[10] He developed an interest in futsal and beach football, which later expanded to organized football. He made his opponents look like children". This statistic shows which squad numbers have already been assigned in their history and to which players. p. 129. The club's manager this season was . Ronaldinho - Number 80 at AC Milan When he joined the club Ronaldinho couldn't have his favoured number 10 shirt because it was in the possession of Dutch legend, Seedorf. [145] Displaying a passivity to Brazil's poor showing, the 2006 World Cup is now seen as the turning point in Ronaldinho's career, with his time at the summit of the game almost up. Following the season, Ronaldinho declared he wanted to leave the club after the capital club failed to qualify for any European competition. He will leave a rather forlorn figure. The Brazil icon turned out for Porcinos FC on Sunday (February 26) at the age of 42. FC Barcelona have announced the signing of club legend Ronaldinho's son Joao Mendes. The rest is history. From Zamorano and his famous 1+8, to Ronaldinho with the number 80. [168][169] Throughout his career, he was often deployed as a winger, although he usually played as a classic number 10 in an attacking midfielder role. [71] Ronaldinho finished the 200809 season at Milan with 10 goals from 32 appearances in all competitions. What is Ronaldinho's net worth? [126] Then he took part in that year's FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria, scoring his first goal in Brazil's last group match. Ronaldinho Gacho It is something that makes me like Mexico even more and I feel right at home. [125], 1999 was a busy year for Ronaldinho in terms of international play. [148], On 7 July 2008, Ronaldinho was named in Brazil's 2008 Summer Olympics squad as one of the overage players. Ronaldinho was suspended for the semi-final, but returned to Brazil's starting lineup for the 20 victory over Germany in the final as Brazil won its record fifth World Cup title. Jethro Soutar (2006). 71.9M followers. Ronaldinho was not an athlete tho. [137], Ronaldinho's next international tournament was the 2003 Confederations Cup, in which he went scoreless as Brazil were eliminated in the group stage. One of the coolest players in pressure situations" and a "fast, brash, skilful, tricky, an uninhibited playmaker" who provides "a mix of goals, assists, skills and a large repertoire of crafty moves". Before the winter break, he made 16 appearances, scored one goal, and made several assists. Ronaldinho Gaucho was born on March 21, 1980 in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The 2007-08 season is a weird one for Barca. After Pel's disappointment in the 1966 World Cup, he fought like a lion to get himself in good shape for 1970. He won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2004 and 2005. [48] Ronaldinho scored both goals in the 42 second leg loss at Stamford Bridge in London, the second a spectacular strike where he feinted to shoot before striking the ball with little back-lift past Chelsea goalkeeper Petr ech from 20 yards out. He and several Brazil players celebrated the win by partying through the night at a posh Rio de Janeiro nightclub. Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. [190] Former Portugal midfield playmaker Rui Costa has said of his vision and passing ability: "There are not many players who can offer goal-scoring passes like he can. [23] 1999 saw the emergence of the 18-year-old Ronaldinho, with 22 goals in 47 matches, and he put in headlining displays in derbies against Internacional, most notably on 20 June 1999 in the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship final. "Football's Greatest Rivelino". [76], In July 2008, Ronaldinho turned down a 25.5million offer from Manchester City of the Premier League, with purported wages of 200,000 per week on offer,[77] to join Italian Serie A giants AC Milan on a three-year contract thought to be worth around 5.1million (6.5million) a year, for 22.05 million plus 1.05 million bonus each season (24.15 million in 2010). Delighted to have shared a pitch with him for 90 minutes, there is no doubt which way the Raja Casablanca players would cast their votes. [37] Henry remained with Arsenal, and Laporta then promised to bring Beckham to the club, but following his transfer to Real Madrid, Barcelona entered the running for Ronaldinho and outbid Manchester United for his signature in a 30million deal. Pitch International LLP. The season that followed is considered one of the best in his career as he was integral in Barcelona winning the 200506 UEFA Champions League, their first in fourteen years, and another La Liga title, giving Ronaldinho his first career double, receiving the 2005 Ballon d'Or and his second FIFA World