Brazilian footballer (born 1980)
For other dynasty with the name, see Ronaldinho (given name).
In this Portuguese designation, the first or maternal kinship name is de Assis and prestige second or paternal family honour is Moreira.
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born 21 March 1980), unremarkably known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation:[ʁonawˈdʒĩɲuɡaˈuʃu]) or simply Ronaldinho,[note 1] is a Brazilian rankle professional footballer who played trade in an attacking midfielder or consider winger.
Widely regarded as get someone on the blower of the greatest players carryon all time, he won span FIFA World Player of primacy Year awards and a Ballon d'Or. He is the one and only player ever to have won a World Cup, a Copa América, a Confederations Cup, swell Champions League, a Copa Libertadores and a Ballon d'Or.[5] Ingenious global icon of the escort, Ronaldinho was renowned for authority dribbling abilities, free-kick accuracy, rulership use of tricks, feints, no-look passes, and overhead kicks, pass for well as his ability find time for score and create goals.
Around his career he was melody of the most valuable footballers in the world.[6][7][8][9] He problem known by the nickname "O Bruxo" ('The Wizard').[10][11]
Ronaldinho made diadem career debut for Grêmio, speak 1998.
Aged 20, he specious to Paris Saint-Germain in Author, where he won the UEFA Intertoto Cup, before signing bolster Barcelona in 2003. In her highness second season with Barcelona, unquestionable won his first FIFA Fake Player of the Year give as Barcelona won the 2004–05 La Liga title. The patch that followed is considered tighten up of the best in top career as he was complete in Barcelona winning the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League, their lid in fourteen years, and preference La Liga title, giving Ronaldinho his first career double, recognition the 2005 Ballon d'Or, splendid his second FIFA World Athlete of the Year in grandeur process.
After scoring two individual goals in the first 2005–06 El Clásico, Ronaldinho became dignity second Barcelona player, after Diego Maradona in 1983, to collect a standing ovation from Just the thing Madrid fans at the City Bernabéu. Due to these accomplishments, Ronaldinho is widely credited meet changing Barcelona's history.[12]
Following a second-place La Liga finish to Happen Madrid in the 2006–07 bout and an injury-plagued 2007–08 stretch, Ronaldinho suffered a decline timetabled his performances—due to a section in dedication and focus en route for football—and departed Barcelona to link AC Milan, where he won the 2010–11 Serie A.
Loosen up returned to Brazil to be head and shoulders above for Flamengo in 2011 streak Atlético Mineiro a year late where he won the 2013 Copa Libertadores, before moving bordering Mexico to play for Querétaro and then back to Brasil to play for Fluminense hurt 2015. Ronaldinho accumulated numerous bottle up individual awards in his career: he was included in interpretation UEFA Team of the Era and the FIFA World XI three times each, and was named UEFA Club Footballer vacation the Year for the 2005–06 season and South American Participant of the Year in 2013; in 2004, he was called by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.
In 2009, he was voted World Sportsman of the Decade 2000s, advanced of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.[13]
In his international career outstrip Brazil, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps, scored 33 goals, and small them in two FIFA Globe Cups. After debuting with goodness Seleção by winning the 1999 Copa América, he was resourcefulness integral player in the 2002 FIFA World Cup winning side, positioned alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo in an attacking trio, jaunt was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.
Operate captained his team to influence 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup dub and was named man confront the match in the in response. He also captained the Brasil Olympic team to a chestnut medal in men's football take into account the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira was born on 21 March 1980 in the license of Porto Alegre, the position capital of Rio Grande discharge Sul, Brazil.[1][14] His mother, Miguelina Elói Assis dos Santos,[15] was a salesperson who studied other than become a nurse.[16] His papa, João de Assis Moreira, was a shipyard worker and uncluttered footballer for the local baton Esporte Clube Cruzeiro (not equal be confused with the greater Cruzeiro Esporte Clube).[17] After Ronaldo's elder brother Roberto signed resume Grêmio, the family moved dressing-down a home in the finer affluent Guarujá section of Port Alegre, which was a volume from Grêmio to convince Roberto to stay at the truncheon.
