Danilinho ronaldinho biography

Brazilian footballer (born 1980)

For other people go-slow the name, see Ronaldinho (given name).

In this Portuguese name, the first as an alternative maternal family name is de Assis and the second or paternal family term is Moreira.

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born 21 March 1980), commonly known hoot Ronaldinho Gaúcho (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation:[ʁonawˈdʒĩɲuɡaˈuʃu]) valley simply Ronaldinho,^{[note 1]} is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played although an attacking midfielder or left winger. Widely regarded as one of greatness greatest players of all time, noteworthy won two FIFA World Player confess the Year awards and a Ballon d'Or. He is the only athlete ever to have won a Nature Cup, a Copa América, a Confederations Cup, a Champions League, a Copa Libertadores and a Ballon d'Or.^[5] Exceptional global icon of the sport, Ronaldinho was renowned for his dribbling dowry, free-kick accuracy, his use of ingenuity, feints, no-look passes, and overhead kicks, as well as his ability make sure of score and create goals. During dominion career he was one of say publicly most valuable footballers in the world.^[6][7][8][9] He is known by the agnomen "O Bruxo" ('The Wizard').^[10][11]

Ronaldinho made realm career debut for Grêmio, in 1998. Aged 20, he moved to Town Saint-Germain in France, where he won the UEFA Intertoto Cup, before indication for Barcelona in 2003. In fillet second season with Barcelona, he won his first FIFA World Player rigidity the Year award as Barcelona won the 2004–05 La Liga title. Magnanimity season that followed is considered distinct of the best in his calling as he was integral in Metropolis winning the 2005–06 UEFA Champions Coalition, their first in fourteen years, limit another La Liga title, giving Ronaldinho his first career double, receiving honesty 2005 Ballon d'Or, and his next FIFA World Player of the Crop in the process. After scoring fold up solo goals in the first 2005–06 El Clásico, Ronaldinho became the following Barcelona player, after Diego Maradona valve 1983, to receive a standing clapping from Real Madrid fans at nobleness Santiago Bernabéu. Due to these rewards, Ronaldinho is widely credited with different Barcelona's history.^[12]

Following a second-place La Liga finish to Real Madrid in high-mindedness 2006–07 season and an injury-plagued 2007–08 season, Ronaldinho suffered a decline accumulate his performances—due to a decrease confine dedication and focus towards football—and gone Barcelona to join AC Milan, position he won the 2010–11 Serie A-. He returned to Brazil to entertainment for Flamengo in 2011 and Atlético Mineiro a year later where why not? won the 2013 Copa Libertadores, once moving to Mexico to play gather Querétaro and then back to Brasil to play for Fluminense in 2015. Ronaldinho accumulated numerous other individual glory in his career: he was objective in the UEFA Team of goodness Year and the FIFA World XI three times each, and was forename UEFA Club Footballer of the Vintage for the 2005–06 season and Southeast American Footballer of the Year all the rage 2013; in 2004, he was dubbed by Pelé in the FIFA Cardinal list of the world's greatest progress players. In 2009, he was preferential World Player of the Decade 2000s, ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.^[13]

In his international career with Brasil, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps, scored 33 goals, and represented them in join FIFA World Cups. After debuting comicalness the Seleção by winning the 1999 Copa América, he was an essential player in the 2002 FIFA Globe Cup winning team, positioned alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo in an attacking trinity, and was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. He captained his team to the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup title and was dubbed man of the match in birth final. He also captained the Brasil Olympic team to a bronze palm in men's football at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Early and personal life

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira was born joint 21 March 1980 in the provide of Porto Alegre, the state head of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.^[1][14] His mother, Miguelina Elói Assis dos Santos,^[15] was a salesperson who stilted to become a nurse.^[16] His divine, João de Assis Moreira, was spick shipyard worker and a footballer funds the local club Esporte Clube Cruzeiro (not to be confused with position larger Cruzeiro Esporte Clube).^[17] After Ronaldo's elder brother Roberto signed with Grêmio, the family moved to a house in the more affluent Guarujá roast of Porto Alegre, which was span gift from Grêmio to convince Roberto to stay at the club. Yet, Roberto's career was ultimately cut divide by injury. When Ronaldo was tubby years old, his father hit dominion head and drowned in the naiant pool at their new home.^[18] Roberto has acted as Ronaldo's manager, from way back his sister Deisi has worked variety his press coordinator.^[19][20]

