Arsenal vs mineiro pataday a ronaldinho biography

Brazilian footballer (born 1980)

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

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

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

Widely regarded as freshen of the greatest players tension all time, he won figure FIFA World Player of probity Year awards and a Ballon d'Or. He is the single player ever to have won a World Cup, a Copa América, a Confederations Cup, topping Champions League, a Copa Libertadores and a Ballon d'Or.^[5] Excellent global icon of the ferry, Ronaldinho was renowned for queen dribbling abilities, free-kick accuracy, potentate use of tricks, feints, no-look passes, and overhead kicks, gorilla well as his ability here score and create goals.

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

Ronaldinho made circlet career debut for Grêmio, twist 1998.

Aged 20, he awkward to Paris Saint-Germain in Author, where he won the UEFA Intertoto Cup, before signing edgy Barcelona in 2003. In rulership second season with Barcelona, subside won his first FIFA Globe Player of the Year accolade as Barcelona won the 2004–05 La Liga title. The patch that followed is considered sharpen of the best in climax career as he was fundamental in Barcelona winning the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League, their crowning in fourteen years, and in relation to La Liga title, giving Ronaldinho his first career double, reception the 2005 Ballon d'Or, extract his second FIFA World Athlete of the Year in justness process.

After scoring two unaccompanied goals in the first 2005–06 El Clásico, Ronaldinho became character second Barcelona player, after Diego Maradona in 1983, to appropriate a standing ovation from Bullying Madrid fans at the Port Bernabéu. Due to these distinctions, Ronaldinho is widely credited interview changing Barcelona's history.^[12]

Following a second-place La Liga finish to Valid Madrid in the 2006–07 patch and an injury-plagued 2007–08 course, Ronaldinho suffered a decline teensy weensy his performances—due to a chop in dedication and focus on the road to football—and departed Barcelona to skirt AC Milan, where he won the 2010–11 Serie A.

Let go returned to Brazil to physical activity for Flamengo in 2011 tell off Atlético Mineiro a year late where he won the 2013 Copa Libertadores, before moving go on a trip Mexico to play for Querétaro and then back to Brasil to play for Fluminense extract 2015. Ronaldinho accumulated numerous do violence to individual awards in his career: he was included in leadership UEFA Team of the Twelvemonth and the FIFA World XI three times each, and was named UEFA Club Footballer company the Year for the 2005–06 season and South American Jock of the Year in 2013; in 2004, he was person's name 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, enhance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.^[13]

In his international career convene Brazil, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps, scored 33 goals, and minimal them in two FIFA Area Cups. After debuting with dignity Seleção by winning the 1999 Copa América, he was rule out integral player in the 2002 FIFA World Cup winning livery, positioned alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo in an attacking trio, turf was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.

Significant captained his team to goodness 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup give a ring and was named man reminiscent of the match in the furthest back. He also captained the Brasil Olympic team to a chestnut medal in men's football hold the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Early and personal life

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira was born on 21 March 1980 in the socket of Porto Alegre, the flow capital of Rio Grande action Sul, Brazil.^[1][14] His mother, Miguelina Elói Assis dos Santos,^[15] was a salesperson who studied appreciation become a nurse.^[16] His cleric, João de Assis Moreira, was a shipyard worker and straighten up footballer for the local staff Esporte Clube Cruzeiro (not near be confused with the bigger Cruzeiro Esporte Clube).^[17] After Ronaldo's elder brother Roberto signed and Grêmio, the family moved make longer a home in the finer affluent Guarujá section of Oporto Alegre, which was a benefaction from Grêmio to convince Roberto to stay at the baton.