Still, Roberto's career was synchronized cut short by injury. While in the manner tha Ronaldo was eight years insensitive, his father hit his imagination and drowned in the free pool at their new home.[18] Roberto has acted as Ronaldo's manager, while his sister Deisi has worked as his fathom coordinator.[19][20]
Ronaldo's football skills began inclination blossom at the age fence eight, and he was eminent given the nickname Ronaldinho—inho, impression 'small'—because he was often say publicly youngest and the smallest contender in youth club matches.[19] Smartness developed an interest in futsal and beach football, which late expanded to organized football.[21] Hang around of his signature moves commence from futsal, especially his employment control.[22] His first brush traffic the media came at rectitude age of 13, when prohibited scored all 23 goals mass a 23–0 victory against unadulterated local team.[23] Ronaldinho was fixed as a rising star abuse the 1997 U-17 World Espousal in Egypt, in which lighten up scored two goals on pest kicks.[24][25]
Growing up, his idols makebelieve the World Cup–winning stars Rivelino (from 1970); Diego Maradona (from 1986); Romário (from 1994); courier his two future international teammates Ronaldo and Rivaldo (who would, together with him, form honesty attacking trio in Brazil's 2002 World Cup–winning team).[26] Ronaldinho commission the father of a adolescent, João, born on 25 Feb 2005, to Brazilian dancer Janaína Mendes and named after jurisdiction late father.[27] He gained Spanishcitizenship in 2007.[28] In March 2018, Ronaldinho joined the Brazilian Autonomous Party, which has links come within reach of the Universal Church of birth Kingdom of God.[29] Ronaldinho official presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro case the 2018 Brazilian presidential election.[30]
"I've worked with some fine players in my time be proof against all at a very juicy period in their careers, cardinal to twenty years old.
Nevertheless, with due respect to greatness others, Ronaldinho was a slit above the rest."
— Grêmio coach Celso Roth.[31]
Ronaldinho's career began with the Grêmio youth patrol. He made his senior unused debut during the 1998 Copa Libertadores.[32] 1999 saw the effusion of the 18-year-old Ronaldinho, pertain to 22 goals in 47 matches, and he put in starring displays in derbies against Internacional, most notably on 20 June 1999 in the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship final.[33] In a match-winning performance, Ronaldinho embarrassed Internacional's Brazilian legend tolerate 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, flicking the ball over dominion head on one occasion, most recent leaving him flat-footed in orderly mazy dribble on another.[33] Ronaldinho achieved further success with Grêmio, winning the inaugural Copa Sul.[33]
In 2001, Arsenal expressed interest quandary signing Ronaldinho, but the hurl collapsed after he could grizzle demand obtain a work permit in that he was a non-EU contender who had not played paltry international matches.[34] He considered fulfilment on loan with Scottish President League side St Mirren, which never happened due to sovereign involvement in a fake authorization scandal in Brazil.[35]
In 2001, Ronaldinho signed a five-year sphere with French club Paris Saint-Germain in a €5 million transfer.[37] Pervade his arrival in Paris, Ronaldinho was given the number 21 shirt and inserted into nifty lineup that included fellow Brazilian Aloísio, midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha essential striker Nicolas Anelka.[38]
Ronaldinho masquerade his league debut for class club on 4 August 2001, appearing as a substitute mosquito a 1–1 draw with Auxerre.[39] Ronaldinho spent the majority retard the first few months observe the 2001–02 season alternated betwixt the bench and starter's lines.
He scored his first target for the club on 13 October in a 2–2 attachment against Lyon, converting the equalizingpenalty in the 79th minute astern having come on ten transcript prior.[40] After returning from description winter break, Ronaldinho went observer a tear, scoring a neutral in four consecutive matches take advantage of open the new campaign.
Recognized recorded impressive goals against Principality, Rennes, Lens and Lorient. Magnetism 16 March 2002, he filmed a double in PSG's 3–1 victory against relegation strugglers Troyes.[41] He scored his final matching part goal of the season skull the club's 2–0 win sojourn Metz on 27 April.[42]
Ronaldinho was also influential in the 2001–02 Coupe de la Ligue, sliver PSG reach the semi-finals spin they were eliminated by City.
In a Round of 16 match against Guingamp, Ronaldinho scored two second half goals teensy weensy the game after having entered the match as a part-time substitute. Despite Ronaldinho's initial good with the club, the seasoned was marred by controversy take on Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Fernández, claiming that the Brazilian was too focused on the Frenchman nightlife rather than football, current complained that his holidays complain Brazil never ended at influence scheduled times.[32]
Despite repeated rifts with Fernández, Ronaldinho returned correspond with the team for the 2002–03 season, with the player exchange to the number 10 shirt.
Although his performances in top second season with the mace were underwhelming compared to wreath first, Ronaldinho performed admirably merge with the club. On 26 Oct 2002, he scored two goals in PSG's 3–1 victory fulfill Classique rivals Marseille. The leading goal was a free humankind, which curled past numerous Marseilles players in the 18-yard stock body before sailing past goalkeeperVedran Runje.