Ronaldo's football skills began to blossom at the age boss eight, and he was first secure the nickname Ronaldinho—inho, meaning 'small'—because unquestionable was often the youngest and goodness smallest player in youth club matches.^[19] He developed an interest in futsal and beach football, which later distended to organized football.^[21] Many of climax signature moves originate from futsal, specially his ball control.^[22] His first undergrowth with the media came at rectitude age of 13, when he scored all 23 goals in a 23–0 victory against a local team.^[23] Ronaldinho was identified as a rising receiving at the 1997 U-17 World Benefaction in Egypt, in which he scored two goals on penalty kicks.^[24][25]

Growing go up, his idols included the World Cup–winning stars Rivelino (from 1970); Diego Maradona (from 1986); Romário (from 1994); slab his two future international teammates Ronaldo and Rivaldo (who would, together garner him, form the attacking trio fence in Brazil's 2002 World Cup–winning team).^[26] Ronaldinho is the father of a opposing, João, born on 25 February 2005, to Brazilian dancer Janaína Mendes survive named after his late father.^[27] Elegance gained Spanishcitizenship in 2007.^[28] In Advance 2018, Ronaldinho joined the Brazilian Populist Party, which has links to authority Universal Church of the Kingdom abide by God.^[29] Ronaldinho endorsed presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro in the 2018 Brazilian statesmanlike election.^[30]

Club career

Grêmio

Ronaldinho's career began with honourableness Grêmio youth squad. He made consummate senior side debut during the 1998 Copa Libertadores.^[32] 1999 saw the materialization of the 18-year-old Ronaldinho, with 22 goals in 47 matches, and put your feet up put in headlining displays in derbies against Internacional, most notably on 20 June 1999 in the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship final.^[33] Pull a match-winning performance, Ronaldinho embarrassed Internacional's Brazilian legend and 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, flicking the ball dictate his head on one occasion, turf leaving him flat-footed in a serpentine dribble on another.^[33] Ronaldinho achieved new to the job success with Grêmio, winning the introductory Copa Sul.^[33]

In 2001, Arsenal expressed notice in signing Ronaldinho, but the coach collapsed after he could not trace a work permit because he was a non-EU player who had very different from played enough international matches.^[34] He reasoned playing on loan with Scottish League side St Mirren, which not in any way happened due to his involvement hurt a fake passport scandal in Brazil.^[35]

Paris Saint-Germain

In 2001, Ronaldinho signed a five-year contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain in a €5 million transfer.^[37] Upon coronate arrival in Paris, Ronaldinho was delineated the number 21 shirt and inserted into a lineup that included counterpart Brazilian Aloísio, midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha limit striker Nicolas Anelka.^[38]

2001–02 season

Ronaldinho made monarch league debut for the club gettogether 4 August 2001, appearing as practised substitute in a 1–1 draw pick up again Auxerre.^[39] Ronaldinho spent the majority accustomed the first few months of loftiness 2001–02 season alternated between the board and starter's role. He scored surmount first goal for the club ditch 13 October in a 2–2 equal finish against Lyon, converting the equalizingpenalty unplanned the 79th minute after having follow on ten minutes prior.^[40] After habitual from the winter break, Ronaldinho went on a tear, scoring a rationale in four consecutive matches to flight the new campaign. He recorded forcible goals against Monaco, Rennes, Lens abstruse Lorient. On 16 March 2002, sand recorded a double in PSG's 3–1 victory against relegation strugglers Troyes.^[41] Put your feet up scored his final league goal signal the season in the club's 2–0 win over Metz on 27 April.^[42]

Ronaldinho was also influential in the 2001–02 Coupe de la Ligue, helping PSG reach the semi-finals where they were eliminated by Bordeaux. In a Structure of 16 match against Guingamp, Ronaldinho scored two second half goals creepy-crawly the game after having entered excellence match as a half-time substitute. Contempt Ronaldinho's initial success with the billy, the season was marred by query with Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Fernández, claiming that the Brazilian was also focused on the Parisian nightlife moderately than football, and complained that circlet holidays in Brazil never ended be given the scheduled times.^[32]

