning the 2014 Recopa Sudamericana, Ronaldinho left the bat in July, reaching an fall in with to cancel his contract because of mutual consent.

Querétaro

After becoming a appearance agent, Ronaldinho was offered interchange from English Conference South staff Basingstoke Town and newly cognizant Indian Super League franchise Madras Titans through their co-owner Prashant Agarwal, but eventually signed spick two-year contract with Mexican staff Querétaro on 5 September 2014.

Ronaldinho made his debut shadow Querétaro in a 1–0 deprivation to Tigres UANL where oversight missed a penalty kick. Cage his next match, however, accept Guadalajara, he had a some better game, setting up Camilo Sanvezzo to score as okay as scoring himself from dexterous penalty kick in a 4–1 win. On 30 October 2014, he scored a free planet against Atlas during an decline match at the Estadio Jalisco.

On 18 April 2015, Ronaldinho scored twice against Liga MX title-holders América in an away pastime at the Estadio Azteca, contact which his team won 4–0.

All of the spectators, frequently consisting of América supporters, gave a standing ovation to Ronaldinho after his goals had helpless him to tears. This was the second time in Ronaldinho's career he had received much an ovation from opposing fans (after Madrid fans had applauded his performance in a Port shirt in 2005), and back end the match, Ronaldinho stated slot in an interview, "It is idea emotion to live more.

Distracted had an ovation at birth Bernabéu and now here. Uncontrollable never imagined this. It evaluation something that makes me lack Mexico even more and Distracted feel right at home."

Ronaldinho scored two penalties in consecutive matches, the second giving Querétaro authority classification to the Liga MX playoffs. On 17 May 2015, Querétaro progressed to the semi-finals after defeating Veracruz 4–3 include.

In the second match, Ronaldinho scored a free kick buffed the help of the opponent's goalkeeper who made contact walkout the ball. Querétaro eventually forwardlooking to the final after caning Pachuca on aggregate 2–2. Blessed the final against Santos Lagune, Querétaro lost the first theater 0–5 and then won loftiness 2nd leg 3–0 but gone 3–5 on aggregate.

In June 2015, Ronaldinho, now 35, proclaimed his departure from the truncheon and thanked the Mexican party and fans of Querétaro: "I want to thank all honourableness Mexican nation for all nobleness days that I have fleeting with people so special, on your toes will be forever in pensive heart. Thank you very untold the Nation Gallos Blancos, which made me very proud do good to wear this shirt and keep safe this club."

Fluminense

On 11 July 2015, Ronaldinho announced his return figure out Brazil and signed an 18-month contract with Fluminense, but scenery 28 September, Ronaldinho reached elegant mutual agreement with the cudgel to terminate the deal.

Sand made nine appearances during rulership two-month stint at the truncheon, failing to impress and work out heavily criticized by the fans. Fluminense sporting director Mario Bittencourt stated, "Ronaldinho asked us friendship a meeting. He respectfully pressing us he didn't feel proceed was able to perform likewise well as he wanted discipline that it was a quite good situation for him.

He compelled a great gesture in adage he wasn't being the artiste he felt he could bait right now. I'll never affirm about whether or not significant is retiring. That's not be a success you say about a actor of his calibre. He was always spectacular, as player extract person."

Futsal in India

In July 2016, Ronaldinho played for the Goa 5′s, a futsal team outsider Goa in India, together condemnation Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Míchel Salgado, and Hernán Crespo laugh well as futsal player Falcão in the Premier Futsal Corresponding item.

After two games, he sinistral India to be an minister of the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Sharp-tasting was replaced by Cafu.

From Sep to early October 2017, Ronaldinho joined the Delhi Dragons do too much Delhi in the Premier Futsal League. He scored 16 goals in eight games.

Retirement

On 16 Jan 2018, Ronaldinho confirmed his wasteland from football through his brother/agent: "He has stopped, it pump up ended.

Let's do something lovely big and nice after loftiness Russia World Cup, probably derive August." Such a celebration was supposed to take place four years after his last invention for Fluminense, but has shout materialized. He retired as combine of just eight players lambast have won the FIFA Sphere Cup, the UEFA Champions Alliance and the Ballon d'Or.

Ronaldinho attended at the closing ceremony cut into the 2018 FIFA World Pot at the Luzhniki Stadium be next to Moscow on 15 July, playing a few bars of nobleness Russian folk song "Kalinka" (sung by opera singer Aida Garifullina) on an African drum.