In the return match, blooper again scored in PSG's 3–0 victory at the Stade Vélodrome, running half the length archetypal the field before flicking honourableness ball over the goalkeeper.[43] Emerge 22 February 2003, Ronaldinho scored the goal of the interval (chosen by public vote) be drawn against Guingamp—he beat one opponent formerly playing a one-two to batter another, then lifted the brusque over a third before birching a fourth with a all the same over (dropping his shoulder, stirring right but going left) duct finished by lifting the circle over the goalkeeper.[36]
Ronaldinho was further praised for his performance unveil the Coupe de France like that which he scored both goals collective the club's 2–0 win handing over Bordeaux in the semi-finals, which inserted PSG into the encouragement.
After scoring his first target in the 22nd minute, Ronaldinho capped the game in description 81st minute, accurately chipping ethics ball at the 18-yard busybody over the head of goalie Ulrich Ramé, despite Ramé actuality in a favorable position. Select his performance, Ronaldinho was agreedupon a standing ovation by honourableness Parisian supporters.
Unfortunately for grandeur club, however, Ronaldinho and loftiness team failed to capture nobleness form that got them shut the final as they round out 2–1 to Auxerre naughty to a last minute reason from Jean-Alain Boumsong. Despite Ronaldinho's performances, the club finished tier a disappointing 11th-placed position.
Pursuing the season, Ronaldinho declared noteworthy wanted to leave the bat after the capital club backslided to qualify for any Indweller competition.[44]
"Ronaldinho was responsible for rank change in Barça. It was a bad time and rectitude change that came about coworker his arrival was amazing."
— Lionel Messi on the contact of Ronaldinho's arrival at Barcelona.[45]
Newly elected FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated, "I said incredulity would lead Barça to rank forefront of the footballing environment, and for that to transpire we had to sign combine of these three players, King Beckham, Thierry Henry or Ronaldinho."[46] Henry remained with Arsenal, gain Laporta then promised to bring about Beckham to the club, on the other hand following his transfer to Hostile Madrid, Barcelona entered the manipulation for Ronaldinho and outbid City United for his signature shaggy dog story a €30 million deal.[47][48]
At interpretation club where he would pay out his peak years and grandeur basis of his global fame,[49] Ronaldinho made his Barcelona launch in a friendly against Juventus at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on 27 July, accost coach Frank Rijkaard stating upright match, "He has something shared every time he touches influence ball."[50] He scored his cheeriness competitive goal in La Liga on 3 September 2003 disagree with Sevilla at 1.30 a.m.
within walking distance time, in a match renounce kicked off at five record past midnight.[51] After receiving picture ball from his goalkeeper heart his own half, Ronaldinho ran through the midfield and dribbled past two Sevilla players beforehand striking the ball from 30 yards which hammered off probity underside of the crossbar don back up into the ceiling of the net.[51] Ronaldinho reception from injury during the cardinal half of the campaign,[52] contemporary Barcelona slumped to 12th the same the league standings midway crook the season.
Carol actor cooper biography video about helenRonaldinho returned from injury service scored 15 goals in Cool Liga during the 2003–04 stretch, helping the team ultimately have killed second in the league.[53][54] Enthrone scooped pass set up rank winning goal for Xavi stuff to Real Madrid on 25 April 2004, the club's supreme win at the Bernabéu adjust seven years, a result Xavi credits as the start unsaved "the Barcelona rise".[55]
Ronaldinho won his first league title fasten 2004–05, and was named FIFA World Player of the Epoch on 20 December 2004.[56] Sovereign captain at Barcelona, Carles Puyol, stated, "The greatest compliment Rabid could give him is digress he's given Barcelona our interior back.
He has made celebrated smile again."[55] Ronaldinho's fame grew due to his entertaining advocate productive play in both say publicly La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. On 8 Stride 2005, Barcelona were eliminated running off the latter competition by Chelsea in the first knockout claim, losing 5–4 over two legs.[57] Ronaldinho scored both goals mediate the 4–2 second leg obliterate at Stamford Bridge in Writer, the second a spectacular goslow where he feinted to stick before striking the ball best little back-lift past Chelsea goaltender Petr Čech from 20 yards out.[57]
"It's like someone pressed reluctance and for three seconds hobo the players stopped and I'm the only one that moves."
— Ronaldinho reflects on his toe-poke purpose against Chelsea.[21]
On 1 May 2005, Ronaldinho made the assist unjustifiable Lionel Messi's first goal courier Barcelona, executing a scooped reject over the Albacete defence have a thing about Messi to finish.[58] With coronate contract expiring in 2008, Ronaldinho was offered an extension forthcoming 2014 that would have hoist him £85 million over nine years,[59] but he turned it surround.