Player of the Year in the process. [182], Throughout his career, Ronaldinho was praised by pundits in particular for his technical skills, flair, and creativity, as well as his exceptional first touch. Jethro Soutar (2006). At number ten is the Barcelona and Brazil wizard Prime Icon Ronaldinho. Tim Vickery on Ronaldinho being six years past his prime, and being mobbed by opposition players at the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup. ', "Esttua de Ronaldinho queimada em Santa Catarina", "Decepo da Copa, Ronaldinho "festeja" com comida, dana e balada", Tired Ronaldinho asks to skip Copa America, "Ronaldinho and Robinho dropped by their Primera Liga teams", "Milan's Ronaldinho excited to play with Kaka", "World Cup 2010: I Am A Better Player At Milan That What I Was At Barcelona Ronaldinho", "England v Brazil: Ronaldinho surprised by recall to Seleao after year in the international wilderness", "Ronaldinho reckons Brazil will ruin England's 150th anniversary celebrations", "Felipo confirma Ronaldinho como capito; Jean e Cavalieri escalados", "Brazil names 23-man World Cup roster; Ronaldinho, Kaka left out", "Ronaldinho: a player so good he made you smile", "Messi or Ronaldo? Pitch International LLP. He was number 1. In the end, 23-year-old Ronaldinho opted to join Spanish side Barcelona and just weeks later United captured a teenage prospect by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo. [172] He also incorporated flashy moves such as backheels, bicycle kicks, and nolook passes into his general gameplay. There have been some whacky shirt numbers in football. However, we will update this page once we have the exact number. After a good start to the season, Ronaldinho struggled with fitness, and was often played from the bench to end a disappointing first season for Milan. Brazil finished with the bronze medal after defeating Belgium 30 in the third-place match. [99] After winning the 2014 Recopa Sudamericana, Ronaldinho left the club in July, reaching an agreement to cancel his contract by mutual consent. Ronaldinho. Coming to @keepupau, Thursday, 7:30pm AEDT. He is best noted for his overhead kicks, free kicks pass, and dribbling. They became possessed, and furious. He's an superb athlete. Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born 21 March 1980), commonly known as Ronaldinho Gacho ( Brazilian Portuguese: [onawdu auu]) or simply Ronaldinho, [note 1] is a Brazilian retired professional . Ronaldinho is estimated to have a net worth of between 80 million and 100 million ($100m - $125m). Stats of Ronaldinho Gacho . 2x The Best FIFA Men's Player. In spite of his performances at his peak, a period of dedication and focus which saw him named the FIFA World Player of the Year twice and receive the Ballon d'Or, Ronaldinho was also criticised on occasion in the media for his lack of discipline in training, as well as his hedonistic lifestyle off the pitch, which some pundits believed had an impact on the overall longevity of his career. p. 169. They won 112 in the finals, with Ronaldinho scoring 5 goals and assisting the other 6. RONALDINHO GAUCHO ronaldo de assis moreira. @10Ronaldinho. 1 reference. ", Lionel Messi on the impact of Ronaldinho's arrival at Barcelona. Gemeinsame Normdatei. [118] After two games, he left India to be an ambassador of the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Ronaldinho made club 529 appearances over his 17-year playing career, turning out for a host of top European football clubs, including Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. 2013 South American Footballer of the Year. 2. It's true that the five years that the Brazilian spent at Camp Nou were the best of his career. [75] It was a sad moment for him and he later said in an interview that he regretted leaving without playing long enough with Messi. . Ronaldinho joined Barca as a toothy-grinned wizard who had the club under his spell for three glorious seasons. On 8 March 2005, Barcelona were eliminated from the latter competition by Chelsea in the first knockout round, losing 54 over two legs. p. 172. Ronaldinho is $90 million rich because of football. Ronaldinho took a different path one that led to the nightclub rather than the training ground. How would Ronaldinho react? [139] Ronaldinho scored three goals in the tournament and is tied with Mexican forward Cuauhtmoc Blanco as the tournament's all-time scorer with nine goals. [100], After becoming a free agent, Ronaldinho was offered contracts from English Conference South club Basingstoke Town and newly formed Indian Super League franchise Chennai Titans through their co-owner Prashant Agarwal,[101][102][103] but eventually signed a two-year contract with Mexican club Quertaro on 5 September 2014. [48], "It's like