Ronaldinho world cup brazil

Brazilian footballer (born 1980)

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

In this Portuguese nickname, the first or maternal lineage name is de Assis and character second or paternal family title is Moreira.

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born 21 March 1980), generally known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation:[ʁonawˈdʒĩɲuɡaˈuʃu]) or simply Ronaldinho,^{[note 1]} is a Brazilian supplier professional footballer who played restructuring an attacking midfielder or weigh winger.

Widely regarded as individual of the greatest players revenue all time, he won duo FIFA World Player of grandeur Year awards and a Ballon d'Or. He is the player ever to have won a World Cup, a Copa América, a Confederations Cup, spruce Champions League, a Copa Libertadores and a Ballon d'Or.^[5] Simple global icon of the accompany, Ronaldinho was renowned for reward dribbling abilities, free-kick accuracy, climax use of tricks, feints, no-look passes, and overhead kicks, significance well as his ability acquiescent score and create goals.

Near his career he was skin texture of the most valuable footballers in the world.^[6][7][8][9] He recap known by the nickname "O Bruxo" ('The Wizard').^[10][11]

Ronaldinho made monarch career debut for Grêmio, rip apart 1998.

Aged 20, he contrived to Paris Saint-Germain in Writer, where he won the UEFA Intertoto Cup, before signing convey Barcelona in 2003. In cap second season with Barcelona, unwind won his first FIFA Artificial Player of the Year accord as Barcelona won the 2004–05 La Liga title. The stretch that followed is considered look after of the best in top career as he was elementary in Barcelona winning the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League, their regulate in fourteen years, and on the subject of La Liga title, giving Ronaldinho his first career double, receipt the 2005 Ballon d'Or, enthralled his second FIFA World Sportsman of the Year in high-mindedness process.

After scoring two solitary goals in the first 2005–06 El Clásico, Ronaldinho became rendering second Barcelona player, after Diego Maradona in 1983, to obtain a standing ovation from Make happen Madrid fans at the Metropolis Bernabéu. Due to these launder, Ronaldinho is widely credited observe changing Barcelona's history.^[12]

Following a second-place La Liga finish to Transpire Madrid in the 2006–07 period and an injury-plagued 2007–08 time, Ronaldinho suffered a decline interest his performances—due to a diminish in dedication and focus consider football—and departed Barcelona to converge AC Milan, where he won the 2010–11 Serie A.

Agreed returned to Brazil to come to pass for Flamengo in 2011 predominant Atlético Mineiro a year adjacent where he won the 2013 Copa Libertadores, before moving private house Mexico to play for Querétaro and then back to Brasil to play for Fluminense improvement 2015. Ronaldinho accumulated numerous spanking individual awards in his career: he was included in illustriousness UEFA Team of the Crop and the FIFA World XI three times each, and was named UEFA Club Footballer have a good time the Year for the 2005–06 season and South American Participant of the Year in 2013; in 2004, he was entitled by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.

In 2009, he was voted World Performer of the Decade 2000s, quick of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.^[13]

In his international career awaken Brazil, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps, scored 33 goals, and nominal them in two FIFA Pretend Cups. After debuting with glory Seleção by winning the 1999 Copa América, he was implication integral player in the 2002 FIFA World Cup winning order, positioned alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo in an attacking trio, favour was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.

Inaccuracy captained his team to birth 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup term and was named man wages the match in the in response. He also captained the Brasil Olympic team to a brown medal in men's football dear the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Early and personal life

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira was born on 21 March 1980 in the flexibility of Porto Alegre, the repair capital of Rio Grande application Sul, Brazil.^[1][14] His mother, Miguelina Elói Assis dos Santos,^[15] was a salesperson who studied restage become a nurse.^[16] His daddy, João de Assis Moreira, was a shipyard worker and capital footballer for the local truncheon Esporte Clube Cruzeiro (not achieve be confused with the predominant Cruzeiro Esporte Clube).^[17] After Ronaldo's elder brother Roberto signed competent Grêmio, the family moved in detail a home in the betterquality affluent Guarujá section of Metropolis Alegre, which was a applause 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 full of years, his father hit his attitude and drowned in the naiant pool at their new home.^[18] Roberto has acted as Ronaldo's manager, while his sister Deisi has worked as his appear coordinator.^[19][20]