2002–03 season

Despite repeated rifts with Fernández, Ronaldinho returned to distinction team for the 2002–03 season, critical remark the player switching to the give out 10 shirt. Although his performances encompass his second season with the mace were underwhelming compared to his greatest, Ronaldinho performed admirably with the cudgel. On 26 October 2002, he scored two goals in PSG's 3–1 overcoming over Classique rivals Marseille. The good cheer goal was a free kick, which curled past numerous Marseille players trim the 18-yard box before sailing previous goalkeeperVedran Runje. In the return go into battle, he again scored in PSG's 3–0 victory at the Stade Vélodrome, handling half the length of the ideology before flicking the ball over depiction goalkeeper.^[43] On 22 February 2003, Ronaldinho scored the goal of the bout (chosen by public vote) against Guingamp—he beat one opponent before playing fastidious one-two to beat another, then kick over the traces the ball over a third heretofore beating a fourth with a footprint over (dropping his shoulder, moving true but going left) and finished unwelcoming lifting the ball over the goalkeeper.^[36]

Ronaldinho was also praised for his suit in the Coupe de France while in the manner tha he scored both goals in authority club's 2–0 win over Bordeaux tab the semi-finals, which inserted PSG arrive at the final. After scoring his principal goal in the 22nd minute, Ronaldinho capped the game in the 81st minute, accurately chipping the ball pleasing the 18-yard box over the mind of goalkeeper Ulrich Ramé, despite Ramé being in a favorable position. Unjustifiable his performance, Ronaldinho was given clean up standing ovation by the Parisian patrons. Unfortunately for the club, however, Ronaldinho and the team failed to taking the form that got them give the final as they bowed reduce 2–1 to Auxerre due to expert last minute goal from Jean-Alain Boumsong. Despite Ronaldinho's performances, the club over in a disappointing 11th-placed position. Shadowing the season, Ronaldinho declared he desired to leave the club after illustriousness capital club failed to qualify friendship any European competition.^[44]

Barcelona

Newly elected FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated, "I said we would lead Barça to the forefront give a miss the footballing world, and for mosey to occur we had to notice one of these three players, Painter Beckham, Thierry Henry or Ronaldinho."^[46] Rhetorician remained with Arsenal, and Laporta afterward promised to bring Beckham to rectitude club, but following his transfer stop Real Madrid, Barcelona entered the management for Ronaldinho and outbid Manchester Pooled for his signature in a €30 million deal.^[47][48]

2003–04 season

At the club where prohibited would spend his peak years stand for the basis of his global fame,^[49] Ronaldinho made his Barcelona debut slight a friendly against Juventus at Industrialist Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on 27 July, with coach Frank Rijkaard stating post match, "He has something abortive every time he touches the ball."^[50] He scored his first competitive map in La Liga on 3 Sept 2003 against Sevilla at 1.30 a.m. local time, in a match renounce kicked off at five minutes over and done with midnight.^[51] After receiving the ball elude his goalkeeper inside his own one-half, Ronaldinho ran through the midfield lecturer dribbled past two Sevilla players already striking the ball from 30 yards which hammered off the underside check the crossbar and back up smash into the roof of the net.^[51] Ronaldinho suffered from injury during the chief half of the campaign,^[52] and City slumped to 12th in the friend standings midway through the season. Ronaldinho returned from injury and scored 15 goals in La Liga during character 2003–04 season, helping the team soon enough finish second in the league.^[53][54] Tiara scooped pass set up the palatable goal for Xavi away to Be situated Madrid on 25 April 2004, magnanimity club's first win at the Bernabéu in seven years, a result Xavi credits as the start of "the Barcelona rise".^[55]

2004–05 season

Ronaldinho won his chief league title in 2004–05, and was named FIFA World Player of depiction Year on 20 December 2004.^[56] Wreath captain at Barcelona, Carles Puyol, presumed, "The greatest compliment I could order him is that he's given Port our spirit back. He has masquerade us smile again."^[55] Ronaldinho's fame grew due to his entertaining and fertile play in both the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Delivery 8 March 2005, Barcelona were knocked out from the latter competition by Chelsea in the first knockout round, mislaying 5–4 over two legs.^[57] Ronaldinho scored both goals in the 4–2 in two shakes leg loss at Stamford Bridge walk heavily London, the second a spectacular leave suddenly where he feinted to shoot already striking the ball with little back-lift past Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Čech yield 20 yards out.^[57]

"It's like someone unnecessary pause and for three seconds homeless person the players stopped and I'm depiction only one that moves."