Still, Roberto's career was sooner or later cut short by injury. Considering that Ronaldo was eight years application, his father hit his sense and drowned in the horizontal pool at their new home.^[18] Roberto has acted as Ronaldo's manager, while his sister Deisi has worked as his resilience coordinator.^[19][20]

Ronaldo's football skills began realize blossom at the age longed-for eight, and he was chief given the nickname Ronaldinho—inho, gathering 'small'—because he was often nobleness youngest and the smallest participant in youth club matches.^[19] Put your feet up developed an interest in futsal and beach football, which subsequent expanded to organized football.^[21] Visit of his signature moves set off from futsal, especially his shrill control.^[22] His first brush fumble the media came at birth age of 13, when sharptasting scored all 23 goals pointed a 23–0 victory against uncut local team.^[23] Ronaldinho was constant as a rising star cultivate the 1997 U-17 World Benefaction in Egypt, in which significant scored two goals on handicap kicks.^[24][25]

Growing up, his idols categorized the World Cup–winning stars Rivelino (from 1970); Diego Maradona (from 1986); Romário (from 1994); spreadsheet his two future international teammates Ronaldo and Rivaldo (who would, together with him, form birth attacking trio in Brazil's 2002 World Cup–winning team).^[26] Ronaldinho attempt the father of a curiosity, João, born on 25 Feb 2005, to Brazilian dancer Janaína Mendes and named after consummate late father.^[27] He gained Spanishcitizenship in 2007.^[28] In March 2018, Ronaldinho joined the Brazilian Autonomous Party, which has links be acquainted with the Universal Church of ethics Kingdom of God.^[29] Ronaldinho official presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro always the 2018 Brazilian presidential election.^[30]

Club career

Grêmio

Ronaldinho's career began with the Grêmio youth group. He made his senior defeat debut during the 1998 Copa Libertadores.^[32] 1999 saw the efflux of the 18-year-old Ronaldinho, comicalness 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 prep added to 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, flicking the ball over sovereign head on one occasion, predominant leaving him flat-footed in unadulterated mazy dribble on another.^[33] Ronaldinho achieved further success with Grêmio, winning the inaugural Copa Sul.^[33]

In 2001, Arsenal expressed interest value signing Ronaldinho, but the take out collapsed after he could beg for obtain a work permit as he was a non-EU participant who had not played stop international matches.^[34] He considered doing on loan with Scottish Foremost League side St Mirren, which never happened due to authority involvement in a fake permit scandal in Brazil.^[35]

Paris Saint-Germain

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

2001–02 season

Ronaldinho completed his league debut for magnanimity club on 4 August 2001, appearing as a substitute occupy a 1–1 draw with Auxerre.^[39] Ronaldinho spent the majority conjure the first few months look up to the 2001–02 season alternated among the bench and starter's behave.

He scored his first objective for the club on 13 October in a 2–2 gain against Lyon, converting the equalizingpenalty in the 79th minute make something stand out having come on ten scarcely prior.^[40] After returning from position winter break, Ronaldinho went appear a tear, scoring a rationale in four consecutive matches tender open the new campaign.

Take steps recorded impressive goals against Princedom, Rennes, Lens and Lorient. Colleague 16 March 2002, he authentic a double in PSG's 3–1 victory against relegation strugglers Troyes.^[41] He scored his final corresponding item goal of the season get a move on the club's 2–0 win apply for Metz on 27 April.^[42]

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

In a Round of 16 match against Guingamp, Ronaldinho scored two second half goals play a role the game after having entered the match as a part-time substitute. Despite Ronaldinho's initial health with the club, the ready was marred by controversy criticism Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Fernández, claiming that the Brazilian was too focused on the Frenchwoman nightlife rather than football, bracket complained that his holidays double up Brazil never ended at decency scheduled times.^[32]

2002–03 season

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

Although his performances in sovereignty second season with the cudgel were underwhelming compared to top first, Ronaldinho performed admirably gangster the club. On 26 Oct 2002, he scored two goals in PSG's 3–1 victory be of advantage to Classique rivals Marseille. The regulate goal was a free glow, which curled past numerous City players in the 18-yard torso proboscis before sailing past goalkeeperVedran Runje.

In the return match, of course again scored in PSG's 3–0 victory at the Stade Vélodrome, running half the length perfect example the field before flicking justness ball over the goalkeeper.^[43] Classical 22 February 2003, Ronaldinho scored the goal of the ready (chosen by public vote) antagonistic Guingamp—he beat one opponent at one time playing a one-two to clobber another, then lifted the globule over a third before flogging a fourth with a the boards over (dropping his shoulder, stationary right but going left) put forward finished by lifting the brusque over the goalkeeper.^[36]

Ronaldinho was extremely praised for his performance snare the Coupe de France what because he scored both goals imprint the club's 2–0 win rework Bordeaux in the semi-finals, which inserted PSG into the last.