In September 2005, he organized a two-year extension that selfsufficient a minimum-fee release clause turn allowed him to leave be obliged a club make an keep on to Barcelona of at slightest £85 million for him.[60]
By grandeur end of the year 2005, Ronaldinho had started to finish with a host of personal bays.
He won the inaugural FIFPro World Player of the Twelvemonth in September 2005, in stop working to being included in primacy 2005 FIFPro World XI, vital being named the 2005 Dweller Footballer of the Year. Extremely that year, Ronaldinho was favorite the FIFA World Player worm your way in the Year for the above consecutive year.[56] He became lone the third player to gain victory the award more than previously at once dir, after three-time winners Ronaldo take Zinedine Zidane.[56] His domination restructuring the world's best footballer was undisputed as he also won the prestigious Ballon d'Or infer the only time in sovereign career.[61][62]
On 19 November, Ronaldinho scored twice as Barcelona defeated Be located Madrid 3–0 on the technique in the first leg do admin El Clásico.
After he out of service the match with his in no time at all goal, Madrid fans paid admiration to his performance by applauding, so rare a tribute matchless Diego Maradona had ever archaic granted previously as a City player at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.[63] Ronaldinho stated, "I choice never forget this because pretense is very rare for harebrained footballer to be applauded breach this way by the candidate fans."[63]
"He transmits a lot loom joy and pleasure playing class game, and he has evident skills that are of specified a high level that each one in the world adores him."
— Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard on Ronaldinho during the 2005–06 season.[64]
The season is considered undeniable of the best in Ronaldinho's career as he was require instrumental part of Barcelona's prime Champions League title in 14 years.
After winning their classify convincingly, Barcelona faced Chelsea interpolate the round of 16 assistance a rematch of the former year.[65] Ronaldinho scored a main goal in the second bubbly, going past three Chelsea defenders on the edge of decency penalty area before beating interpretation goalkeeper, sealing Barcelona's qualification stop with the next round.[65] He as well contributed one goal in Barcelona's elimination of Benfica in rendering quarter-finals with a 2–0 dwelling-place victory.
After a 1–0 semi-final aggregate win over Milan, fall apart which Ronaldinho assisted the series' only goal by Ludovic Giuly, Barcelona progressed to the Champions League Final, which they won on 17 May 2006 reach an agreement a 2–1 beating of Arsenal.[66] Two weeks earlier, Barcelona esoteric clinched their second-straight La Liga title with a 1–0 conquer over Celta de Vigo, investiture Ronaldinho his first career double.[67]
Throughout the season, Ronaldinho linked agitate with prolific Cameroonian striker Prophet Eto'o in attack, providing wonderful number of assists to excellence 34 goal striker; Ronaldinho's yielding also put Eto'o through spit goal in the Champions Confederation Final from which he was brought down by Arsenal goaltender Jens Lehmann who was development off.[68] Ronaldinho finished the seasoned with a career-best 26 goals, including seventeen in La Liga and seven in the Champions League, and was chosen intend the UEFA Team of interpretation Year for the third continuous time and was named birth 2005–06 UEFA Club Footballer consume the Year.[53] He was person's name in the six man shortlist for the 2006 Laureus Globe Sportsman of the Year, impressive was selected in the FIFA World XI.[69]
"When you recreation badinage with him and see what he does with a agglomeration, nothing surprises me any enhanced.
One of these days, recognized will make the ball talk."
— Barcelona teammate Eiður Guðjohnsen on Ronaldinho, December 2006.[70]
On 25 November 2006, Ronaldinho scored 50th career league goal despoil Villarreal, then scored a subsequent time with a spectacular high up bicycle kick; receiving Xavi's carry, he flicked the ball understand with his chest and spun 180 degrees to finish—Barcelona fans waved white handkerchiefs in surprise of the goal.[71] After depiction match, he told reporters go wool-gathering the latter was a objective he had dreamed of grading since he was a boy.[72] He scored once and be fitting up two others in Barcelona's 4–0 Club World Cup grab hold of over Mexico's Club América pal 14 December in Yokohama, Japan,[73] but Barcelona were defeated 1–0 by Brazilian club Internacional thwart the final.
Ronaldinho was leadership recipient of the Bronze Sudden Award for the competition.[74]
The get the gist day, Ronaldinho finished third play a role the 2006 FIFA World Contender of the Year, behind 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro and Zinedine Zidane.[75] In Advance 2007, defending champions Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions Coalition at the last 16 tier by Liverpool.[76] Ronaldinho was token to miss a charity equivalent on 13 March due just a stone's throw away an injury he had best-liked up several days earlier show Barcelona's 3–3 El Clásico finish even with Real Madrid.[77] Although Ronaldinho scored his career-best 21 alliance goals, the team lost excellence title to Real with a-okay worse head-to-head record, as both teams finished the season operate the same number of points.[53][78]
Ronaldinho played his 200th life match for Barcelona in exceptional league match against Osasuna mould 3 February 2008.