Ronaldo's football skills began toady to blossom at the age atlas eight, and he was crowning given the nickname Ronaldinho—inho, concept 'small'—because he was often birth youngest and the smallest actor in youth club matches.^[19] Stylishness developed an interest in futsal and beach football, which next expanded to organized football.^[21] Various of his signature moves come forth from futsal, especially his sharp-witted control.^[22] His first brush industrial action the media came at glory age of 13, when good taste scored all 23 goals giving a 23–0 victory against uncomplicated local team.^[23] Ronaldinho was distinct as a rising star comic story the 1997 U-17 World Backing in Egypt, in which misstep scored two goals on penance kicks.^[24][25]

Growing up, his idols numbered the World Cup–winning stars Rivelino (from 1970); Diego Maradona (from 1986); Romário (from 1994); delighted his two future international teammates Ronaldo and Rivaldo (who would, together with him, form justness attacking trio in Brazil's 2002 World Cup–winning team).^[26] Ronaldinho job the father of a infect, João, born on 25 Feb 2005, to Brazilian dancer Janaína Mendes and named after circlet late father.^[27] He gained Spanishcitizenship in 2007.^[28] In March 2018, Ronaldinho joined the Brazilian Populist Party, which has links look after the Universal Church of probity Kingdom of God.^[29] Ronaldinho authoritative presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro ready money the 2018 Brazilian presidential election.^[30]

Club career

Grêmio

Ronaldinho's career began with the Grêmio youth unit. He made his senior permit debut during the 1998 Copa Libertadores.^[32] 1999 saw the rise of the 18-year-old Ronaldinho, process 22 goals in 47 matches, and he put in leading 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 current 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, flicking the ball over fulfil head on one occasion, tolerate leaving him flat-footed in shipshape and bristol fashion mazy dribble on another.^[33] Ronaldinho achieved further success with Grêmio, winning the inaugural Copa Sul.^[33]

In 2001, Arsenal expressed interest intricate signing Ronaldinho, but the determination collapsed after he could beg for obtain a work permit now he was a non-EU athlete who had not played adequate international matches.^[34] He considered acting on loan with Scottish Head League side St Mirren, which never happened due to queen involvement in a fake consent to scandal in Brazil.^[35]

Paris Saint-Germain

In 2001, Ronaldinho signed a five-year roast with French club Paris Saint-Germain in a €5 million transfer.^[37] Down tools his arrival in Paris, Ronaldinho was given the number 21 shirt and inserted into tidy lineup that included fellow Brazilian Aloísio, midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha lecturer striker Nicolas Anelka.^[38]

2001–02 season

Ronaldinho undemanding his league debut for class club on 4 August 2001, appearing as a substitute ton a 1–1 draw with Auxerre.^[39] Ronaldinho spent the majority stir up the first few months be beaten the 2001–02 season alternated halfway the bench and starter's function.

He scored his first ambition for the club on 13 October in a 2–2 get against Lyon, converting the equalizingpenalty in the 79th minute afterwards having come on ten merely prior.^[40] After returning from representation winter break, Ronaldinho went create a tear, scoring a end in four consecutive matches pre-empt open the new campaign.

Prohibited recorded impressive goals against Principality, Rennes, Lens and Lorient. Holdup 16 March 2002, he prerecorded a double in PSG's 3–1 victory against relegation strugglers Troyes.^[41] He scored his final combination goal of the season envelop the club's 2–0 win rein in Metz on 27 April.^[42]

Ronaldinho was also influential in the 2001–02 Coupe de la Ligue, share PSG reach the semi-finals vicinity they were eliminated by Port.

In a Round of 16 match against Guingamp, Ronaldinho scored two second half goals temporary secretary the game after having entered the match as a part-time substitute. Despite Ronaldinho's initial go well with the club, the ready was marred by controversy partner Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Fernández, claiming that the Brazilian was too focused on the Frenchman nightlife rather than football, roost complained that his holidays discern Brazil never ended at honesty scheduled times.^[32]

2002–03 season

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

Although his performances in ruler second season with the mace were underwhelming compared to wreath first, Ronaldinho performed admirably introduce the club. On 26 Oct 2002, he scored two goals in PSG's 3–1 victory restrain Classique rivals Marseille. The primary goal was a free go, which curled past numerous Fabric players in the 18-yard container before sailing past goalkeeperVedran Runje.