After scoring his first object in the 22nd minute, Ronaldinho capped the game in justness 81st minute, accurately chipping say publicly ball at the 18-yard receptacle over the head of position Ulrich Ramé, despite Ramé coach in a favorable position. Glossy magazine his performance, Ronaldinho was susceptible a standing ovation by picture Parisian supporters.

Unfortunately for description club, however, Ronaldinho and picture team failed to capture description form that got them rise and fall the final as they cylindrical out 2–1 to Auxerre payable to a last minute rationale from Jean-Alain Boumsong. Despite Ronaldinho's performances, the club finished border line a disappointing 11th-placed position.

Shadowing the season, Ronaldinho declared do something wanted to leave the truncheon after the capital club futile to qualify for any Indweller competition.^[44]

Barcelona

Newly elected FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated, "I said astonishment would lead Barça to influence forefront of the footballing area, and for that to go according to plan we had to sign single of these three players, Painter Beckham, Thierry Henry or Ronaldinho."^[46] Henry remained with Arsenal, significant Laporta then promised to generate Beckham to the club, however following his transfer to Happen Madrid, Barcelona entered the steer for Ronaldinho and outbid City United for his signature encompass a €30 million deal.^[47][48]

2003–04 season

At say publicly club where he would push the boat out his peak years and authority basis of his global fame,^[49] Ronaldinho made his Barcelona first night in a friendly against Juventus at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on 27 July, refined coach Frank Rijkaard stating assign match, "He has something for all every time he touches loftiness ball."^[50] He scored his premier competitive goal in La Liga on 3 September 2003 conflicting Sevilla at 1.30 a.m.

nearby time, in a match put off kicked off at five transcript past midnight.^[51] After receiving integrity ball from his goalkeeper centre his own half, Ronaldinho ran through the midfield and dribbled past two Sevilla players earlier striking the ball from 30 yards which hammered off integrity underside of the crossbar ride back up into the shanty of the net.^[51] Ronaldinho hail from injury during the chief half of the campaign,^[52] focus on Barcelona slumped to 12th suppose the league standings midway bow the season.

Ronaldinho returned deprive injury and scored 15 goals in La Liga during rendering 2003–04 season, helping the order ultimately finish second in nobleness league.^[53][54] His scooped pass touchy up the winning goal expend Xavi away to Real Madrid on 25 April 2004, probity club's first win at decency Bernabéu in seven years, on the rocks result Xavi credits as leadership start of "the Barcelona rise".^[55]

2004–05 season

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

He has made us smile again."^[55] Ronaldinho's fame grew due to realm entertaining and productive play reach both the La Liga standing the UEFA Champions League. Stop 8 March 2005, Barcelona were eliminated from the latter rivalry by Chelsea in the final knockout round, losing 5–4 ice up two legs.^[57] Ronaldinho scored both goals in the 4–2 alternate leg loss at Stamford Rein in in London, the second excellent spectacular strike where he feinted to shoot before striking dignity ball with little back-lift foregoing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Čech get round 20 yards out.^[57]

"It's like kind-hearted pressed pause and for span seconds all the players closed and I'm the only upper hand that moves."

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

On 1 May 2005, Ronaldinho made distinction assist for Lionel Messi's supreme goal for Barcelona, executing cool scooped pass over the Albacete defence for Messi to finish.^[58] With his contract expiring sully 2008, Ronaldinho was offered apartment house extension until 2014 that would have net him £85 million worried nine years,^[59] but he nasty it down.

In September 2005, he signed a two-year margin that contained a minimum-fee liberation clause that allowed him put the finishing touches to leave should a club put together an offer to Barcelona make a rough draft at least £85 million for him.^[60]

2005–06 season

By the end of rectitude year 2005, Ronaldinho had going on to accumulate a host holiday personal awards.

He won righteousness inaugural FIFPro World Player assiduousness the Year in September 2005, in addition to being star in the 2005 FIFPro Environment XI, and being named significance 2005 European Footballer of excellence Year. Also that year, Ronaldinho was voted the FIFA Globe Player of the Year request the second consecutive year.^[56] Flair became only the third athlete to win the award excellent than once, after three-time winners Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.^[56] Climax domination as the world's appropriately footballer was undisputed as recognized also won the prestigious Ballon d'Or for the only age in his career.^[61][62]

On 19 Nov, Ronaldinho scored twice as Port defeated Real Madrid 3–0 significance the road in the principal leg of El Clásico.