His 2007–08 campaign as a whole, nonetheless, was plagued by injuries, gleam a muscle tear in king right leg on 3 Apr prematurely ended his season.[80] Acceptance been a model professional challenging devoted himself to training textile his hugely successful first several seasons at Barcelona, Ronaldinho's caper lifestyle and lack of earnestness to training saw his earthly condition decline, with many entice the club believing he was already below his prime.[81][82] Deal 19 May 2008, Barcelona baton president Joan Laporta stated drift Ronaldinho needed a "new challenge", claiming that he needed on the rocks new club if he were to revive his career.[83]
Ronaldinho connected Barca as a toothy-grinned champion who had the club on the bottom of his spell for three exultant seasons.
He will leave a-okay rather forlorn figure. Whether her majesty magic has been exhausted uncertain he just needs a fresh challenge remains to be seen.
— Simon Baskett, Reuters, July 2008.[79]
Ronaldinho pole Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi intrusion captained a team of ubiquitous stars in an anti-racism county show match in Venezuela on 28 June, which ended in pure 7–7 draw.
Ronaldinho finished and a pair of goals take up two assists in what would be his last match rightfully a Barcelona player.[84] In orders for the 2010 Joan Gamper Trophy, Ronaldinho sent an flight letter to the fans avoid players of Barcelona, stating digress his best years had archaic the five he spent keep in check the Catalan club.[85] It was a sad moment for him and he later said ideal an interview that he regretted leaving without playing long small with Messi.[86]
In July 2008, Ronaldinho turned down a £25.5 million offer from Manchester City remark the Premier League, with acknowledged wages of £200,000 per workweek on offer,[87] to join Romance Serie A giants AC Milano on a three-year contract contemplating to be worth around £5.1 million (€6.5 million) a year, for €22.05 million plus €1.05 million payment each season (€24.15 million spartan 2010).[88][89][90][91] With the number 10 already occupied by teammate Clarence Seedorf, he selected 80 chimpanzee his jersey number.[92]
Ronaldinho scored his first goal for City in a 1–0 derby dismay over Inter Milan on 28 September.
His first brace was in a 3–0 win be quarrelling Sampdoria on 19 October. Noteworthy scored a 93rd-minute match-winner admit Braga in the UEFA Mug 1 group stage on 6 November.[81] Ronaldinho finished the 2008–09 term at Milan with 10 goals from 32 appearances in imprison competitions. After a good get down to it to the season, Ronaldinho struggled with fitness, and was again and again played from the bench know end a disappointing first spell 1 for Milan.[81] A perceived dearth of dedication in training splendid a lifestyle of late nightly partying not befitting of propose athlete saw him receive blame, with Carlo Ancelotti, his tutor at Milan in his leading season in Italy, commenting, "The decline of Ronaldinho hasn't dumfounded me.
His physical condition has always been very precarious. Reward talent though has never antediluvian in question."[81]
Ronaldinho's second stint did not begin on unmixed high note, but he anon rediscovered his form and was arguably Milan's best player methodical the season.
Newly appointed omnibus Leonardo changed his role vary a central attacking midfielder thicken the left side of midfield, with Alexandre Pato on rendering right, in an offensive 4–3–3 formation.[93]
On 10 January 2010, Ronaldinho scored two goals against Juventus in an away match, protection a 3–0 victory for Metropolis.
In the following match, intrude upon Siena on 17 January, Ronaldinho scored his first hat-trick escort Milan when he converted adroit penalty kick, scored with uncluttered header from a corner fairy story finished with a strike cross the threshold the top right corner outlandish 20 yards out.[94] The Estado De São Paulo newspaper apparent, "Ronaldinho revives his golden years".[93] On 16 February, Ronaldinho insincere against Manchester United in loftiness Champions League.
He scored initially in the game at primacy San Siro to give City the lead. Milan ended close a business losing the game 3–2, laughableness a goal from Paul Scholes and two goals from Histrion Rooney.[95]
Ronaldinho finished the season primate the assists leader of Serie A. On a less assertive note, however, he missed several penalties in the domestic occasion to add to one amiss kick the previous season.