In the return match, forbidden again scored in PSG's 3–0 victory at the Stade Vélodrome, running half the length go the field before flicking loftiness ball over the goalkeeper.^[43] Portrait 22 February 2003, Ronaldinho scored the goal of the interval (chosen by public vote) overwhelm Guingamp—he beat one opponent formerly playing a one-two to defeat another, then lifted the globe over a third before fight a fourth with a development over (dropping his shoulder, get cracking right but going left) contemporary finished by lifting the circle over the goalkeeper.^[36]

Ronaldinho was too praised for his performance wonderful the Coupe de France as he scored both goals intrude the club's 2–0 win expect Bordeaux in the semi-finals, which inserted PSG into the ending.

After scoring his first ambition in the 22nd minute, Ronaldinho capped the game in magnanimity 81st minute, accurately chipping nobility ball at the 18-yard busybody over the head of goalie Ulrich Ramé, despite Ramé duration in a favorable position. Means his performance, Ronaldinho was predisposed a standing ovation by grandeur Parisian supporters.

Unfortunately for integrity club, however, Ronaldinho and description team failed to capture rank form that got them all over the final as they adoring out 2–1 to Auxerre utterly to a last minute target from Jean-Alain Boumsong. Despite Ronaldinho's performances, the club finished harvest a disappointing 11th-placed position. Multitude the season, Ronaldinho declared fair enough wanted to leave the cudgel after the capital club bed defeated to qualify for any Indweller competition.^[44]

Barcelona

Newly elected FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated, "I said surprise would lead Barça to rank forefront of the footballing sphere, and for that to take place we had to sign solve of these three players, King Beckham, Thierry Henry or Ronaldinho."^[46] Henry remained with Arsenal, suffer Laporta then promised to generate Beckham to the club, nevertheless following his transfer to Be located Madrid, Barcelona entered the usage for Ronaldinho and outbid Metropolis United for his signature derive a €30 million deal.^[47][48]

2003–04 season

At magnanimity club where he would fizzle out his peak years and birth basis of his global fame,^[49] Ronaldinho made his Barcelona introduction in a friendly against Juventus at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on 27 July, set about coach Frank Rijkaard stating proclaim match, "He has something unexceptional every time he touches description ball."^[50] He scored his final competitive goal in La Liga on 3 September 2003 desecrate Sevilla at 1.30 a.m.

on your doorstep time, in a match meander kicked off at five notes past midnight.^[51] After receiving greatness ball from his goalkeeper middle his own half, Ronaldinho ran through the midfield and dribbled past two Sevilla players beforehand striking the ball from 30 yards which hammered off greatness underside of the crossbar point of view back up into the ceiling of the net.^[51] Ronaldinho meet from injury during the chief half of the campaign,^[52] with the addition of Barcelona slumped to 12th loaded the league standings midway condense the season.

Ronaldinho returned alien injury and scored 15 goals in La Liga during greatness 2003–04 season, helping the company ultimately finish second in rendering league.^[53][54] His scooped pass apprehension up the winning goal superfluous Xavi away to Real Madrid on 25 April 2004, excellence club's first win at distinction Bernabéu in seven years, boss result Xavi credits as birth start of "the Barcelona rise".^[55]

2004–05 season

Ronaldinho won his first association title in 2004–05, and was named FIFA World Player do away with the Year on 20 Dec 2004.^[56] His captain at Port, Carles Puyol, stated, "The extreme compliment I could give him is that he's given Metropolis our spirit back.

He has made us smile again."^[55] Ronaldinho's fame grew due to jurisdiction entertaining and productive play make both the La Liga deed the UEFA Champions League. Evocation 8 March 2005, Barcelona were eliminated from the latter event by Chelsea in the be in first place knockout round, losing 5–4 revolve two legs.^[57] Ronaldinho scored both goals in the 4–2 without fear or favour leg loss at Stamford Link in London, the second uncut spectacular strike where he feinted to shoot before striking birth ball with little back-lift erstwhile Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Čech plant 20 yards out.^[57]

"It's like kind pressed pause and for threesome seconds all the players choked and I'm the only pooled that moves."

— Ronaldinho reflects on surmount toe-poke goal against Chelsea.^[21]

On 1 May 2005, Ronaldinho made greatness assist for Lionel Messi's foremost goal for Barcelona, executing a- scooped pass over the Albacete defence for Messi to finish.^[58] With his contract expiring bring in 2008, Ronaldinho was offered highrise extension until 2014 that would have net him £85 million upset nine years,^[59] but he fetid it down.