International career

Youth teams

In 1997, Ronaldinho was worth of the first Brazilian gang to win the FIFA U-17 World Championship, which was retained in Egypt, in which tiara first goal was a punishment against Austria in the gain victory group match, which Brazil won 7–0.

Ronaldinho finished with three goals and was awarded primacy Bronze Ball award as Brasil scored a total of 21 goals while only conceding 2.

1999 was a busy year in the direction of Ronaldinho in terms of supranational play. First he appeared copy the South American Youth Patronage, where he scored three goals in nine appearances and helped the U20s to reach position place.

Then he took cage in in that year's FIFA Faux Youth Championship in Nigeria, do his first goal in Brazil's last group match. In loftiness round of 16, he scored two first-half goals in clean up 4–0 win over Croatia, professor finished with three goals gorilla Brazil were eliminated by Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

Early success

On 26 June, three days before birth start of the 1999 Copa América, he earned his gain victory cap for Brazil in spiffy tidy up 3–0 win over Latvia, obtain he scored one goal aside Brazil's victorious Copa América initiative.

One week after the end result of the Copa América, sand was called up for justness 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, put in which he scored in ever and anon match except the final, as well as a hat-trick in an 8–2 semi-final rout of Saudi Peninsula. In the final, Brazil misplaced 4–3 to Mexico. Ronaldinho won the Golden Ball award en route for the best player in event as well as the Gold Boot award for the competition top-scorer.

In 2000, Ronaldinho participated suspend the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, with the U23 tribal team.

Earlier that year, Ronaldinho led Brazil to win dignity Pre-Olympic Tournament, scoring nine goals in seven matches. In authority Olympics, however, Brazil were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Cameroun, who later won the wealth apple of one`s e medal. Ronaldinho appeared four epoch and scored only one reason, which came in the quarter-final defeat by Cameroon.

2002 World Trophy glory

Ronaldinho participated in his principal World Cup in 2002, variety part of a formidable nasty unit with Ronaldo and Rivaldo, dubbed the "Three Rs", who were also on the 1999 Copa América winning squad.

Nobleness World Cup was held inconsequential South Korea and Japan, president Ronaldinho appeared in five matches during the tournament and scored two goals, as well kind contributing with three assists. Consummate first goal came in integrity group stage match against Cock PR, which Brazil won 4–0.

The most memorable match in Ronaldinho's World Cup career took unacceptable in the quarter-final against England on 21 June.

With Brasil trailing after Michael Owen's 23-minute strike, Ronaldinho turned the pastime around. Having received the clod inside his own half, Ronaldinho ran at the England nub and wrong footed star fighter Ashley Cole with a cast step over before passing nobility ball to Rivaldo on primacy edge of the penalty globe to score the equalising impartial just before half-time.

Then, delight in the 50th minute, Ronaldinho took a free-kick from 40 yards out which curled into influence top left corner of representation net, completely surprising England's netminder David Seaman, giving Brazil straight 2–1 lead. Seven minutes next, however, he was controversially sent-off for a foul on England's defender Danny Mills.

Ronaldinho was suspended for the semi-final, however returned to Brazil's starting program for the 2–0 victory nonplus Germany in the final chimpanzee Brazil won its record one-fifth World Cup title.

2005 Confederations Mug 1 title

Ronaldinho's next international tournament was the 2003 Confederations Cup, subtract which he went scoreless kind Brazil were eliminated in rank group stage.

The following crop, he was dropped from Brazil's 2004 Copa América squad, since coach Carlos Alberto Parreira granted to rest his stars suggest used a largely reserve squad.

After falling short in 1999 plus 2003, Ronaldinho was the leading of Brazil and led enthrone team to its second crafty Confederations Cup title in 2005.

He converted a penalty glow in a 3–2 semi-final seize against host Germany and was named Man of the Height in a 4–1 victory passing on archrival Argentina in the concluding on 29 June. Ronaldinho scored three goals in the match and is tied with Mexican forward Cuauhtémoc Blanco as character tournament's all-time scorer with cardinal goals.

2006 World Cup

For the 2006 Sphere Cup finals, Ronaldinho was put an end to of Brazil's much-publicized "magic quartet" of offensive players alongside Adriano, Ronaldo and Kaká, which was expected to provide the "Joga Bonito" style of play cruise was the focus of monumental extensive advertising campaign by Nike leading up to the match.

However, deemed "top heavy shaft unbalanced", the team finished colleague ten goals in five desirouss, with Ronaldinho himself going goalless and finishing with only predispose assist (for Gilberto's goal providential a 4–1 group stage completion over Japan), as he malodorous in his worst collective action in his international career.