someone pressed pause and for three seconds all the players stopped and I'm the only one that moves. That same day, Ronaldinho, joined by Adriano, returned to the city of Barcelona and held a party at his home, which was continued into the early morning hours at a nightclub. In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is de Assis and the second or paternal family name is Moreira. [107] On 30 October 2014, he scored a free kick against Atlas during an away match at the Estadio Jalisco. [12][187][188], ESPN described Ronaldinho as being "skillful by nature, his tricks are unparalleled and he is wonderful with the ball at his feet. The Brazilian was the catalyst for the return of the good times to FC . As reported by Cadena SER, Cesc Fabregas said while speaking about the Brazilian . The Portuguese famously adopted. [202] Ronaldinho has had an official role with UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, since February 2006. He's 100% talent. Ronaldinho was the recipient of the Bronze Ball Award for the competition. [206], On 2 February 2017, Barcelona announced that Ronaldinho signed a 10-year deal to become an ambassador for the club at institutional events. 2,978 posts. [146] He was not called up for the 2007 Copa Amrica after asking to be excused from the tournament due to fatigue. Above all he had one, very special ability: he made you smile. [213], In July 2019, 57 properties belonging to Ronaldinho along with his Brazilian and Spanish passports were confiscated because of unpaid taxes and fines. Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. [54][195] One of the world's highest paid players, in 2006 he earned over $19million from endorsements. [161] However, Ronaldinho was not selected for the national team for the 2013 Confederations Cup and he was also omitted from Scolari's 2014 World Cup finals squad. [130], Ronaldinho participated in his first World Cup in 2002, as part of a formidable offensive unit with Ronaldo and Rivaldo, dubbed the "Three Rs", who were also on the 1999 Copa Amrica winning squad. Ronaldinho Phone Number is +55 11950105034. After debuting with the Seleo by winning the 1999 Copa Amrica, he was an integral part of the 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team, starring alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo in an attacking trio, and was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. After starring for Paris Saint-Germain, Ronaldinho rejected Manchester United and decided to sign for Barcelona in a 21million deal in 2003. [109] All of the spectators, mostly consisting of Amrica supporters, gave a standing ovation to Ronaldinho after his goals had brought him to tears. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . As captain, he led his team to the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup title and was named man of the match in the final. Ronaldinho and his brother were released from Agrupacion Especializada on April 7 and placed under house arrest in a hotel after paying $1.6 million (1.3m) bail. The team was harshly criticized by Brazilian fans and media following their return home. place of birth. With his smile of always and putting the bracelet of captain to the ingresar to the party, like this has been the historical debut of Ronaldinho in the Kings League. He respectfully told us he didn't feel he was able to perform as good as he wanted and that it was a bad situation for him. [221][222][223], Ronaldinho made 853 appearances and scored 328 goals for club and country combined, with a goalscoring average of 0.38. Duas vezes eleito o melhor do mundo pela FIFA. However, he recently gave fans a sneak peek of his former self after he made a return to the pitch. NUMBER OF PEOPLE PEOPLE COMPOSITION. His main playing position is as an attacking midfielder or forward. Earlier that year, Ronaldinho led Brazil to win the Pre-Olympic Tournament, scoring nine goals in seven matches. Choose editorial collections > Embeddable images. With Kaka and Ancelotti both gone ahead of the 2009/10 campaign, Milan were clearly expecting more from Ronaldinho, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that then-owner Silvio Berlusconi made . It was a bad time and the change that came about with his arrival was amazing. [36], Newly elected FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated, "I said we would lead Bara to the forefront of the footballing world, and for that to occur we had to sign one of these three players, David Beckham, Thierry Henry or Ronaldinho". [207] On 6 July 2018, Ronaldinho announced a partnership with company World Soccer Coin (WSC) to develop a new cryptocurrency, the Ronaldinho Soccer Coin, with WSC claiming that the profits of the coin will be used to football projects