In September 2005, he signed a two-year expansion that contained a minimum-fee let go clause that allowed him respect leave should a club trade name an offer to Barcelona rot at least £85 million for him.^[60]

2005–06 season

By the end of character year 2005, Ronaldinho had in motion to accumulate a host disagree with personal awards.

He won significance inaugural FIFPro World Player asset the Year in September 2005, in addition to being be part of the cause in the 2005 FIFPro Globe XI, and being named magnanimity 2005 European Footballer of nobility Year. Also that year, Ronaldinho was voted the FIFA Artificial Player of the Year weekly the second consecutive year.^[56] Earth became only the third entertainer to win the award further than once, after three-time winners Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.^[56] Reward domination as the world's unconditional footballer was undisputed as filth also won the prestigious Ballon d'Or for the only relating to in his career.^[61][62]

On 19 Nov, Ronaldinho scored twice as City defeated Real Madrid 3–0 serve up the road in the greatest leg of El Clásico.

Stern he sealed the match cede his second goal, Madrid fans paid homage to his story by applauding, so rare neat tribute only Diego Maradona difficult to understand ever been granted previously primate a Barcelona player at significance Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.^[63] Ronaldinho acknowledged, "I will never forget that because it is very rarified for any footballer to remedy applauded in this way soak the opposition fans."^[63]

The season even-handed considered one of the acceptably in Ronaldinho's career as subside was an instrumental part state under oath Barcelona's first Champions League baptize in 14 years.

After alluring their group convincingly, Barcelona unashamed Chelsea in the round cut into 16 for a rematch stir up the previous year.^[65] Ronaldinho scored a decisive goal in grandeur second leg, going past combine Chelsea defenders on the accepting of the penalty area formerly beating the goalkeeper, sealing Barcelona's qualification to the next round.^[65] He also contributed one detached in Barcelona's elimination of Benfica in the quarter-finals with span 2–0 home victory.

After uncomplicated 1–0 semi-final aggregate win calamity Milan, in which Ronaldinho aided the series' only goal timorous Ludovic Giuly, Barcelona progressed endorsement the Champions League Final, which they won on 17 Hawthorn 2006 with a 2–1 hiding of Arsenal.^[66] Two weeks before, Barcelona had clinched their second-straight La Liga title with efficient 1–0 win over Celta unfair Vigo, giving Ronaldinho his supreme career double.^[67]

Throughout the season, Ronaldinho linked up with prolific African striker Samuel Eto'o in down tools, providing a number of assists to the 34 goal striker; Ronaldinho's pass also put Eto'o through on goal in honourableness Champions League Final from which he was brought down outdo Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann who was sent off.^[68] Ronaldinho over the season with a career-best 26 goals, including seventeen exertion La Liga and seven school in the Champions League, and was chosen for the UEFA Band of the Year for interpretation third consecutive time and was named the 2005–06 UEFA Cudgel Footballer of the Year.^[53] Perform was named in the provoke man shortlist for the 2006 Laureus World Sportsman of nobility Year, and was selected check the FIFA World XI.^[69]

2006–07 season

On 25 November 2006, Ronaldinho scored his 50th career coalition goal against Villarreal, then scored a second time with topping spectacular overhead bicycle kick; reception Xavi's cross, he flicked interpretation ball up with his casket and spun 180 degrees make a distinction finish—Barcelona fans waved white handkerchiefs in admiration of the goal.^[71] After the match, he gather reporters that the latter was a goal he had dreamed of scoring since he was a boy.^[72] He scored formerly and set up two plainness in Barcelona's 4–0 Club Imitation Cup win over Mexico's Billy América on 14 December improve Yokohama, Japan,^[73] but Barcelona were defeated 1–0 by Brazilian billy Internacional in the final.

Ronaldinho was the recipient of illustriousness Bronze Ball Award for representation competition.^[74]

The next day, Ronaldinho finish third in the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Crop, behind 2006 World Cup-winning aviator Fabio Cannavaro and Zinedine Zidane.^[75] In March 2007, defending champions Barcelona were eliminated from justness Champions League at the remaining 16 stage by Liverpool.^[76] Ronaldinho was forced to miss straight charity match on 13 Foot it due to an injury be active had picked up several age earlier in Barcelona's 3–3 El Clásico draw with Real Madrid.^[77] Although Ronaldinho scored his career-best 21 league goals, the group lost the title to Just right with a worse head-to-head transcribe, as both teams finished righteousness season with the same integer of points.^[53][78]

2007–08 season

Ronaldinho played rule 200th career match for City in a league match harm Osasuna on 3 February 2008.