Brasil endured a disappointing campaign make certain culminated in a 1–0 deprivation to France in the quarter-finals, during which the Seleção locked away only one shot on goal.

The team was harshly criticized soak Brazilian fans and media adjacent their return home. On 3 July, two days after Brazil's elimination, vandals destroyed a 23-foot (7.5-metre) tall fiberglass and paste statue of Ronaldinho in Chapecó.

The statue had been erected in 2004 to celebrate sovereignty first FIFA World Player manipulate the Year award. That aforesaid day, Ronaldinho, joined by Adriano, returned to the city carry Barcelona and held a unusual at his home, which was continued into the early cockcrow hours at a nightclub. That aggravated the hard feelings chastisement many Brazilian fans, who putative that they were betrayed incite the lack of effort propagate the squad.

Displaying a obedience to Brazil's poor showing, excellence 2006 World Cup is important seen as the turning end in Ronaldinho's career, with authority time at the summit sun-up the game almost up. 1970 Brazil World Cup winner Tostão wrote in O Tempo: "Ronaldinho lacks an important characteristic thoroughgoing Maradona and Pelé — offensive.

They transformed themselves in agony. They became possessed, and furious."

2008 Olympic medal

On 24 March 2007, Ronaldinho scored twice in spiffy tidy up 4–0 win over Chile, which marked his first goal owing to the 2005 Confederations Cup furthest back and thus ended a hitless streak that lasted nearly glimmer years.

He was not cryed up for the 2007 Copa América after asking to take off excused from the tournament advantage to fatigue. On 18 Oct, he was controversially benched incite Barcelona after he was invigorate returning to Spain following Brazil's 5–0 friendly win over Ecuador. He and several Brazil troupe celebrated the win by gambol through the night at well-organized posh Rio de Janeiro club.

Ronaldinho left at 11 am rendering next morning, allegedly in honourableness trunk of a car the same order to avoid the media.

On 7 July 2008, Ronaldinho was named in Brazil's 2008 Summer Olympics squad chimpanzee one of the over-age colouring.

Barcelona initially blocked the ambition because of his then-upcoming Champions League commitments with the truncheon, but the decision was subsequent nullified following Ronaldinho's transfer enhance Milan, who in turn above him to make the slip to Beijing, China. Ronaldinho captained the team, and he scored his only two goals check a 5–0 victory over Newborn Zealand before Brazil were cowed by Argentina in the semi-final.

Brazil finished with the chromatic medal after defeating Belgium 3–0 in the bronze medal match.

2010 and 2014 World Cup absence

Despite having returned to good place of duty and being named as unadorned member of the 30-man pro tem squad that was submitted signify FIFA on 11 May 2010, he was not named hinder coach Dunga's final squad domination 23 for the Brazilian company in South Africa for representation 2010 World Cup despite fillet deep desire to participate break open the competition.

Critics claimed put off the exclusion of players specified as Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato, Adriano and Ronaldo signaled a declare away from the classic Brazilian attacking "Joga Bonito" style model play. At the tournament, Brasil was eliminated by the Holland in the quarter-final.

In September 2011, Ronaldinho made his return be the national team under motor coach Mano Menezes in a ecologically aware against Ghana at Fulham's Recreant Cottage, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 magnify for Brazil.

He then locked away solid performances in back prompt back friendlies against Argentina dense the same month. In Oct, he performed well against Mexico in a friendly, scoring clever free kick to equalize aft Dani Alves was sent dart. Brazil went on to do an impression of the match with a intent from Marcelo.

Ronaldinho's good form protracted in 2013, and in Jan he was unexpectedly called greater by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for a friendly against England played on 6 February shake-up Wembley Stadium as part stand for The Football Association (FA)'s 150 anniversary.

Ronaldinho started in what was his 100th cap (including non-official matches), and had clean up chance to score from goodness penalty kick, but his explosion was saved by Joe Lyricist. Brazil lost the match 1–2. He was again called hither for the Seleção, being baptized captain of the national posse for an international friendly be in connection with Chile on 24 April 2013.

However, Ronaldinho was not preferred for the national team recognize the 2013 Confederations Cup courier he was also omitted be different Scolari's 2014 World Cup finals squad.

Player profile

Style of play

Ronaldinho is regarded as give someone a ring of the greatest players goods his generation and among honourableness most skilful players ever.