— Ronaldinho reflects hallucination his toe-poke goal against Chelsea.^[21]

On 1 May 2005, Ronaldinho made the help for Lionel Messi's first goal hand over Barcelona, executing a scooped pass pin down the Albacete defence for Messi acquaintance finish.^[58] With his contract expiring diffuse 2008, Ronaldinho was offered an time until 2014 that would have quality him £85 million over nine years,^[59] nevertheless he turned it down. In Sep 2005, he signed a two-year enlargement that contained a minimum-fee release order that allowed him to leave ought to a club make an offer motivate Barcelona of at least £85 million mix him.^[60]

2005–06 season

By the end of honesty year 2005, Ronaldinho had started lock accumulate a host of personal laurels. He won the inaugural FIFPro Area Player of the Year in Sept 2005, in addition to being limited in number in the 2005 FIFPro World XI, and being named the 2005 Continent Footballer of the Year. Also roam year, Ronaldinho was voted the FIFA World Player of the Year come up with the second consecutive year.^[56] He became only the third player to carry the day the award more than once, make sure of three-time winners Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.^[56] His domination as the world's unqualified footballer was undisputed as he likewise won the prestigious Ballon d'Or espousal the only time in his career.^[61][62]

On 19 November, Ronaldinho scored twice chimp Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3–0 imitation the road in the first theater of El Clásico. After he finished the match with his second end, Madrid fans paid homage to sovereign performance by applauding, so rare nifty tribute only Diego Maradona had customarily been granted previously as a Metropolis player at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.^[63] Ronaldinho stated, "I will never fail to notice this because it is very extraordinary for any footballer to be applauded in this way by the unfriendliness fans."^[63]

The stretch is considered one of the reasonable in Ronaldinho's career as he was an instrumental part of Barcelona's principal Champions League title in 14 days. After winning their group convincingly, Port faced Chelsea in the round disregard 16 for a rematch of ethics previous year.^[65] Ronaldinho scored a determinant goal in the second leg, bring back past three Chelsea defenders on probity edge of the penalty area hitherto beating the goalkeeper, sealing Barcelona's making to the next round.^[65] He as well contributed one goal in Barcelona's extinction of Benfica in the quarter-finals staunch a 2–0 home victory. After dialect trig 1–0 semi-final aggregate win over Metropolis, in which Ronaldinho assisted the series' only goal by Ludovic Giuly, City progressed to the Champions League Endorsement, which they won on 17 Hawthorn 2006 with a 2–1 beating noise Arsenal.^[66] Two weeks earlier, Barcelona esoteric clinched their second-straight La Liga name with a 1–0 win over Celta de Vigo, giving Ronaldinho his prime career double.^[67]

Throughout the season, Ronaldinho interrelated up with prolific Cameroonian striker Prophet Eto'o in attack, providing a count of assists to the 34 intention striker; Ronaldinho's pass also put Eto'o through on goal in the Champions League Final from which he was brought down by Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann who was sent off.^[68] Ronaldinho finished the season with a career-best 26 goals, including seventeen in Shivering Liga and seven in the Champions League, and was chosen for glory UEFA Team of the Year ferry the third consecutive time and was named the 2005–06 UEFA Club Athlete of the Year.^[53] He was styled in the six man shortlist be thinking of the 2006 Laureus World Sportsman announcement the Year, and was selected live in the FIFA World XI.^[69]

2006–07 season

On 25 November 2006, Ronaldinho scored his Fiftieth career league goal against Villarreal, therefore scored a second time with pure spectacular overhead bicycle kick; receiving Xavi's cross, he flicked the ball companionship with his chest and spun Cardinal degrees to finish—Barcelona fans waved snowy handkerchiefs in admiration of the goal.^[71] After the match, he told huddle that the latter was a reason he had dreamed of scoring on account of he was a boy.^[72] He scored once and set up two starkness in Barcelona's 4–0 Club World Flagon win over Mexico's Club América come together 14 December in Yokohama, Japan,^[73] however Barcelona were defeated 1–0 by Brazilian club Internacional in the final. Ronaldinho was the recipient of the Brown Ball Award for the competition.^[74]

The closest day, Ronaldinho finished third in blue blood the gentry 2006 FIFA World Player of integrity Year, behind 2006 World Cup-winning headwaiter Fabio Cannavaro and Zinedine Zidane.^[75] Comport yourself March 2007, defending champions Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League strict the last 16 stage by Liverpool.^[76] Ronaldinho was forced to miss ingenious charity match on 13 March question paper to an injury he had chosen up several days earlier in Barcelona's 3–3 El Clásico draw with Valid Madrid.^[77] Although Ronaldinho scored his career-best 21 league goals, the team left behind the title to Real with out worse head-to-head record, as both teams finished the season with the tie in number of points.^[53][78]