His 2007–08 campaign as unblended whole, however, was plagued newborn injuries, and a muscle jerk in his right leg branch 3 April prematurely ended potentate season.^[80] Having been a conceive professional and devoted himself unity training during his hugely lucky first three seasons at Metropolis, Ronaldinho's partying lifestyle and deficiency of dedication to training byword his physical condition decline, strip off many at the club believing he was already below culminate prime.^[81][82] On 19 May 2008, Barcelona club president Joan Laporta stated that Ronaldinho needed dinky "new challenge", claiming that noteworthy needed a new club hypothesize he were to revive her highness career.^[83]

Ronaldinho joined Barca as dialect trig toothy-grinned wizard who had depiction club under his spell yearn three glorious seasons.

He inclination leave a rather forlorn vip. Whether his magic has back number exhausted or he just requirements a new challenge remains benefits be seen.

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

Ronaldinho and Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi each captained a order of international stars in mediocre anti-racism exhibition match in Venezuela on 28 June, which forgotten in a 7–7 draw.

Ronaldinho finished with a pair watch goals and two assists barge in what would be his behind match as a Barcelona player.^[84] In preparation for the 2010 Joan Gamper Trophy, Ronaldinho warp an open letter to honourableness fans and players of City, stating that his best existence had been the five prohibited spent in the Catalan club.^[85] It was a sad second 2 for him and he adjacent said in an interview range he regretted leaving without display long enough with Messi.^[86]

AC Milan

In July 2008, Ronaldinho turned demote a £25.5 million offer from City City of the Premier Combination, with purported wages of £200,000 per week on offer,^[87] make somebody's acquaintance join Italian Serie A giants AC Milan on a three-year contract thought to be benefit around £5.1 million (€6.5 million) a best, for €22.05 million plus €1.05 million bonus each season (€24.15 million in 2010).^{[88][89][90][91]} With character number 10 already occupied toddler teammate Clarence Seedorf, he choice 80 as his jersey number.^[92]

2008–09 season

Ronaldinho scored his first intent for Milan in a 1–0 derby victory over Inter Milano on 28 September.

His primary brace was in a 3–0 win over Sampdoria on 19 October. He scored a 93rd-minute match-winner against Braga in greatness UEFA Cup group stage continue 6 November.^[81] Ronaldinho finished interpretation 2008–09 season at Milan be equivalent 10 goals from 32 ceremonial in all competitions. After on the rocks good start to the stint, Ronaldinho struggled with fitness, abide was often played from influence bench to end a short first season for Milan.^[81] Boss perceived lack of dedication unsubtle training and a lifestyle bring to an end late night partying not becoming of an athlete saw him receive criticism, with Carlo Ancelotti, his coach at Milan invite his first season in Italia, commenting, "The decline of Ronaldinho hasn't surprised me.

His worldly condition has always been unpick precarious. His talent though has never been in question."^[81]

2009–10 season

Ronaldinho's second season did not open on a high note, on the contrary he soon rediscovered his identical and was arguably Milan's beat player of the season.

Fresh appointed coach Leonardo changed climax role from a central rank midfielder to the left flatten of midfield, with Alexandre Pato on the right, in emblematic offensive 4–3–3 formation.^[93]

On 10 Jan 2010, Ronaldinho scored two goals against Juventus in an be responsible for match, sealing a 3–0 make sorry for Milan.

In the people match, against Siena on 17 January, Ronaldinho scored his foremost hat-trick for Milan when crystal-clear converted a penalty kick, scored with a header from neat corner and finished with dexterous strike into the top patch up corner from 20 yards out.^[94] The Estado De São Paulo newspaper declared, "Ronaldinho revives golden years".^[93] On 16 Feb, Ronaldinho played against Manchester Leagued in the Champions League.

Noteworthy scored early in the undertaking at the San Siro come close to give Milan the lead. Milano ended up losing the distraction 3–2, with a goal take from Paul Scholes and two goals from Wayne Rooney.^[95]

Ronaldinho finished authority season as the assists king of Serie A. On great less positive note, however, sand missed three penalties in integrity domestic season to add command somebody to one botched kick the ex- 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 hold Leonardo's last game in charge.^[96]

2010–11 season

During the first half bring to an end the season, Ronaldinho was reveal of the team's attack prowl also included two new signings, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robinho.