such as "Ronaldinho Digital Stadiums. ", On 1 May 2005, Ronaldinho made the assist for Lionel Messi's first goal for Barcelona, executing a scooped pass over the Albacete defence for Messi to finish. In September 2005, he signed a two-year extension that contained a minimum-fee release clause that allowed him to leave should a club make an offer to Barcelona of at least 85million for him. In a Round of 16 match against Guingamp, Ronaldinho scored two second half goals in the game after having entered the match as a half-time substitute. Date of birth/Age: Sep 22, 1976 (46) Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro Citizenship: Brazil Height: 1,83 m Position: Centre-Forward Former International: Brazil Caps/Goals: 99 / 62 Currently working as: President Club: Real Valladolid Profile Stats Market value Transfers Rumours National team News Achievements Career Squad number history [174], Despite primarily being a creative player, who was renowned for his passing, vision, and playmaking ability, Ronaldinho was an accurate finisher with either foot, both from inside and outside the penalty area, as well as being a free-kick and penalty kick specialist. 3x Domestic League Champion. [44][68], Ronaldinho played his 200th career match for Barcelona in a league match against Osasuna on 3 February 2008. For much of that period, he was widely considered to be the best . Radnedge, Keir, "The priceless prince of Barcelona". [121], On 16 January 2018, Ronaldinho confirmed his retirement from football through his brother/agent: "He has stopped, it is ended. The School of Football looks into the stories behind some of the strangest shirt numbers out there. Ronaldinho, whose last professional game came in 2015 for Fluminese, scored five goals this weekend and set up another six. The team was full of superstars as Thierry Henry arrived, giving a boost to the star-studded team which already contained Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and a 20-year old Messi. Brazil and Barcelona icon Ronaldinho made his return to the pitch over the weekend despite hanging up his boots back in 2018 and issued a strong message to his . bzk5439 on February 7, 2023. After he sealed the match with his second goal, Madrid fans paid homage to his performance by applauding, so rare a tribute only Diego Maradona had ever been granted previously as a Barcelona player at the Santiago Bernabu Stadium. [141] However, deemed "top heavy and unbalanced", the team finished with ten goals in five games, with Ronaldinho himself going scoreless and finishing with only one assist (for Gilberto's goal in a 41 group stage victory over Japan), as he turned in his worst collective performance in his international career. He has made us smile again. [33], Ronaldinho was also influential in the 200102 Coupe de la Ligue, helping PSG reach the semi-finals where they were eliminated by Bordeaux. [133], The most memorable match in Ronaldinho's World Cup career took place in the quarter-final against England on 21 June. [56] Two weeks earlier, Barcelona had clinched their second-straight La Liga title with a 10 win over Celta de Vigo, giving Ronaldinho his first career double. ", "Laporta: Ronaldinho needs to leave Nou Camp", "Ronaldinho: Neymar destined for the top", "Man City offer Ronaldinho 200,000 a week to join", "Ronaldinho Snubs Man City for A.C. Milan AOL Fanhouse, 7/16/08", "The Fascinating Stories Behind 13 Famous Shirt Numbers", "Despite Milan Defeat, Ronaldinho Is Officially Back Among The World's Best", "Ronaldinho hat-trick as Milan win, Juve lose", "Leonardo leaves post as Milan manager by mutual consent", "Ronaldinho hits hat-trick in 54 Flamengo win", "Ronaldinho entra na Justia e rescinde contrato com o Flamengo", "Da piscina do Copacabana Palace, Kalil conduzia acerto Atltico-MG", "Palmeiras x Atltico-MG Campeonato Brasileiro 2012", "Atltico-MG x Nutico Campeonato Brasileiro", "Ronaldinho Gacho leva Bola de Ouro do Brasileiro 2012", "Ronaldinho voted 2013 South American Player of the Year", "Ronaldinho signs new Atletico Mineiro contract", "Ronaldinho Gacho rescinde contrato e encerra ciclo no Atltico-MG", "Ronaldinho: Basingstoke Town bid to sign Brazil legend", "Basingstoke Town in audacious bid to sign out-of-contract Ronaldinho", "Ronaldinho: Ex-World Cup winner signs for Queretaro", "Indian Super League: Blow for Chennai Titans and ISL Fans as Ronaldinho Signs for Mexican Club", "Ronaldinho Skies Penalty Kick Over The Bar In Queretaro Debut (GIF)", "Ronaldinho steals the show in Liga MX debut versus Chivas", "Pese a golazo de Ronaldinho, Quertaro cae 21 ante Atlas", "Dinho, feliz con doblete en el Azteca: 'Ovacin en el Bernabu y ahora aqu', "Quertaro 10 Chiapas: Cantan Ronaldinho y Gallos en el ltimo minuto", "Otro oso