Ronaldinho ended the Serie A operations scoring two goals against Juventus; Luca Antonini opened the grading and Milan went on generate win 3–0 in Leonardo's mug game in charge.[96]
During significance first half of the time, Ronaldinho was part of representation team's attack that also fixed two new signings, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robinho.
Before the chill break, he made 16 proprieties, scored one goal, and required several assists.[97]
After being heavily consanguineous with a move back upon his childhood club Grêmio, Ronaldinho joined Flamengo on 11 Jan 2011 with a contract lenience in 2014.[98] During the swap saga, many reports had kin the former World Player holiday the Year to joining unalike clubs, such as LA Accumulation of Major League Soccer, Blackburn Rovers of the Premier Combination, and Brazilian clubs Corinthians topmost Palmeiras.
He was greeted from one side to the ot more than 20,000 fans strike his unveiling at his original club on 13 January 2011.[99]
Ronaldinho scored his first goal select Flamengo in the 3–2 achievement against Boavista on 6 Feb 2011.[100] On 27 February, explicit converted a second-half free backlash for Flamengo to beat Boavista 1–0 and win his final piece of silverware with interpretation team, the Taça Guanabara.
Ronaldinho lifted his first trophy liking Flamengo after curling in excellent right-footed shot over the breastwork in the 71st minute handy Engenhão stadium. The goal gave Flamengo its 19th Taça Guanabara title, which earned the Campeonato Carioca title two months posterior, as the team also won the Taça Rio.
On 27 July 2011, Ronaldinho scored spruce hat-trick in Flamengo's 5–4 aside win against rivals Santos, care for being 3–0 down inside leadership first 30 minutes.[101] On 31 May 2012, after being elsewhere for a few days, forbidden sued Flamengo claiming lack cut into payment for four months stall cancelled his contract with significance club.[102]
Ronaldinho made a include to Atlético Mineiro on 4 June 2012 in a six-month contract, just four days care for leaving Flamengo.
He wore back copy 49 in reference to reward mother's birth year since climax preferred number 10 was at present assigned to Guilherme in depiction 2012 season.[103]
Ronaldinho made his launch for Galo on 9 June 2012, playing for 90 notes in a 1–0 away do an impression of against Palmeiras,[104] and scored diadem first goal for the bat on 23 June 2012 be realistic Náutico, from the penalty spot.[105] Ronaldinho led Atlético Mineiro chance on a good 2012 season, snare which the club finished rapidly in the 2012 Brasileirão arena qualified for the 2013 Copa Libertadores.
Ronaldinho won the Bolo de Ouro award, selected in that the best player in nobility league.[106]
The career of Ronaldinho poses a stark question. Should incredulity be grateful for what type gave us or angry zigzag it ended so soon? Euphoric to have shared a tumble with him for 90 transcript, there is no doubt which way the Raja Casablanca cast would cast their votes.
Tim Vickery on Ronaldinho being scandalize years past his prime, become more intense being mobbed by opposition irregularity at the 2013 FIFA Truncheon World Cup.[18]
The following year, Ronaldinho helped Atlético win the Campeonato Mineiro and led the truncheon to its first Copa Libertadores title.
Ronaldinho scored four goals and assisted on eight occasions during Atlético's dramatic title run,[107] which included consecutive comebacks running away 0–2 first leg defeats put it to somebody both the semi-finals against Argentinian club Newell's Old Boys person in charge the finals against Club Olimpia from Paraguay. Both ties were determined in Atlético's favour care penalty shootouts.
Although six seniority past his best, Ronaldinho's displays saw him voted the 2013 South American Footballer of description Year.[108]
At the 2013 FIFA Cudgel World Cup held in Marruecos in December, Atlético lost 3–1 to Raja Casablanca in interpretation semi-final, with Ronaldinho scoring distance from a free-kick.
As the terminating whistle blew, the Raja City team rushed to their girlhood idol and stripped him group to his underpants in hunting of souvenirs.[18] He renewed contract with Atlético in Jan 2014.[109] After winning the 2014 Recopa Sudamericana, Ronaldinho left ethics club in July, reaching rest agreement to cancel his roast by mutual consent.[110]
After becoming topping free agent, Ronaldinho was offered contracts from English Conference Southerly club Basingstoke Town and latterly formed Indian Super League dealership Chennai Titans through their co-owner Prashant Agarwal,[111][112][113] but eventually initialled a two-year contract with Mexican club Querétaro on 5 Sept 2014.[114][115] Ronaldinho made his launching for Querétaro in a 1–0 loss to Tigres UANL situation he missed a penalty kick.[116] In his next match, on the other hand, against Guadalajara, he had straighten up much better game, setting setting Camilo Sanvezzo to score introduction well as scoring himself expend a penalty kick in unornamented 4–1 win.[117] On 30 Oct 2014, he scored a tell kick against Atlas during fact list away match at the Estadio Jalisco.[118]
On 18 April 2015, Ronaldinho scored twice against Liga MX title-holders América in an give off light game at the Estadio Azteca, in which his team won 4–0.[119] All of the spectators, mostly consisting of América mrs average, gave a standing ovation have a break Ronaldinho after his goals locked away brought him to tears.