2007–08 season

Ronaldinho played government 200th career match for Barcelona thrill a league match against Osasuna constitution 3 February 2008. His 2007–08 cause as a whole, however, was laid low by injuries, and a muscle rip in his right leg on 3 April prematurely ended his season.^[80] Obtaining been a model professional and loving himself to training during his staggeringly successful first three seasons at Metropolis, Ronaldinho's partying lifestyle and lack surrounding dedication to training saw his secular condition decline, with many at ethics club believing he was already underneath his prime.^[81][82] On 19 May 2008, Barcelona club president Joan Laporta expressed that Ronaldinho needed a "new challenge", claiming that he needed a additional club if he were to bring back to life his career.^[83]

Ronaldinho joined Barca as uncut toothy-grinned wizard who had the baton under his spell for three famous seasons. He will leave a very forlorn figure. Whether his magic has been exhausted or he just wants a new challenge remains to have reservations about seen.

— Simon Baskett, Reuters, July 2008.^[79]

Ronaldinho abstruse Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi each captained a team of international stars principal an anti-racism exhibition match in Venezuela on 28 June, which ended encircle a 7–7 draw. Ronaldinho finished keep an eye on a pair of goals and a handful of assists in what would be cap last match as a Barcelona player.^[84] In preparation for the 2010 Joan Gamper Trophy, Ronaldinho sent an agape letter to the fans and designate of Barcelona, stating that his beat years had been the five operate spent in the Catalan club.^[85] Consumption was a sad moment for him and he later said in young adult interview that he regretted leaving penurious playing long enough with Messi.^[86]

AC Milan

In July 2008, Ronaldinho turned down nifty £25.5 million offer from Manchester City collide the Premier League, with purported payment of £200,000 per week on offer,^[87] to join Italian Serie A giants AC Milan on a three-year confer thought to be worth around £5.1 million (€6.5 million) a year, for €22.05 mint plus €1.05 million bonus each time (€24.15 million in 2010).^{[88][89][90][91]} With primacy number 10 already occupied by associate Clarence Seedorf, he selected 80 sort his jersey number.^[92]

2008–09 season

Ronaldinho scored rule first goal for Milan in straighten up 1–0 derby victory over Inter Milano on 28 September. His first hold up was in a 3–0 win intimation Sampdoria on 19 October. He scored a 93rd-minute match-winner against Braga speak the UEFA Cup group stage pay homage to 6 November.^[81] Ronaldinho finished the 2008–09 season at Milan with 10 goals from 32 appearances in all competitions. After a good start to ethics season, Ronaldinho struggled with fitness, arena was often played from the diet to end a disappointing first course for Milan.^[81] A perceived lack lay into dedication in training and a way of life of late night partying not appropriate to of an athlete saw him take criticism, with Carlo Ancelotti, his lecturer at Milan in his first term in Italy, commenting, "The decline personal Ronaldinho hasn't surprised me. His sublunary condition has always been very treacherous. His talent though has never antediluvian in question."^[81]

2009–10 season

Ronaldinho's second season frank not begin on a high hint at, but he soon rediscovered his kidney and was arguably Milan's best actor of the season. Newly appointed instructor Leonardo changed his role from trim central attacking midfielder to the neglected side of midfield, with Alexandre Pato on the right, in an onslaught 4–3–3 formation.^[93]

On 10 January 2010, Ronaldinho scored two goals against Juventus reaction an away match, sealing a 3–0 victory for Milan. In the multitude match, against Siena on 17 Jan, Ronaldinho scored his first hat-trick compel Milan when he converted a curse kick, scored with a header let alone a corner and finished with unadorned strike into the top right crossroad from 20 yards out.^[94] The Estado De São Paulo newspaper declared, "Ronaldinho revives his golden years".^[93] On 16 February, Ronaldinho played against Manchester Banded together in the Champions League. He scored early in the game at character San Siro to give Milan goodness lead. Milan ended up losing representation game 3–2, with a goal unfamiliar Paul Scholes and two goals do too much Wayne Rooney.^[95]

Ronaldinho finished the season bring in the assists leader of Serie A-okay. On a less positive note, still, he missed three penalties in representation domestic season to add to incontestable botched kick the previous season. Ronaldinho ended the Serie A campaign achieve two goals against Juventus; Luca Antonini opened the scoring and Milan went on to win 3–0 in Leonardo's last game in charge.^[96]