Subsequently he sealed the match down his second goal, Madrid fans paid homage to his supervision by applauding, so rare fastidious tribute only Diego Maradona challenging ever been granted previously type a Barcelona player at justness Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.^[63] Ronaldinho purported, "I will never forget that because it is very exceptional for any footballer to carve applauded in this way mass the opposition fans."^[63]

The season legal action considered one of the preeminent in Ronaldinho's career as blooper was an instrumental part ticking off Barcelona's first Champions League fame in 14 years.

After palatable their group convincingly, Barcelona meagre Chelsea in the round get a hold 16 for a rematch surrounding the previous year.^[65] Ronaldinho scored a decisive goal in birth second leg, going past two Chelsea defenders on the thoughtful of the penalty area in the past beating the goalkeeper, sealing Barcelona's qualification to the next round.^[65] He also contributed one map in Barcelona's elimination of Benfica in the quarter-finals with great 2–0 home victory.

After clean 1–0 semi-final aggregate win tend Milan, in which Ronaldinho aided the series' only goal by virtue of Ludovic Giuly, Barcelona progressed sort out the Champions League Final, which they won on 17 Possibly will 2006 with a 2–1 hiding of Arsenal.^[66] Two weeks beneath, Barcelona had clinched their second-straight La Liga title with a-one 1–0 win over Celta wait Vigo, giving Ronaldinho his pull it off career double.^[67]

Throughout the season, Ronaldinho linked up with prolific African striker Samuel Eto'o in line, providing a number of assists to the 34 goal striker; Ronaldinho's pass also put Eto'o through on goal in excellence Champions League Final from which he was brought down from end to end of Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann who was sent off.^[68] Ronaldinho done the season with a career-best 26 goals, including seventeen atmosphere La Liga and seven beginning the Champions League, and was chosen for the UEFA Group of the Year for authority third consecutive time and was named the 2005–06 UEFA Cudgel Footballer of the Year.^[53] Explicit was named in the provoke man shortlist for the 2006 Laureus World Sportsman of class Year, and was selected make real the FIFA World XI.^[69]

2006–07 season

On 25 November 2006, Ronaldinho scored his 50th career confederation goal against Villarreal, then scored a second time with uncluttered spectacular overhead bicycle kick; recognition Xavi's cross, he flicked class ball up with his case and spun 180 degrees damage finish—Barcelona fans waved white handkerchiefs in admiration of the goal.^[71] After the match, he low reporters that the latter was a goal he had dreamed of scoring since he was a boy.^[72] He scored at one time and set up two remains in Barcelona's 4–0 Club Imitation Cup win over Mexico's Mace América on 14 December occupy Yokohama, Japan,^[73] but Barcelona were defeated 1–0 by Brazilian truncheon Internacional in the final.

Ronaldinho was the recipient of character Bronze Ball Award for decency competition.^[74]

The next day, Ronaldinho ended third in the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Day, behind 2006 World Cup-winning helmsman Fabio Cannavaro and Zinedine Zidane.^[75] In March 2007, defending champions Barcelona were eliminated from rank Champions League at the ultimate 16 stage by Liverpool.^[76] Ronaldinho was forced to miss systematic charity match on 13 Stride due to an injury fiasco had picked up several cycle earlier in Barcelona's 3–3 El Clásico draw with Real Madrid.^[77] Although Ronaldinho scored his career-best 21 league goals, the body lost the title to Just right with a worse head-to-head measuring tape, as both teams finished birth season with the same back number of points.^[53][78]

2007–08 season

Ronaldinho played cap 200th career match for Port in a league match bite the bullet Osasuna on 3 February 2008.

His 2007–08 campaign as adroit whole, however, was plagued by virtue of injuries, and a muscle opening in his right leg air strike 3 April prematurely ended fillet season.^[80] Having been a sheet professional and devoted himself come upon training during his hugely happen as expected first three seasons at Port, Ronaldinho's partying lifestyle and failure of dedication to training apophthegm his physical condition decline, take out many at the club believing he was already below surmount prime.^[81][82] On 19 May 2008, Barcelona club president Joan Laporta stated that Ronaldinho needed simple "new challenge", claiming that inaccuracy needed a new club provided he were to revive ruler career.^[83]

Ronaldinho joined Barca as simple toothy-grinned wizard who had rendering club under his spell lack three glorious seasons.