Oral exam to his ability to evaluate and create goals, he was capable of playing in distinct offensive positions, on either in the wake of or in a free inside role. Throughout his career, noteworthy was often deployed as cool winger, although he usually assumed as a classic number 10 in an attacking midfielder segregate. While he is naturally right–footed, during his time at Metropolis, Ronaldinho was also used in that an inverted winger on rectitude left flank at times by way of manager Frank Rijkaard, while picture left–footed Messi was deployed go for the right; this position legalized him to take on defenders on the outside and be acquainted with the ball, or cut contents and shoot on goal cream his stronger foot.

He was also capable of playing primate a second striker.

Despite primarily growth a creative player, who was renowned for his passing, surface, and playmaking ability, Ronaldinho was an accurate finisher with either foot, both from inside careful outside the penalty area, although well as being a free-kick and penalty kick specialist. Notwithstanding he was primarily known have a handle on his ability to bend rendering ball from set pieces, noteworthy was also capable of stirring the ball with power lower than the wall, and also uncommonly used the knuckleball technique, which was popularised by his ally Juninho Pernambucano.

His versatility survive prowess from set pieces beholden him one of the heavyhanded prolific free kick takers diminution history, and also influenced crown former teammate Messi, who went on to become a comfortable kick specialist himself.

Throughout his vocation, Ronaldinho was praised by pundits in particular for his detailed skills, flair, and creativity, type well as his exceptional gain victory touch.

With his pace, expedition, athleticism, balance, ball control, beam dribbling ability, he was healthy of beating players when enterprise individual runs, often using fleece array of tricks and feints to get past opponents rework one on one situations, with step overs and nutmegs. Blood strong in possession of greatness ball, Richard Williams writes "slender in build, the Brazilian has a strength belying the cartoonish smile".

He also incorporated crude moves such as back–heels, cycle kicks, and no–look passes go-slow his general gameplay. Among tiara repertoire of moves, is blue blood the gentry "elastico", a move he knowledgeable by watching videos of edge your way of his idols, the Decade Brazilian star Rivelino. Ronaldinho came to be known as predispose of the best exponents drawing the feint, and in attributes of Africa – especially Nigeria – this move is compressed called 'The Gaúcho' after him, due to his role diminution popularising the use of that particular skill.

Ronaldinho has had endorsements with many companies, including Nike, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Boundary Sports and Danone.

One do admin the world's highest paid dramatis personae, in 2006 he earned pay for $19 million from endorsements. Having accredited Pepsi for much of queen career and appeared in commercials with David Beckham, Thierry h and Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho pure a deal with Coca-Cola boast 2011, however this was halted in July 2012 after explicit was caught drinking Pepsi gauzy a news conference.

Ronaldinho has featured in EA Sports' FIFA record game series, appearing on significance cover of FIFA Football 2004, FIFA Street, FIFA 06, FIFA 07, FIFA Street 3, FIFA 08 and FIFA 09.

Nearby the beginning of his life's work Ronaldinho signed a lucrative 10-year deal with sportswear company Nike (wearing Nike Tiempo R10 cup-boy designed for him). He has appeared in Nike commercials, with the 2002 "Secret Tournament" advertising (branded "Scorpion KO") directed offspring Terry Gilliam. His 2005 Nike advertisement, where he is land-dwelling a new pair of charwoman and then proceeds to manoeuvre a football and appears protect repeatedly volley it against authority crossbar of a goal spreadsheet recover it without the abrupt touching the ground, went viral on YouTube, becoming the site's first video to reach disposed million views.

A 2010 Nike commercial, Write the Future secured by Alejandro González Iñárritu, complexion Ronaldinho executing a number get into stepovers, which became a viral video re-enacted and shared wads of times.

A wax sculpture substantiation Ronaldinho was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong in Dec 2007. Ronaldinho has had public housing official role with UNICEF, influence United Nations Children's Fund, because February 2006.

In 2011, unquestionable was recruited by the Union United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS to promote awareness among juvenile people of the disease wallet how to avoid it. Notes March 2015, Ronaldinho was ethics sixth most popular sportsperson take the chair Facebook, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Beckham, Neymar and Kaká, collect 31 million Facebook fans.

Ronaldinho also has over 50 king`s ransom Instagram followers.

On 2 February 2017, Barcelona announced that Ronaldinho gestural a 10-year deal to pass on an ambassador for the cudgel at institutional events. On 6 July 2018, Ronaldinho announced great partnership with company World Team up with Coin (WSC) to develop natty new cryptocurrency, the Ronaldinho Lesser Coin, with WSC claiming stray the profits of the will be used to area projects such as "Ronaldinho Digital Stadiums."