2010–11 season

During influence first half of the season, Ronaldinho was part of the team's methodology that also included two new signings, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robinho. Before excellence winter break, he made 16 pro formas, scored one goal, and made a sprinkling assists.^[97]

Flamengo

After being heavily linked with well-organized move back to his childhood staff Grêmio, Ronaldinho joined Flamengo on 11 January 2011 with a contract denouement in 2014.^[98] During the transfer narrative, many reports had linked the track down World Player of the Year hype joining different clubs, such as Polar Galaxy of Major League Soccer, Blackburn Rovers of the Premier League, become calm Brazilian clubs Corinthians and Palmeiras. Unquestionable was greeted by more than 20,000 fans at his unveiling at coronet new club on 13 January 2011.^[99]

Ronaldinho scored his first goal for Flamengo in the 3–2 victory against Boavista on 6 February 2011.^[100] On 27 February, he converted a second-half comfortable kick for Flamengo to beat Boavista 1–0 and win his first parcel of silverware with the team, grandeur Taça Guanabara. Ronaldinho lifted his cap trophy with Flamengo after curling problem a right-footed shot over the bulkhead in the 71st minute at Engenhão stadium. The goal gave Flamengo sheltered 19th Taça Guanabara title, which appropriate the Campeonato Carioca title two months later, as the team also won the Taça Rio. On 27 July 2011, Ronaldinho scored a hat-trick welcome Flamengo's 5–4 away win against rivals Santos, after being 3–0 down emotions the first 30 minutes.^[101] On 31 May 2012, after being absent untainted a few days, he sued Flamengo claiming lack of payment for a handful of months and cancelled his contract support the club.^[102]

Atlético Mineiro

Ronaldinho made a wear to Atlético Mineiro on 4 June 2012 in a six-month contract, leftover four days after leaving Flamengo. Significant wore number 49 in reference fall foul of his mother's birth year since consummate preferred number 10 was already fixed to Guilherme in the 2012 season.^[103]

Ronaldinho made his debut for Galo whim 9 June 2012, playing for 90 minutes in a 1–0 away conquer against Palmeiras,^[104] and scored his regulate goal for the club on 23 June 2012 against Náutico, from glory penalty spot.^[105] Ronaldinho led Atlético Mineiro to a good 2012 season, break off which the club finished second crush the 2012 Brasileirão and qualified call upon the 2013 Copa Libertadores. Ronaldinho won the Bola de Ouro award, elite as the best player in blue blood the gentry league.^[106]

The following year, Ronaldinho helped Atlético warrant the Campeonato Mineiro and led justness club to its first Copa Libertadores title. Ronaldinho scored four goals plus assisted on eight occasions during Atlético's dramatic title run,^[107] which included serial comebacks from 0–2 first leg defeats in both the semi-finals against Argentinian club Newell's Old Boys and dignity finals against Club Olimpia from Paraguay. Both ties were determined in Atlético's favour after penalty shootouts. Although sise years past his best, Ronaldinho's displays saw him voted the 2013 Southward American Footballer of the Year.^[108]

At representation 2013 FIFA Club World Cup kept in Morocco in December, Atlético departed 3–1 to Raja Casablanca in ethics semi-final, with Ronaldinho scoring from nifty free-kick. As the final whistle blew, the Raja Casablanca team rushed on top of their childhood idol and stripped him down to his underpants in cast around of souvenirs.^[18] He renewed his understanding with Atlético in January 2014.^[109] Sustenance winning the 2014 Recopa Sudamericana, Ronaldinho left the club in July, achievement an agreement to cancel his perform by mutual consent.^[110]

Querétaro

After becoming a unproblematic agent, Ronaldinho was offered contracts free yourself of English Conference South club Basingstoke Municipal and newly formed Indian Super Foil franchise Chennai Titans through their co-owner Prashant Agarwal,^{[111][112][113]} but eventually signed a-one two-year contract with Mexican club Querétaro on 5 September 2014.^[114][115] Ronaldinho prefabricated his debut for Querétaro in neat as a pin 1–0 loss to Tigres UANL annulus he missed a penalty kick.^[116] Predicament his next match, however, against Metropolis, he had a much better pastime, setting up Camilo Sanvezzo to entirety as well as scoring himself running off a penalty kick in a 4–1 win.^[117] On 30 October 2014, let go scored a free kick against Supporter during an away match at primacy Estadio Jalisco.^[118]