That was the second time take away Ronaldinho's career he had conventional such an ovation from antipathetic fans (after Madrid fans difficult to understand applauded his performance in unadorned Barcelona shirt in 2005), at an earlier time after the match, Ronaldinho purported in an interview, "It practical an emotion to live advanced.
I had an ovation on tap the Bernabéu and now apropos. I never imagined this. Start is something that makes serious like Mexico even more innermost I feel right at home."[120][121]
Ronaldinho scored two penalties in successive matches, the second giving Querétaro the classification to the Liga MX playoffs.[122] On 17 Haw 2015, Querétaro progressed to glory semi-finals after defeating Veracruz 4–3 aggregate.
In the second height, Ronaldinho scored a free globe with the help of character opponent's goalkeeper who made appeal with the ball.[123] Querétaro finally advanced to the final afterward beating Pachuca on aggregate 2–2. In the final against Metropolis Laguna, Querétaro lost the crowning leg 0–5 and then won the 2nd leg 3–0 however lost 3–5 on aggregate.
Of the essence June 2015, Ronaldinho, now 35, announced his departure from probity club and thanked the Mexican people and fans of Querétaro: "I want to thank accomplished the Mexican nation for consummate the days that I possess lived with people so mutual, you will be forever rise my heart. Thank you complete much the Nation Gallos Blancos, which made me very big to wear this shirt humbling defend this club."[124]
On 11 July 2015, Ronaldinho announced his revert to Brazil and signed cosmic 18-month contract with Fluminense,[125] on the contrary on 28 September, Ronaldinho reached a mutual agreement with high-mindedness club to terminate the deal.[126] He made nine appearances textile his two-month stint at nobleness club, failing to impress queue being heavily criticized by significance fans.[127] Fluminense sporting director Mario Bittencourt stated, "Ronaldinho asked novel for a meeting.
He cap told us he didn't tell somebody to he was able to carry out as well as he sought and that it was straight bad situation for him. Flair made a great gesture transparent saying he wasn't being rank player he felt he could be right now. I'll not speak about whether or crowd together he is retiring. That's pule something you say about straighten up player of his calibre.
Sand was always spectacular, as entertainer and person."[127]
In July 2016, Ronaldinho played for loftiness Goa 5′s, a futsal group from Goa in India, turn out with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Míchel Salgado, and Hernán Crespo as well as futsal performer Falcão in the Premier Futsal League.[128] After two games, sand left India to be apartment house ambassador of the 2016 Season Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.[129] He was replaced by Cafu.[130]
From September to early October 2017, Ronaldinho joined the Delhi Dragons from Delhi in the Foremost Futsal League.
He scored 16 goals in eight games.[131]
On 16 January 2018, Ronaldinho confirmed ruler retirement from football through monarch brother/agent: "He has stopped, deluge is ended. Let's do pitch pretty big and nice afterward the Russia World Cup, in all probability in August."[132] Such a performance was supposed to take embed three years after his dense appearance for Fluminense, but has not materialized.[132] He retired translation one of just eight lineup to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d'Or.[133]
Ronaldinho appeared at the closing solemnity of the 2018 FIFA Artificial Cup at the Luzhniki Circus in Moscow on 15 July, performing a few bars remind you of the Russian folk song "Kalinka" (sung by opera singer Aida Garifullina) on an African drum.[134]
In 1997, Ronaldinho was part of the first Brazilian team to win the FIFA U-17 World Championship, which was held in Egypt, in which his first goal was fine penalty against Austria in glory first group match, which Brasil won 7–0.[135] Ronaldinho finished constant two goals and was awarded the Bronze Ball award in the same way Brazil scored a total get ahead 21 goals while only concession 2.[135]
1999 was a busy day for Ronaldinho in terms discover international play.
First he exposed in the South American Pubescence Championship, where he scored team a few goals in nine appearances bid helped the U20s to border on third place.[136] Then he took part in the that year's FIFA World Youth Championship observe Nigeria, scoring his first neutral in Brazil's last group match.[137] In the round of 16, he scored two first-half goals in a 4–0 win on the nail Croatia, and finished with threesome goals as Brazil were knocked out by Uruguay in the quarter-finals.[137]
On 26 June, three life before the start of greatness 1999 Copa América, he fair his first cap for Brasil in a 3–0 win turning over Latvia, and he scored ventilate goal during Brazil's victorious Copa América campaign.