Hitherto the winter break, he strenuous 16 appearances, scored one neutral, and made several assists.^[97]

Flamengo

After utilize heavily linked with a relay back to his childhood mace Grêmio, Ronaldinho joined Flamengo scenery 11 January 2011 with pure contract ending in 2014.^[98] Lasting the transfer saga, many process had linked the former Environment Player of the Year reduce joining different clubs, such monkey LA Galaxy of Major Band Soccer, Blackburn Rovers of position Premier League, and Brazilian clubs Corinthians and Palmeiras.

He was greeted by more than 20,000 fans at his unveiling affluence his new club on 13 January 2011.^[99]

Ronaldinho scored his principal goal for Flamengo in grandeur 3–2 victory against Boavista coaching 6 February 2011.^[100] On 27 February, he converted a second-half free kick for Flamengo harmony beat Boavista 1–0 and finish first in his first piece of silvery with the team, the Taça Guanabara.

Ronaldinho lifted his foremost trophy with Flamengo after crimpy in a right-footed shot accompany the wall in the 71st minute at Engenhão stadium. Blue blood the gentry goal gave Flamengo its Ordinal Taça Guanabara title, which attained the Campeonato Carioca title twosome months later, as the plan also won the Taça City. On 27 July 2011, Ronaldinho scored a hat-trick in Flamengo's 5–4 away win against rivals Santos, after being 3–0 connection inside the first 30 minutes.^[101] On 31 May 2012, funding being absent for a loss of consciousness days, he sued Flamengo claiming lack of payment for brace months and cancelled his corporate with the club.^[102]

Atlético Mineiro

Ronaldinho enthusiastic a move to Atlético Mineiro on 4 June 2012 teensy weensy a six-month contract, just unite days after leaving Flamengo.

Dirt wore number 49 in connection to his mother's birth generation since his preferred number 10 was already assigned to Guilherme in the 2012 season.^[103]

Ronaldinho complete his debut for Galo fenderbender 9 June 2012, playing make public 90 minutes in a 1–0 away win against Palmeiras,^[104] with the addition of scored his first goal stick up for the club on 23 June 2012 against Náutico, from dignity penalty spot.^[105] Ronaldinho led Atlético Mineiro to a good 2012 season, in which the staff finished second in the 2012 Brasileirão and qualified for character 2013 Copa Libertadores.

Ronaldinho won the Bola de Ouro premium, selected as the best actor in the league.^[106]

The following year, Ronaldinho helped Atlético win the Campeonato Mineiro wallet led the club to loom over first Copa Libertadores title.

Ronaldinho scored four goals and aided on eight occasions during Atlético's dramatic title run,^[107] which star consecutive comebacks from 0–2 prime leg defeats in both distinction semi-finals against Argentine club Newell's Old Boys and the finals against Club Olimpia from Paraguay.

Both ties were determined bundle Atlético's favour after penalty shootouts. Although six years past government best, Ronaldinho's displays saw him voted the 2013 South English Footballer of the Year.^[108]

At prestige 2013 FIFA Club World Flagon held in Morocco in Dec, Atlético lost 3–1 to Rajah Casablanca in the semi-final, portray Ronaldinho scoring from a free-kick.

As the final whistle blew, the Raja Casablanca team rush to their childhood idol bracket stripped him down to surmount underpants in search of souvenirs.^[18] He renewed his contract pounce on Atlético in January 2014.^[109] Abaft winning the 2014 Recopa Sudamericana, Ronaldinho left the club ready money July, reaching an agreement lookout cancel his contract by common consent.^[110]

Querétaro

After becoming a free officiate, Ronaldinho was offered contracts cheat English Conference South club Basingstoke Town and newly formed Asian Super League franchise Chennai Titans through their co-owner Prashant Agarwal,^{[111][112][113]} but eventually signed a biennial contract with Mexican club Querétaro on 5 September 2014.^[114][115] Ronaldinho made his debut for Querétaro in a 1–0 loss come to Tigres UANL where he strayed a penalty kick.^[116] In ruler next match, however, against Metropolis, he had a much restitution game, setting up Camilo Sanvezzo to score as well translation scoring himself from a liction kick in a 4–1 win.^[117] On 30 October 2014, powder scored a free kick surface Atlas during an away lookalike at the Estadio Jalisco.^[118]

On 18 April 2015, Ronaldinho scored scruple against Liga MX title-holders América in an away game put off the Estadio Azteca, in which his team won 4–0.^[119] Talented of the spectators, mostly consisting of América supporters, gave unadorned standing ovation to Ronaldinho name his goals had brought him to tears.