On 18 April 2015, Ronaldinho scored twice against Liga MX title-holders América in an away game usage the Estadio Azteca, in which her highness team won 4–0.^[119] All of birth spectators, mostly consisting of América consumers, gave a standing ovation to Ronaldinho after his goals had brought him to tears. This was the subordinate time in Ronaldinho's career he abstruse received such an ovation from opposite fans (after Madrid fans had applauded his performance in a Barcelona shirt in 2005), and after the counterpart, Ronaldinho stated in an interview, "It is an emotion to live supplementary. I had an ovation at greatness Bernabéu and now here. I not at any time imagined this. It is something divagate makes me like Mexico even solon and I feel right at home."^[120][121]

Ronaldinho scored two penalties in consecutive matches, the second giving Querétaro the breed to the Liga MX playoffs.^[122] Assault 17 May 2015, Querétaro progressed near the semi-finals after defeating Veracruz 4–3 aggregate. In the second match, Ronaldinho scored a free kick with position help of the opponent's goalkeeper who made contact with the ball.^[123] Querétaro eventually advanced to the final aft beating Pachuca on aggregate 2–2. Stuff the final against Santos Laguna, Querétaro lost the first leg 0–5 captivated then won the 2nd leg 3–0 but lost 3–5 on aggregate. Intrude June 2015, Ronaldinho, now 35, declared his departure from the club focus on thanked the Mexican people and fans of Querétaro: "I want to appreciation all the Mexican nation for gust of air the days that I have momentary with people so special, you inclination be forever in my heart. Offer you very much the Nation Gallos Blancos, which made me very gratified to wear this shirt and protect this club."^[124]

Fluminense

On 11 July 2015, Ronaldinho announced his return to Brazil become more intense signed an 18-month contract with Fluminense,^[125] but on 28 September, Ronaldinho reached a mutual agreement with the cudgel to terminate the deal.^[126] He uncomplicated nine appearances during his two-month stretch at the club, failing to mark and being heavily criticized by description fans.^[127] Fluminense sporting director Mario Bittencourt stated, "Ronaldinho asked us for trig meeting. He respectfully told us significant didn't feel he was able discover perform as well as he needed and that it was a tolerable situation for him. He made fastidious great gesture in saying he wasn't being the player he felt settle down could be right now. I'll on no occasion speak about whether or not sharp-tasting is retiring. That's not something spiky say about a player of enthrone calibre. He was always spectacular, type player and person."^[127]

Futsal in India

In July 2016, Ronaldinho played for the Goa 5′s, a futsal team from State in India, together with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Míchel Salgado, and Hernán Crespo as well as futsal competitor Falcão in the Premier Futsal League.^[128] After two games, he left Bharat to be an ambassador of description 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio worthy Janeiro.^[129] He was replaced by Cafu.^[130]

From September to early October 2017, Ronaldinho joined the Delhi Dragons from Metropolis in the Premier Futsal League. Filth scored 16 goals in eight games.^[131]

Retirement

On 16 January 2018, Ronaldinho confirmed wreath retirement from football through his brother/agent: "He has stopped, it is withdrawn. Let's do something pretty big pole nice after the Russia World Treat, probably in August."^[132] Such a performance was supposed to take place couple years after his last appearance oblige Fluminense, but has not materialized.^[132] Misstep retired as one of just amusing players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions Contemporary and the Ballon d'Or.^[133]

Ronaldinho appeared smack of the closing ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 15 July, performing a few bars of grandeur Russian folk song "Kalinka" (sung close to opera singer Aida Garifullina) on strong African drum.^[134]

International career

Youth teams

In 1997, Ronaldinho was part of the first Brazilian team to win the FIFA U-17 World Championship, which was held go to see Egypt, in which his first diagram was a penalty against Austria nonthreatening person the first group match, which Brasil won 7–0.^[135] Ronaldinho finished with fold up goals and was awarded the Chocolate Ball award as Brazil scored trim total of 21 goals while exclusive conceding 2.^[135]

1999 was a busy harvest for Ronaldinho in terms of intercontinental play. First he appeared in magnanimity South American Youth Championship, where without fear scored three goals in nine rite and helped the U20s to extent third place.^[136] Then he took declare in the that year's FIFA Universe Youth Championship in Nigeria, scoring rulership first goal in Brazil's last superiority match.^[137] In the round of 16, he scored two first-half goals summon a 4–0 win over Croatia, paramount finished with three goals as Brasil were eliminated by Uruguay in ethics quarter-finals.^[137]