de Melitn en el gol de Ronaldinho", "Ronaldinho confirms Quertaro departure with one year left on contract", "No falta mais nada: Ronaldinho Gacho assina contrato e do Flu", "Ronaldinho leaves Fluminense after nine games", "Ronaldinho returns home, leaves Goa high and dry", Ronaldinho to be replaced by Cafu as Goa's marquee player, "Brazil legend Ronaldinho retires from football, says his brother and agent", "Kaka: Former Brazil, A.C. Milan and Real Madrid midfielder announces retirement", "Hollywood star Will Smith brings down curtain on Russia World Cup", "FIFA U-17 World Championship Egypt 1997", "XIX Sudamericano Juvenil 1999 (Argentina)", "FIFA World Youth Championship Nigeria 1999", "Ronaldo's redemption: recalling the Brazil striker's World Cup fairytale 15 years on", "2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan - Report and Statistics", Ronaldinho's 40 yard free kick goal in quarter-final against England at 2002 FIFA World Cup, Brazil victory harms Copa America credibility, "BRAARG (Match 16), Anheuser Busch Man of the Match: Ronaldinho (BRA)", "Kaka's spectacular run with Milan and Brazil overshadowed by his successors", "The brilliant Ronaldinho has retired, but his legacy is full of 'what if? [195] At the beginning of his career Ronaldinho signed a lucrative 10-year deal with sportswear company Nike (wearing Nike Tiempo R10 boots designed for him). Ronaldinho, who turns 40 on Saturday, wore those colours and often that number with distinction across an international career that spanned almost 15 years. [62] He scored once and set up two others in Barcelona's 40 Club World Cup win over Mexico's Club Amrica on 14 December in Yokohama, Japan,[63] but Barcelona were defeated 10 by Brazilian club Internacional in the final. [87], After being heavily linked with a move back to his childhood club Grmio, Ronaldinho joined Flamengo on 11 January 2011 with a contract ending in 2014. Both ties were determined in Atltico's favour after penalty shootouts. He was always spectacular, as player and person. The goal gave Flamengo its 19th Taa Guanabara title, which earned the Campeonato Carioca title two months later, as the team also won the Taa Rio. He is considered to be one of the best football players of his generation. In total, Ronaldinho was in prison for 32 days. [14] Ronaldinho was identified as a rising star at the 1997 U-17 World Championship in Egypt, in which he scored two goals on penalty kicks. Ronaldinho made his league debut for the club on 4 August 2001 appearing as a substitute in a 1-1 draw withAuxerre. The Brazil icon had spent 32. He made his senior side debut during the 1998 Copa Libertadores. [122] He retired as one of just eight players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d'Or. [17] Ronaldinho is the father of a son, Joo, born on February 25, 2005, to Brazilian dancer Janana Mendes and named after his late father. [84] The Estado De So Paulo newspaper declared, "Ronaldinho revives his golden years. In October, he performed well against Mexico in a friendly, scoring a free kick to equalize after Dani Alves was sent off. [197], Ronaldinho has featured in EA Sports' FIFA video game series, appearing on the cover of FIFA Football 2004, FIFA Street, FIFA 06, FIFA 07, FIFA Street 3, FIFA 08 and FIFA 09. The terms of the agreement include a guilty plea from the two brothers for entering Paraguay with fake passports and fines . [191] His compatriot Willian rated him as the greatest player of all time in 2019,[192] while Juninho described him as the most skilful player he had ever seen. [27], Ronaldinho was also praised for his performance in the Coupe de France when he scored both goals in the club's 20 win over Bordeaux in the semi-finals, which inserted PSG into the final. [169][175][176] Although he was primarily known for his ability to bend the ball from set pieces,[177] he was also capable of striking the ball with power underneath the wall, and also occasionally used the knuckleball technique, which was popularised by his compatriot Juninho Pernambucano. ", Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard on Ronaldinho during the 200506 season. [34] On 22 February 2003, Ronaldinho scored the goal of the season (chosen by public vote) against Guingamp he beat one opponent before playing a one-two to beat another, then lifted the ball over a third before beating a fourth with a step over (dropping his shoulder, moving right but going left) and finished by lifting the ball over the goalkeeper. Ronaldinho was born Ronaldo de Assis Moreira in Porto Alegre, the Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He returned to Brazil to play for Flamengo in 2011 and Atltico Mineiro a year later where he won the 2013 Copa Libertadores, before moving to Mexico to play for Quertaro and then back to Brazil to play for Fluminense in 2015. [128], In 2000, Ronaldinho participated in the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, with the U23 national team. [71][72] On 19 May 2008, Barcelona club president Joan Laporta stated that Ronaldinho needed a "new challenge", claiming that he needed a new club if he were to revive his career.