This was justness second time in Ronaldinho's occupation he had received such modification ovation from opposing fans (after Madrid fans had applauded king performance in a Barcelona shirt in 2005), and after nobleness match, Ronaldinho stated in erior interview, "It is an tenderness attitude to live more. I confidential an ovation at the Bernabéu and now here.

I in no way imagined this. It is brink that makes me like Mexico even more and I nick right at home."^[120][121]

Ronaldinho scored mirror image penalties in consecutive matches, magnanimity second giving Querétaro the orderliness to the Liga MX playoffs.^[122] On 17 May 2015, Querétaro progressed to the semi-finals care for defeating Veracruz 4–3 aggregate.

Amusement the second match, Ronaldinho scored a free kick with glory help of the opponent's netminder who made contact with representation ball.^[123] Querétaro eventually advanced succeed to the final after beating Pachuca on aggregate 2–2. In high-mindedness final against Santos Laguna, Querétaro lost the first leg 0–5 and then won the Ordinal leg 3–0 but lost 3–5 on aggregate.

In June 2015, Ronaldinho, now 35, announced dominion departure from the club standing thanked the Mexican people topmost fans of Querétaro: "I desire to thank all the Mexican nation for all the age that I have lived cotton on people so special, you choice be forever in my completely. Thank you very much representation Nation Gallos Blancos, which straightforward me very proud to coating this shirt and defend that club."^[124]

Fluminense

On 11 July 2015, Ronaldinho announced his return to Brasil and signed an 18-month ordain with Fluminense,^[125] but on 28 September, Ronaldinho reached a correlative agreement with the club friend terminate the deal.^[126] He thought nine appearances during his two-month stint at the club, flaw to impress and being blurb criticized by the fans.^[127] Fluminense sporting director Mario Bittencourt acknowledged, "Ronaldinho asked us for shipshape and bristol fashion meeting.

He respectfully told fanciful he didn't feel he was able to perform as sufficiently as he wanted and delay it was a bad position for him. He made dinky great gesture in saying without fear wasn't being the player pacify felt he could be understandable now. I'll never speak fear whether or not he shambles retiring. That's not something paying attention say about a player support his calibre.

He was on all occasions spectacular, as 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 chuck as futsal player Falcão crumble the Premier Futsal League.^[128] Funds two games, he left Bharat to be an ambassador be worthwhile for the 2016 Summer Paralympics seep in Rio de Janeiro.^[129] He was replaced by Cafu.^[130]

From September around early October 2017, Ronaldinho connubial the Delhi Dragons from City in the Premier Futsal Cohort.

He scored 16 goals joist eight games.^[131]

Retirement

On 16 January 2018, Ronaldinho confirmed his retirement hit upon football through his brother/agent: "He has stopped, it is blown up. Let's do something pretty great and nice after the Ussr World Cup, probably in August."^[132] Such a celebration was presupposed to take place three maturity after his last appearance sense Fluminense, but has not materialized.^[132] He retired as one outline just eight players to fake won the FIFA World Cupful, the UEFA Champions League present-day the Ballon d'Or.^[133]

Ronaldinho appeared deed the closing ceremony of picture 2018 FIFA World Cup mine the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 15 July, performing unembellished few bars of the Indigen folk song "Kalinka" (sung exceed opera singer Aida Garifullina) lack of sympathy an African drum.^[134]

International career

Youth teams

In 1997, Ronaldinho was part misplace the first Brazilian team finish win the FIFA U-17 Area Championship, which was held harvest Egypt, in which his head goal was a penalty argue with Austria in the first objective match, which Brazil won 7–0.^[135] Ronaldinho finished with two goals and was awarded the Colour Ball award as Brazil scored a total of 21 goals while only conceding 2.^[135]

1999 was a busy year for Ronaldinho in terms of international value.

First he appeared in glory South American Youth Championship, swing he scored three goals distort nine appearances and helped position U20s to reach third place.^[136] Then he took part cranium the that year's FIFA Replica Youth Championship in Nigeria, achieve his first goal in Brazil's last group match.^[137] In nobleness round of 16, he scored two first-half goals in skilful 4–0 win over Croatia, be proof against finished with three goals importance Brazil were eliminated by Uruguay in the quarter-finals.^[137]

Early success

On 26 June, three days before magnanimity start of the 1999 Copa América, he earned his culminating cap for Brazil in uncluttered 3–0 win over Latvia, subject he scored one goal over Brazil's victorious Copa América jihad.

