Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho celebrates his 42nd birthday on March 21, 2022. Today, we take a look at Ronaldinho's career in the game of football and his various records and achievements. Pictures Courtesy/ Ronaldinho's Instagram
Updated On: 2022-03-21 02:31 PM IST
Ronaldinho, former Brazilian footballer, was born Ronaldo de Assis Moreira on March 21, 1980 in Porto Alegre.
Ronaldinho's mother, Eloi Assis dos Santos, worked as a saleswoman and studied to become a nurse. Ronaldinho's father Joao de Assis Moreira worked in a shipyard and also coached football. He died after hitting his head in their home and drowning in their swimming pool. Ronaldinho was 8.
Ronaldinho has an older brother named Roberto, who also played professional football.
Ronaldinho is widely regarded as one of the finest footballers the world has ever seen and ranked among many as one of the greatest players in the game.
Ronaldinho was famously known for his flamboyant play which included excellent dribbling skills and ball control.
Ronaldinho was peculiarly known for his signature style of playing which involved technical skill combined with creativity. His accuracy with free-kicks was exceptional. He made famous the overhead kicks and no-look passes and was dreaded by his opponents due to his trickery with the ball.
Ronaldinho made his international debut for Brazil in 1999. He played 97 games and scored 33 goals for the national team.
In his debut FIFA World Cup, Ronaldiho went become a World Cup winner with Brazil lifting the cup at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after defeating Germany 2-0 in the final.
Ronaldinho, along with Ronaldo and Rivaldo, formed Brazils 'Three Rs' attack. In his debut World Cup, Ronaldinho scored 2 goals and had 3 assists
The most memorable match of Ronaldinho's international career will undoubtedly be the 2002 FIFA WC quarterfinal against England. Ronaldinho took a spectacular free kick from 40 yards from the goal which also shocked goalkeeper David Seaman. This goal helped Brazil enter the FIFA 2002 semis.
At the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, Ronaldinho led the Brazilian football team to the title and was also the man of the match in the final.
At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Ronaldinho captained the Brazil national team and led them to a bronze medal.
Ronaldinho signed for Barcelona in 2003 and won FIFA Player of the Year in his second season with Barcelona winning the La Liga title. He was also instrumental in helping Barcelona win the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League.
During the El Clasico against Real Madrid in 2005-06, Ronaldinho scored 2 spectacular goals and received a standing ovation at Santiago Bernabeu, the second footballer after Diego Maradona.
Ronaldinho played for various football clubs such as Paris St Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atletico Miniero, Queretaro and Fluminese.
With 9 goals Ronaldinho is a joint-holder of most goals at the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Ronaldinho with Lionel Messi. The two former Barcelona teammates became close buddies with Ronaldinho taking Messi under his wing when the latter was a newcomer at Barcelona
Playing for Brazil, Ronaldinho won the Copa America in 1999, FIFA World Cup in 2002 and FIFA Confederations Cup in 2005.
Ronaldinho is a two time La Liga and Supercopa de Espana title winner and 1-time Champions League winner with Barcelona.
In 1999, Ronaldinho won the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe at the FIFA Confederations Cup.
During the 2005-06 season with Barcelona, he was the top assists provider in La Liga and the Champions League.
Ronaldinho is a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year.
Ronaldinho also won the prestigeous Ballon d'Or in 2005.