Contents
Ronaldinho
Bringing dazzling skill to Brazil and Barcelona, with a World Cup and a Ballon d’Or.
Brazil · FC Barcelona · 2005 Ballon d’Or
- Born
- 21 March 1980
- Birthplace
- Porto Alegre, Brazil
More people
Ronaldinho
Brazilian footballer whose dribbling, inventive passes and free kicks made him a global star. His career took him from Grêmio to Europe, then back to South America.
Early life
A football family
Grew up in Porto Alegre. His older brother Roberto also played professionally and later became his agent.
Small-sided beginnings
Played futsal and beach football as a child, developing the close control that became his signature.
Career
- 1998–2001
Grêmio beginnings
Established himself in senior football in his home city before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.
- 2003–2008
Barcelona’s number ten
Became central to a revival that brought two league titles and the 2006 Champions League.
- 2008–2015
Milan and beyond
Played for AC Milan, then Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, Querétaro and Fluminense.
- 2018
Retirement announcement
His brother and agent announced the end of his professional career.
Achievements
World Cup winner
Helped Brazil win its fifth world title in Japan and South Korea.
Ballon d’Or
Recognised as the world’s leading footballer during his Barcelona peak.
Copa Libertadores
Won South America’s leading club competition with Atlético Mineiro.
Beyond football
Music and rhythm
Played a drum during the closing ceremony of the 2018 World Cup in Moscow.
A new generation
At Barcelona, he played alongside the young Lionel Messi, supplying the assist for Messi’s first senior competitive goal.
Sources & photo credit
Life and career ↗Barcelona career ↗Bernabéu standing ovation ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.