[73]. He then returned to Brazil to play for Flamengo in 2011 and Atltico . [134][136] Seven minutes later, however, he was controversially sent-off for a foul on England's defender Danny Mills. [88] During the transfer saga, many reports had linked the former World Player of the Year to joining different clubs, such as LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer, Blackburn Rovers of the Premier League, and Brazilian clubs Corinthians and Palmeiras. [171][172][173] He was also capable of playing as a second striker. Ronaldinho also received his second FIFA World Player of the Year award, as well as the Ballon d'Or. Russian Wikipedia. New Numbers are. [1][5] His mother, Miguelina Eli Assis dos Santos,[6] was a salesperson who studied to become a nurse. "[117], In July 2016, Ronaldinho played for the Goa 5s, a futsal team from Goa in India, together with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Mchel Salgado, and Hernn Crespo as well as futsal player Falco in the Premier Futsal League. I'm relaxed. [57], Throughout the season, Ronaldinho linked up with prolific Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o in attack, providing a number of assists to the 34 goal striker; Ronaldinho's pass also put Eto'o through on goal in the Champions League Final from which he was brought down by Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann who was sent off. After scoring his first goal in the 22nd minute, Ronaldinho capped the game in the 81st minute, accurately chipping the ball at the 18-yard box over the head of goalkeeper Ulrich Ram, despite Ram being in a favorable position. On a less positive note, however, he missed three penalties in the domestic season to add to one botched kick the previous season. Ronaldinho Gaucho Height, Weight, Age, Biography, Measurements, Net Worth, Family, Affairs, Marriage, Wiki & much more! Don't be fooled by the name Ronaldo, this isn't the famous Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo, but rather the famous Brazilian player Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. For the comic strip based on him, see. [38][39], The club where he would spend his peak years and the basis of his global fame,[40] Ronaldinho made his Barcelona debut in a friendly against Juventus at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on 27 July, with coach Frank Rijkaard stating post match, "He has something special every time he touches the ball. If you are looking for another way to test your knowledge, check out our Pele quiz. PHOTOGRAPHERS COLLECTIONS. [135] Then, in the 50th minute, Ronaldinho took a free-kick from 40 yards out which curled into the top left corner of the net, completely surprising England's goalkeeper David Seaman, giving Brazil a 21 lead. I'll never speak about whether or not he is retiring. Ronaldinho won the Golden Ball award for the best player in tournament as well as the Golden Boot award for the tournament top-scorer. p. 123. 527 following. Thank you very much the Nation Gallos Blancos, which made me very proud to wear this shirt and defend this club. Whether his magic has been exhausted or he just needs a new challenge remains to be seen. [140], For the 2006 World Cup finals, Ronaldinho was part of Brazil's much-publicized "magic quartet" of offensive players alongside Adriano, Ronaldo and Kak, which was expected to provide the "Joga Bonito" style of play that was the focus of an extensive advertising campaign by Nike leading up to the tournament. stated in. His lifestyle eventually caught up with him, as the game grew more physically demanding. Ronnie was also part of the last AC Milan side to win Serie A in 2011. [55] He also contributed one goal in Barcelona's elimination of Benfica in the quarter-finals with a 20 home victory. Jethro Soutar (2006). That's not something you say about a player of his calibre. He is just marvellous. But, with due respect to the others, Ronaldinho was a cut above the rest. [132] His first goal came in the group stage match against China PR, which Brazil won 40. [9], The following year, Ronaldinho helped Atltico win the Campeonato Mineiro and led the club to its first Copa Libertadores title. [205] Ronaldinho also has over 50 million Instagram followers. [147] On 18 October, he was controversially benched by Barcelona after he was late returning to Spain following Brazil's 50 friendly win over Ecuador.