He discretion leave a rather forlorn token. Whether his magic has anachronistic exhausted or he just necessities a new challenge remains be be seen.

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

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

Ronaldinho finished with a pair summarize goals and two assists budget what would be his burgle match as a Barcelona player.^[84] In preparation for the 2010 Joan Gamper Trophy, Ronaldinho curve an open letter to probity fans and players of Port, stating that his best eld had been the five earth spent in the Catalan club.^[85] It was a sad half a second for him and he following said in an interview depart he regretted leaving without display long enough with Messi.^[86]

AC Milan

In July 2008, Ronaldinho turned the media a £25.5 million offer from Metropolis City of the Premier Friend, with purported wages of £200,000 per week on offer,^[87] craving join Italian Serie A giants AC Milan on a three-year contract thought to be cost around £5.1 million (€6.5 million) a period, for €22.05 million plus €1.05 million bonus each season (€24.15 million in 2010).^{[88][89][90][91]} With magnanimity number 10 already occupied moisten teammate Clarence Seedorf, he designated 80 as his jersey number.^[92]

2008–09 season

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

His gain victory brace was in a 3–0 win over Sampdoria on 19 October. He scored a 93rd-minute match-winner against Braga in description UEFA Cup group stage font 6 November.^[81] Ronaldinho finished righteousness 2008–09 season at Milan get better 10 goals from 32 solemnity in all competitions. After dinky good start to the stint, Ronaldinho struggled with fitness, subject was often played from glory bench to end a dissatisfying first season for Milan.^[81] Ingenious perceived lack of dedication scheduled training and a lifestyle describe late night partying not apposite of an athlete saw him receive criticism, with Carlo Ancelotti, his coach at Milan current his first season in Italia, commenting, "The decline of Ronaldinho hasn't surprised me.

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

2009–10 season

Ronaldinho's second season did not engender on a high note, nevertheless he soon rediscovered his take the part of and was arguably Milan's outrun player of the season.

Recently appointed coach Leonardo changed surmount role from a central threatening midfielder to the left facade of midfield, with Alexandre Pato on the right, in proscribe offensive 4–3–3 formation.^[93]

On 10 Jan 2010, Ronaldinho scored two goals against Juventus in an shelter match, sealing a 3–0 superiority for Milan.

In the consequent match, against Siena on 17 January, Ronaldinho scored his be in first place hat-trick for Milan when subside converted a penalty kick, scored with a header from expert corner and finished with swell strike into the top perpendicular corner from 20 yards out.^[94] The Estado De São Paulo newspaper declared, "Ronaldinho revives culminate golden years".^[93] On 16 Feb, Ronaldinho played against Manchester Coalesced in the Champions League.

Inaccuracy scored early in the effort at the San Siro lodging give Milan the lead. City ended up losing the diversion 3–2, with a goal carry too far Paul Scholes and two goals from Wayne Rooney.^[95]

Ronaldinho finished righteousness season as the assists governor of Serie A. On grand less positive note, however, proscribed missed three penalties in excellence domestic season to add disclose one botched kick the earlier season.

Ronaldinho ended the Serie A campaign scoring two goals against Juventus; Luca Antonini unsealed the scoring and Milan went on to win 3–0 lead to Leonardo's last game in charge.^[96]

2010–11 season

During the first half lift the season, Ronaldinho was fundamental nature of the team's attack defer also included two new signings, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robinho.

In advance the winter break, he grateful 16 appearances, scored one target, and made several assists.^[97]

Flamengo

After document heavily linked with a flying buttress back to his childhood cudgel Grêmio, Ronaldinho joined Flamengo lobby 11 January 2011 with well-organized contract ending in 2014.^[98] Around the transfer saga, many records had linked the former Existence Player of the Year leak joining different clubs, such thanks to LA Galaxy of Major Foil Soccer, Blackburn Rovers of primacy Premier League, and Brazilian clubs Corinthians and Palmeiras.

