Ronaldinho is a Brazilian footballer who is widely regarded as one of his generation’s best players. He was a member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team and is known for his technique, trickery, overhead kicks, and dribbling. He scored the game-winning goal in a quarter-final triumph over England in his first World Cup, in 2002. He was a member of the offensive trio that made the Brazilian team one of the most formidable in international football, alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo. Ronaldinho, the son of a small-time footballer, showed an early interest in the sport and began participating in youth club matches at the age of eight. He first gained media attention when, at the age of 13, he scored all 23 goals in a 23–0 win over a local side. He made his senior team debut during the 1998 Copa Libertadores and went on to sign a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain in 2001. He was a member of the Brazilian team that won the World Cup in 2002, and he played a key role in their victory. Later, he joined the Spanish league’s FC Barcelona, where he had considerable success over the next several years, winning back-to-back FIFA World Player of the Year titles in 2004 and 2005.
Childhood and Adolescence
On March 21, 1980, he was born Ronaldo de Assis Moreira in Porto Alegre, the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. His mother, Dona Miguelina Elói Assis dos Santos, was a saleswoman, while his father, Joo de Assis Moreira, worked at a shipyard and also played football for a local team. As a tiny child, he inherited his father’s enthusiasm for football and began playing organized football. Ronaldinho’s idol, his father, died of a heart attack when he was eight years old.
During this period, he became an enthusiastic participant in local youth club matches and earned the moniker ‘Ronaldinho.’ He first gained notoriety when, at the age of 13, he scored all 23 goals in a 23–0 victory over a local side. He was called up to Brazil’s Under-17 national team in 1997, and he helped his team win the FIFA Under-17 World Championship in Egypt.
Career of Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho made his senior team debut during the 1998 Copa Libertadores after signing his first professional deal with Grêmio. He was a big part of the team’s success, and he helped them win the first Copa Sul-Minas.
In 2001, he signed a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain, and during the 2001–02 Coupe de la Ligue, he played a significant role in helping his team reach the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Bordeaux.
In 2002, he was a member of the Brazilian football squad that won the FIFA World Cup. He played alongside two other football giants, Ronaldo and Rivaldo, in the team.
In 2003, he joined the Spanish league’s FC Barcelona and earned his first league title in 2004–05. During this time, he was at the top of his game and was voted FIFA World Player of the Year for two years in a row.
He was instrumental in helping Barcelona win their first Champions League title in 14 years in the 2005-06 season. He played excellently throughout the season, scoring a career-high 26 goals, including seven in the Champions League. In November 2006, he scored his 50th league goal against Villarrea.
Overall, he had a very successful career with Barcelona, and on 3 February 2008, he played his 200th career match for the club in a league encounter against Osasuna. However, he was out for the majority of the 2007-08 season due to injury. He signed a three-year contract with Milan in July 2008, and in his debut season with the club, he scored 10 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions. After a disappointing spell with Milan, he joined Flamengo in 2011.
In June 2012, he signed a six-month contract with Atlético Mineiro. In 2013, he assisted the team in winning the Campeonato Mineiro and leading his club to its first-ever Copa Libertadores victory. He renewed his contract in January 2014 after a successful stay with the team, and he played with the club until July 2014.
He signed a two-year contract with the Mexican club Querétaro in September 2014.
Achievements & Awards
He has won the Don Balón Award for Foreign Player of the Year twice in La Liga (in 2003-04 and 2005–06).
In 2004 and 2005, he won two FIFA World Player of the Year awards in a row.
In September 2005, he was named the first FIFPro World Player of the Year. He was also named European Footballer of the Year in the same year.
He was named to Pelé’s ‘FIFA 100,’ a ranking of the world’s greatest living players.
Personal History and Legacy
His siblings are very close to him. Ronaldinho’s manager is his brother, Roberto, while his press coordinator is his sister Deisi. He has a son with Janana Mendes, a Brazilian dancer. After Ronaldinho’s late father, he called his baby Joo.
Estimated Net Worth
Ronaldinho is a retired Brazilian football (soccer) player with a $90 million net worth. Ronaldinho used to be regarded as the best soccer player on the planet. He was named World Player of the Year twice (2004 and 2005). Along with Ronaldo and Rivaldo, he was a member of the 2002 World Cup-winning team.
Trivia
Ronaldinho is one of the most well-known athletes in the world, having represented brands such as Nike, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, EA Sports, and Gatorade.
In 2007, he became a Spanish citizen.