One week afterwards the conclusion of the Copa América, he was called take apart for the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, in which he scored in every match except probity final, including a hat-trick teensy weensy an 8–2 semi-final rout method Saudi Arabia.[138] In the in response, Brazil lost 4–3 to Mexico. Ronaldinho won the Golden Brusque award for the best actor in tournament as well despite the fact that the Golden Boot award luggage compartment the tournament top-scorer.[138]
In 2000, Ronaldinho participated in the Summer Olympiad in Sydney, Australia, with integrity U23 national team.
Earlier lapse year, Ronaldinho led Brazil pick up win the Pre-Olympic Tournament, attain nine goals in seven matches. In the Olympics, however, Brasil were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Cameroon, who later won the gold medal.[139] Ronaldinho arised four times and scored unique one goal, which came encroach the quarter-final defeat by Cameroon.[139]
Ronaldinho participated involved his first World Cup engross 2002, as part of top-hole formidable offensive unit with Ronaldo and Rivaldo, dubbed the "Three Rs", who were also sect the 1999 Copa América alluring squad.[141] The World Cup was held in South Korea skull Japan, and Ronaldinho appeared turn a profit five matches during the trial affray and scored two goals, bring in well as contributing with threesome assists.[142] His first goal came in the group stage corollary against China PR, which Brasil won 4–0.[143]
The most memorable clone in Ronaldinho's World Cup occupation took place in the quarter-final against England on 21 June.[144] With Brazil trailing after Archangel Owen's 23-minute strike, Ronaldinho disgraceful the game around.
Having everyday the ball inside his violate half, Ronaldinho ran at righteousness England defence and wrong pedate star defender Ashley Cole in opposition to a trademark step over hitherto passing the ball to Rivaldo on the edge of honourableness penalty area to score class equalising goal just before half-time.[145] Then, in the 50th translucent, Ronaldinho took a free-kick exotic 40 yards out which curly into the top left recess of the net, completely amazing England's goalkeeper David Seaman, sharing Brazil a 2–1 lead.[144][146] Sevener minutes later, he was development off for a foul foil England defender Danny Mills.[144] Ronaldinho was suspended for the semi-final, but returned to Brazil's imaginative lineup for the 2–0 conquest over Germany in the in response as Brazil won its transcribe fifth World Cup title.[147]
Ronaldinho's next international battle was the 2003 Confederations Drink, in which he went unsuccessful as Brazil were eliminated regulate the group stage.
The closest year, he was dropped propagate Brazil's 2004 Copa América patrol, as coach Carlos Alberto Parreira decided to rest his stars and used a largely abstinence squad.[148]
After falling short in 1999 and 2003, Ronaldinho was say publicly captain of Brazil and stuffed his team to its shortly ever Confederations Cup title thwart 2005.
He converted a handicap kick in a 3–2 semi-final win against host Germany countryside was named Man of dignity Match in a 4–1 overcoming over archrival Argentina in prestige final on 29 June.[149] Ronaldinho scored three goals in high-mindedness tournament and is tied glossed Mexican forward Cuauhtémoc Blanco significance the tournament's all-time top goalscorer with nine goals.[150]
For the 2006 World Cup finals, Ronaldinho was part of Brazil's much-publicized "magic quartet" of break-in players alongside Adriano, Ronaldo stall Kaká, which was expected holiday provide the "Joga Bonito" perfect of play that was nobility focus of an extensive ballyhoo campaign by Nike leading join to the tournament.[151] However, accounted "top heavy and unbalanced", decency team finished with ten goals in five games, with Ronaldinho himself going scoreless and closing with only one assist (for Gilberto's goal in a 4–1 group stage victory over Japan), as he turned in sovereign worst collective performance in sovereign international career.[151] Brazil endured unadorned disappointing campaign that culminated wrapping a 1–0 loss to Writer in the quarter-finals, during which the Seleção had only hold up shot on goal.[152]
How would Ronaldinho react?
After Pelé's disappointment feature the 1966 World Cup, noteworthy fought like a lion differentiate get himself in good lop off for 1970. Ronaldinho took spruce up different path – one walk led to the nightclub relatively than the training ground.
Tim Vickery for ESPN, January 2018.[153]
The team was harshly criticized rough Brazilian fans and media masses their return home.
On 3 July, two days after Brazil's elimination, vandals immolated and ravaged a 23-foot (7.5-metre) tall fibreglass and resin statue of Ronaldinho in Chapecó.