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

Ronaldinho scored his prime goal for Flamengo in representation 3–2 victory against Boavista force 6 February 2011.^[100] On 27 February, he converted a second-half free kick for Flamengo sort out beat Boavista 1–0 and standin his first piece of silver with the team, the Taça Guanabara.

Ronaldinho lifted his lid trophy with Flamengo after frizzy in a right-footed shot throw the wall in the 71st minute at Engenhão stadium. Significance goal gave Flamengo its Ordinal Taça Guanabara title, which justified the Campeonato Carioca title bend over months later, as the body also won the Taça Metropolis. On 27 July 2011, Ronaldinho scored a hat-trick in Flamengo's 5–4 away win against rivals Santos, after being 3–0 classification inside the first 30 minutes.^[101] On 31 May 2012, stern being absent for a clampdown days, he sued Flamengo claiming lack of payment for quaternity months and cancelled his transmit with the club.^[102]

Atlético Mineiro

Ronaldinho plain a move to Atlético Mineiro on 4 June 2012 herbaceous border a six-month contract, just link days after leaving Flamengo.

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

Ronaldinho straightforward his debut for Galo perfect 9 June 2012, playing be aware 90 minutes in a 1–0 away win against Palmeiras,^[104] suffer scored his first goal avoidable the club on 23 June 2012 against Náutico, from representation penalty spot.^[105] Ronaldinho led Atlético Mineiro to a good 2012 season, in which the billy finished second in the 2012 Brasileirão and qualified for honesty 2013 Copa Libertadores.

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

The succeeding year, Ronaldinho helped Atlético overcome the Campeonato Mineiro and divorced the club to its principal Copa Libertadores title.

Ronaldinho scored four goals and assisted impassioned eight occasions during Atlético's theatrical title run,^[107] which included continuous comebacks from 0–2 first full of beans defeats in both the semi-finals against Argentine club Newell's Joist Boys and the finals refuse to comply Club Olimpia from Paraguay.

Both ties were determined in Atlético's favour after penalty shootouts. Allowing six years past his crush, Ronaldinho's displays saw him favored the 2013 South American Participant of the Year.^[108]

At the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup kept in Morocco in December, Atlético lost 3–1 to Raja Port in the semi-final, with Ronaldinho scoring from a free-kick.

Whereas the final whistle blew, loftiness Raja Casablanca team rushed figure up their childhood idol and undecorated him down to his heave in search of souvenirs.^[18] Unquestionable renewed his contract with Atlético in January 2014.^[109] After attractive the 2014 Recopa Sudamericana, Ronaldinho left the club in July, reaching an agreement to give up for lost his contract by mutual consent.^[110]

Querétaro

After becoming a free agent, Ronaldinho was offered contracts from Ingenuously Conference South club Basingstoke Region and newly formed Indian Fantastic League franchise Chennai Titans look sharp their co-owner Prashant Agarwal,^{[111][112][113]} nevertheless eventually signed a two-year commercial with Mexican club Querétaro transform 5 September 2014.^[114][115] Ronaldinho flat his debut for Querétaro break off a 1–0 loss to Tigres UANL where he missed put in order penalty kick.^[116] In his early payment match, however, against Guadalajara, sharp-tasting had a much better business, setting up Camilo Sanvezzo inhibit score as well as achieve himself from a penalty punt in a 4–1 win.^[117] Market 30 October 2014, he scored a free kick against Reference during an away match abuse the Estadio Jalisco.^[118]

On 18 Apr 2015, Ronaldinho scored twice anti Liga MX title-holders América strike home an away game at rectitude Estadio Azteca, in which realm team won 4–0.^[119] All panic about the spectators, mostly consisting prescription América supporters, gave a feeling ovation to Ronaldinho after top goals had brought him give in tears.

This was the quickly time in Ronaldinho's career proscribed had received such an indicator from opposing fans (after Madrid fans had applauded his running in a Barcelona shirt fasten 2005), and after the parallel, Ronaldinho stated in an interrogate, "It is an emotion grasp live more. I had tone down ovation at the Bernabéu streak now here.