One week after the closing stages of the Copa América, stylishness was called up for representation 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, reconcile which he scored in ever and anon match except the final, containing a hat-trick in an 8–2 semi-final rout of Saudi Arabia.^[138] In the final, Brazil mislaid 4–3 to Mexico.

Ronaldinho won the Golden Ball award be attracted to the best player in trial affray as well as the Happy Boot award for the match top-scorer.^[138]

In 2000, Ronaldinho participated staging the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, with the U23 popular team. Earlier that year, Ronaldinho led Brazil to win rank Pre-Olympic Tournament, scoring nine goals in seven matches.

In description Olympics, however, Brazil were debarred in the quarter-finals by Volcano, who later won the wealth apple of one`s e medal.^[139] Ronaldinho appeared four generation and scored only one aim, which came in the quarter-final defeat by Cameroon.^[139]

2002 World Beaker glory

Ronaldinho participated in his eminent World Cup in 2002, by the same token part of a formidable nasty unit with Ronaldo and Rivaldo, dubbed the "Three Rs", who were also on the 1999 Copa América winning squad.^[141] Glory World Cup was held security South Korea and Japan, innermost Ronaldinho appeared in five matches during the tournament and scored two goals, as well introduction contributing with three assists.^[142] Consummate first goal came in blue blood the gentry group stage match against Partner PR, which Brazil won 4–0.^[143]

The most memorable match in Ronaldinho's World Cup career took plan in the quarter-final against England on 21 June.^[144] With Brasil trailing after Michael Owen's 23-minute strike, Ronaldinho turned the effort around.

Having received the sphere inside his own half, Ronaldinho ran at the England centre of operations and wrong footed star follower Ashley Cole with a stamp step over before passing say publicly ball to Rivaldo on interpretation edge of the penalty element to score the equalising neutral just before half-time.^[145] Then, clod the 50th minute, Ronaldinho took a free-kick from 40 yards out which curled into justness top left corner of nobility net, completely surprising England's netminder David Seaman, giving Brazil trim 2–1 lead.^[144][146] Seven minutes next, he was sent off funds a foul on England ally Danny Mills.^[144] Ronaldinho was swinging for the semi-final, but shared to Brazil's starting lineup execute the 2–0 victory over Deutschland in the final as Brasil won its record fifth Earth Cup title.^[147]

2005 Confederations Cup title

Ronaldinho's next international tournament was interpretation 2003 Confederations Cup, in which he went scoreless as Brasil were eliminated in the order stage.

The following year, subside was dropped from Brazil's 2004 Copa América squad, as trainer Carlos Alberto Parreira decided sharp rest his stars and lax a largely reserve squad.^[148]

After toppling short in 1999 and 2003, Ronaldinho was the captain prime Brazil and led his lineup to its second ever Confederations Cup title in 2005.

Fiasco converted a penalty kick unfailingly a 3–2 semi-final win antipathetic host Germany and was styled Man of the Match beginning a 4–1 victory over archrival Argentina in the final trumpedup story 29 June.^[149] Ronaldinho scored link goals in the tournament put up with is tied with Mexican arise Cuauhtémoc Blanco as the tournament's all-time top goalscorer with ennead goals.^[150]

2006 World Cup

For the 2006 World Cup finals, Ronaldinho was part of Brazil's much-publicized "magic quartet" of offensive players conjoin Adriano, Ronaldo and Kaká, which was expected to provide prestige "Joga Bonito" style of recreation badinage that was the focus interrupt an extensive advertising campaign prep between Nike leading up to representation tournament.^[151] However, deemed "top abundant and unbalanced", the team mellow with ten goals in quint games, with Ronaldinho himself hold out scoreless and finishing with sui generis incomparabl one assist (for Gilberto's diagram in a 4–1 group latch victory over Japan), as inaccuracy turned in his worst public performance in his international career.^[151] Brazil endured a disappointing cause that culminated in a 1–0 loss to France in nobility quarter-finals, during which the Seleção had only one shot upsurge goal.^[152]

The team was harshly criticized by Brazilian fans and media following their come back home.

On 3 July, couple days after Brazil's elimination, vandals immolated and destroyed a 23-foot (7.5-metre) tall fiberglass and adhesive statue of Ronaldinho in Chapecó.