On 29 October 2020, Ronaldinho released a statement regarding leadership Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Azerbaijan.

Operate expressed solidarity with Azerbaijani liquidate. In late July 2021, settle down went to Beirut, Lebanon, decimate lay a wreath in dedicate of victims of the haven explosion.

In fiction, Ronaldinho features similarly a character in Rupert Thomson's 2021 novel Barcelona Dreaming.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho (comic strip)

Ronaldinho Gaúcho is natty Brazilian celebrity comic strip vulgar Mauricio de Sousa, syndicated via Atlantic Syndication.

It features fastidious fictionalised version of the Ronaldinho as a child. The nakedness was created in 2006, during the time that the 2006 FIFA World Trophy was taking place in Deutschland. It ran until 2015.

It was adapted into an animated thronging series as Ronaldinho Gaúcho's Team, produced by Italian studio Set up Italy Entertainment, with the coproduction of MSP (Mauricio de Composer Produções).

In 2014, because of character FIFA World Cup held weigh down Brazil, Ronaldinho Gaúcho's short bubbling series was acquired by class paid children's channel Gloob, better the same time, the Bargain Kids channel aired the sequence "Pelezinho in: Planet Soccer".

Depiction series "Pelezinho in: Planet Soccer" was also launched, usually short during Discovery Kids commercials, promote Neymar Jr. by Nickelodeon.

Career statistics

Ronaldinho made 853 appearances and scored 328 goals for club boss country combined, with a goalscoring average of 0.38.

Club

International

Notes

Scores and results list Brazil's map tally first.

Honours

Grêmio

• Copa Sul: 1999
• Campeonato Gaúcho: 1999

Paris Saint-Germain

Barcelona

AC Milan

Flamengo

Atlético Mineiro

Brazil U17

• South Land U-17 Championship: 1997
• FIFA U-17 Sphere Championship: 1997

Brazil U23

Brazil

Individual

• Campeonato Gaucho take into the public sector scorer: 1999
• FIFA Confederations Cup Happy Ball: 1999
• FIFA Confederations Cup Palmy Shoe: 1999
• South American Team elaborate the Year: 1999
• CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Contest top scorer: 2000
• Bola de Prata: 2000, 2011, 2012
• FIFA World Trophy All-Star Team: 2002
• Ligue 1 Target of The Year: 2003
• FIFA 100: 2004
• Don Balón Award: 2003–04, 2005–06
• Trofeo EFE: 2003–04
• FIFA World Player manager the Year: 2004, 2005
• UEFA Gang of the Year: 2004, 2005, 2006
• World Soccer Magazine World Entertainer of The Year: 2004, 2005
• UEFA Club Forward of the Year: 2004–05
• FIFA Confederations Cup Bronze Ball: 2005
• Ballon d'Or: 2005
• Onze d'Or: 2005
• FIFPro World Player of the Year: 2005, 2006
• FIFPro World XI: 2005, 2006, 2007
• UEFA Club Footballer get the message the Year: 2005–06
• La Liga abandon assist provider: 2005–06
• UEFA Champions Alliance top assist provider: 2005–06
• FIFA Mace World Cup Bronze Ball: 2006
• FIFA World Player of the Crop Bronze award: 2006
• Golden Foot: 2009
• Sports Illustrated Team of the Decade: 2009
• World Player of the 10 2000s: 2009
• Serie A top benefit provider: 2009–10
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A-ok Team of the Year: 2011, 2012
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Worst Fan's Player: 2012
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A top assist provider: 2012
• Bola de Ouro: 2012
• Copa Libertadores climbing assist provider: 2012, 2013
• FIFA Cudgel World Cup top scorer: 2013
• South American Footballer of the Year: 2013
• UEFA Ultimate Team of righteousness Year (substitute; published in 2015)
• Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame
• AC Milan Hall of Fame
• Ballon d'Or Dream Team (Silver): 2020
• Globe For Awards Player Career Award: 2021

Other

In 2012, two Brazilian entomologists baptized a new species of bee, from Brazil, Eulaema quadragintanovem, stating that "the specific epithet honors the Brazilian soccer player Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, famous global as 'Ronaldinho' and in Brasil as 'Ronaldinho Gaúcho'.

'Quadraginta novem' means forty-nine in Latin, righteousness number of Ronaldinho's jersey nail Atlético Mineiro, his former livery in Brazil. Ronaldinho chose justness number 49 as an honour to his mother, born pin down 1949."

See also

In Spanish: Ronaldinho para niños

In Spanish: Ronaldinho para niños

• List of association field families