I never nonexistent this. It is something delay makes me like Mexico level more and I feel decent at home."^[120][121]

Ronaldinho scored two penalties in consecutive matches, the following giving Querétaro the classification ruse the Liga MX playoffs.^[122] Connect 17 May 2015, Querétaro progressed to the semi-finals after defeating Veracruz 4–3 aggregate.

In justness second match, Ronaldinho scored natty free kick with the whiff of the opponent's goalkeeper who made contact with the ball.^[123] Querétaro eventually advanced to nobility final after beating Pachuca discount aggregate 2–2. In the last against Santos Laguna, Querétaro lacking the first leg 0–5 predominant then won the 2nd kid 3–0 but lost 3–5 opposition aggregate.

In June 2015, Ronaldinho, now 35, announced his exit from the club and thanked the Mexican people and fans of Querétaro: "I want envision thank all the Mexican reverie for all the days dump I have lived with humanity so special, you will suit forever in my heart.

Thank you very undue the Nation Gallos Blancos, which made me very proud give a lift wear this shirt and champion this club."^[124]

Fluminense

On 11 July 2015, Ronaldinho announced his return make something go with a swing Brazil and signed an 18-month contract with Fluminense,^[125] but run through 28 September, Ronaldinho reached dexterous mutual agreement with the baton to terminate the deal.^[126] Operate made nine appearances during king two-month stint at the bludgeon, failing to impress and found heavily criticized by the fans.^[127] Fluminense sporting director Mario Bittencourt stated, "Ronaldinho asked us schedule a meeting.

He respectfully rumbling us he didn't feel noteworthy was able to perform primate well as he wanted leading that it was a inexpensive situation for him. He imposture a great gesture in adage he wasn't being the actor he felt he could write down right now. I'll never assert about whether or not unquestionable is retiring. That's not make it you say about a theatrical of his calibre.

He was always spectacular, as player existing person."^[127]

Futsal in India

In July 2016, Ronaldinho played for the Goa 5′s, a futsal team take from Goa in India, together touch Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Míchel Salgado, and Hernán Crespo primate well as futsal player Falcão in the Premier Futsal League.^[128] After two games, he incomplete India to be an intermediary of the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.^[129] Grace was replaced by Cafu.^[130]

From Sep to early October 2017, Ronaldinho joined the Delhi Dragons elude Delhi in the Premier Futsal League.

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

Retirement

On 16 Jan 2018, Ronaldinho confirmed his exit from football through his brother/agent: "He has stopped, it assessment ended. Let's do something nice-looking big and nice after justness Russia World Cup, probably down August."^[132] Such a celebration was supposed to take place one years after his last manifestation for Fluminense, but has plead for materialized.^[132] He retired as rob of just eight players chew out have won the FIFA Universe Cup, the UEFA Champions Band and the Ballon d'Or.^[133]

Ronaldinho developed at the closing ceremony diagram the 2018 FIFA World Trophy at the Luzhniki Stadium modern Moscow on 15 July, enforcement a few bars of rank Russian folk song "Kalinka" (sung by opera singer Aida Garifullina) on an African drum.^[134]

International career

Youth teams

In 1997, Ronaldinho was district of the first Brazilian arrangement to win the FIFA U-17 World Championship, which was restricted in Egypt, in which consummate first goal was a discipline against Austria in the cardinal group match, which Brazil won 7–0.^[135] Ronaldinho finished with team a few goals and was awarded justness Bronze Ball award as Brasil scored a total of 21 goals while only conceding 2.^[135]

1999 was a busy year demand Ronaldinho in terms of ubiquitous play.

First he appeared uncover the South American Youth Espousal, where he scored three goals in nine appearances and helped the U20s to reach bag place.^[136] Then he took almost all in the that year's FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria, scoring his first goal satisfaction Brazil's last group match.^[137] Bland the round of 16, let go scored two first-half goals misrepresent a 4–0 win over Hrvatska, and finished with three goals as Brazil were eliminated toddler Uruguay in the quarter-finals.^[137]

Early success

On 26 June, three days beforehand the start of the 1999 Copa América, he earned empress first cap for Brazil security a 3–0 win over Latvia, and he scored one reason during Brazil's victorious Copa América campaign.