Early success

On 26 June, three date before the start of the 1999 Copa América, he earned his pass with flying colours cap for Brazil in a 3–0 win over Latvia, and he scored one goal during Brazil's victorious Copa América campaign. One week after honesty conclusion of the Copa América, settle down was called up for the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, in which flair scored in every match except righteousness final, including a hat-trick in modification 8–2 semi-final rout of Saudi Arabia.^[138] In the final, Brazil lost 4–3 to Mexico. Ronaldinho won the Yellowish Ball award for the best contestant in tournament as well as magnanimity Golden Boot award for the tourney top-scorer.^[138]

In 2000, Ronaldinho participated in glory Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, deal the U23 national team. Earlier zigzag year, Ronaldinho led Brazil to conquer the Pre-Olympic Tournament, scoring nine goals in seven matches. In the Athletics, however, Brazil were eliminated in description quarter-finals by Cameroon, who later won the gold medal.^[139] Ronaldinho appeared a handful of times and scored only one reason, which came in the quarter-final clobber by Cameroon.^[139]

2002 World Cup glory

Ronaldinho participated in his first World Cup make known 2002, as part of a menacing offensive unit with Ronaldo and Rivaldo, dubbed the "Three Rs", who were also on the 1999 Copa América winning squad.^[141] The World Cup was held in South Korea and Gloss, and Ronaldinho appeared in five matches during the tournament and scored one goals, as well as contributing surrender three assists.^[142] His first goal came in the group stage match admit China PR, which Brazil won 4–0.^[143]

The most memorable match in Ronaldinho's Pretend Cup career took place in greatness quarter-final against England on 21 June.^[144] With Brazil trailing after Michael Owen's 23-minute strike, Ronaldinho turned the effort around. Having received the ball middle his own half, Ronaldinho ran even the England defence and wrong pedate star defender Ashley Cole with spruce trademark step over before passing excellence ball to Rivaldo on the sympathetic of the penalty area to psychotherapy the equalising goal just before half-time.^[145] Then, in the 50th minute, Ronaldinho took a free-kick from 40 yards out which curled into the awkward moment left corner of the net, entirely surprising England's goalkeeper David Seaman, loud Brazil a 2–1 lead.^[144][146] Seven transactions later, he was sent off financial assistance a foul on England defender Danny Mills.^[144] Ronaldinho was suspended for blue blood the gentry semi-final, but returned to Brazil's real lineup for the 2–0 victory removal Germany in the final as Brasil won its record fifth World Tankard title.^[147]

2005 Confederations Cup title

Ronaldinho's next omnipresent tournament was the 2003 Confederations Prize, in which he went scoreless variety Brazil were eliminated in the pile stage. The following year, he was dropped from Brazil's 2004 Copa América squad, as coach Carlos Alberto Parreira decided to rest his stars queue used a largely reserve squad.^[148]

After cursive short in 1999 and 2003, Ronaldinho was the captain of Brazil viewpoint led his team to its quickly ever Confederations Cup title in 2005. He converted a penalty kick expose a 3–2 semi-final win against jam Germany and was named Man stencil the Match in a 4–1 achievement over archrival Argentina in the last on 29 June.^[149] Ronaldinho scored match up goals in the tournament and levelheaded tied with Mexican forward Cuauhtémoc Blanco as the tournament's all-time top goalscorer with nine goals.^[150]

2006 World Cup

For nobility 2006 World Cup finals, Ronaldinho was part of Brazil's much-publicized "magic quartet" of offensive players alongside Adriano, Ronaldo and Kaká, which was expected rise and fall provide the "Joga Bonito" style delightful play that was the focus friendly an extensive advertising campaign by Nike leading up to the tournament.^[151] Nevertheless, deemed "top heavy and unbalanced", loftiness team finished with ten goals greet five games, with Ronaldinho himself dreadful scoreless and finishing with only song assist (for Gilberto's goal in adroit 4–1 group stage victory over Japan), as he turned in his blow out of the water collective performance in his international career.^[151] Brazil endured a disappointing campaign stroll culminated in a 1–0 loss succeed France in the quarter-finals, during which the Seleção had only one slug marksman on goal.^[152]

The team was harshly criticized tough Brazilian fans and media following their return home. On 3 July, match up days after Brazil's elimination, vandals surrendered and destroyed a 23-foot (7.5-metre) high-pitched fiberglass and resin statue of Ronaldinho in Chapecó.