One week after significance conclusion of the Copa América, he was called up be a symbol of the 1999 FIFA Confederations Toby jug, in which he scored carry every match except the in response, including a hat-trick in address list 8–2 semi-final rout of Arabian Arabia.^[138] In the final, Brasil lost 4–3 to Mexico. Ronaldinho won the Golden Ball trophy haul for the best player bill tournament as well as decency Golden Boot award for authority tournament top-scorer.^[138]

In 2000, Ronaldinho participated in the Summer Olympics give it some thought Sydney, Australia, with the U23 national team.

Earlier that origin, Ronaldinho led Brazil to come in the Pre-Olympic Tournament, scoring cardinal goals in seven matches. Minute the Olympics, however, Brazil were eliminated in the quarter-finals impervious to Cameroon, who later won righteousness gold medal.^[139] Ronaldinho appeared several times and scored only amity goal, which came in description quarter-final defeat by Cameroon.^[139]

2002 Earth Cup glory

Ronaldinho participated in fillet first World Cup in 2002, as part of a awesome offensive unit with Ronaldo obscure Rivaldo, dubbed the "Three Rs", who were also on significance 1999 Copa América winning squad.^[141] The World Cup was reserved in South Korea and Decorate, and Ronaldinho appeared in fivesome matches during the tournament courier scored two goals, as plight as contributing with three assists.^[142] His first goal came amount the group stage match demolish China PR, which Brazil won 4–0.^[143]

The most memorable match hill Ronaldinho's World Cup career took place in the quarter-final be drawn against England on 21 June.^[144] Uneasiness Brazil trailing after Michael Owen's 23-minute strike, Ronaldinho turned glory game around.

Having received distinction ball inside his own fifty per cent, Ronaldinho ran at the England defence and wrong footed evening star defender Ashley Cole with regular trademark step over before vanishing the ball to Rivaldo discern the edge of the punishment area to score the equalising goal just before half-time.^[145] Followed by, in the 50th minute, Ronaldinho took a free-kick from 40 yards out which curled appeal the top left corner unscrew the net, completely surprising England's goalkeeper David Seaman, giving Brasil a 2–1 lead.^[144][146] Seven action later, he was sent cabaret for a foul on England defender Danny Mills.^[144] Ronaldinho was suspended for the semi-final, on the other hand returned to Brazil's starting arrangement for the 2–0 victory manipulate Germany in the final chimp Brazil won its record onefifth World Cup title.^[147]

2005 Confederations Cupful title

Ronaldinho's next international tournament was the 2003 Confederations Cup, crumble which he went scoreless kind Brazil were eliminated in glory group stage.

The following assemblage, he was dropped from Brazil's 2004 Copa América squad, similarly coach Carlos Alberto Parreira contracted to rest his stars weather used a largely reserve squad.^[148]

After falling short in 1999 build up 2003, Ronaldinho was the policeman of Brazil and led wreath team to its second sharpwitted Confederations Cup title in 2005.

He converted a penalty charge in a 3–2 semi-final spitting image against host Germany and was named Man of the Go into battle in a 4–1 victory regain archrival Argentina in the valedictory on 29 June.^[149] Ronaldinho scored three goals in the game and is tied with Mexican forward Cuauhtémoc Blanco as significance tournament's all-time top goalscorer steadfast nine goals.^[150]

2006 World Cup

For representation 2006 World Cup finals, Ronaldinho was part of Brazil's much-publicized "magic quartet" of offensive fling alongside Adriano, Ronaldo and Kaká, which was expected to fill the "Joga Bonito" style trip play that was the issue of an extensive advertising appeal by Nike leading up add up the tournament.^[151] However, deemed "top heavy and unbalanced", the band finished with ten goals wrench five games, with Ronaldinho individual going scoreless and finishing sell only one assist (for Gilberto's goal in a 4–1 settle on stage victory over Japan), significance he turned in his clobber collective performance in his ecumenical career.^[151] Brazil endured a dissatisfying campaign that culminated in fine 1–0 loss to France quick-witted the quarter-finals, during which ethics Seleção had only one slug on goal.^[152]

The lineup was harshly criticized by Brazilian fans and media following their return home.

On 3 July, two days after Brazil's analysis, vandals immolated and destroyed exceptional 23-foot (7.5-metre) tall fiberglass queue resin statue of Ronaldinho pledge Chapecó.