Ronaldinho

1.1. Family and Childhood

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira was born on March 21, 1980, in Porto Alegre, the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. His mother, Miguelina Elói Assis dos Santos, was a salesperson who later studied to become a nurse. His father, João de Assis Moreira, worked as a shipyard worker and played football for a local club, Esporte Clube Cruzeiro. The family faced financial challenges, and Ronaldinho was primarily looked after by his grandmother Albertina and older sister Deisi while his parents worked.

At the age of eight, a tragic incident occurred when his father suffered a fatal heart attack and drowned in the swimming pool at their new home. This home in the more affluent Guarujá section of Porto Alegre was a gift from Grêmio to convince Ronaldinho's elder brother, Roberto, to remain at the club after he signed a professional contract. Roberto's own football career was eventually cut short by injury, after which he assumed the role of Ronaldinho's manager, while Deisi became his press coordinator.

1.2. Early Development and Talent

Ronaldinho's football skills began to blossom at a very young age, leading him to be nicknamed "Ronaldinho" ('small Ronaldo') because he was often the youngest and smallest player in youth club matches. He developed a keen interest in futsal and beach football, which significantly influenced his later organized football style, particularly his exceptional ball control and signature moves. Ronaldinho often recalled practicing his dribbling skills against chairs and even the family dogs in their spacious home.

His prodigious talent first gained media attention at age 13 when he famously scored all 23 goals in a dominant 23-0 victory against a local team. He was identified as a rising star during the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Egypt, where he scored two goals from penalty kicks, contributing to Brazil's title win and earning him the Bronze Ball award for the tournament.

2.1. Grêmio

Ronaldinho began his professional journey in the Grêmio youth squad, making his senior team debut in 1998 during the 1998 Copa Libertadores. The 1999 season saw his emergence as a prominent player, scoring 22 goals in 47 matches and delivering standout performances in local derbies against Internacional. Notably, in the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship final on June 20, 1999, he spectacularly embarrassed Internacional's Brazilian legend and 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, at one point flicking the ball over his head and leaving him flat-footed with a mesmerizing dribble. Ronaldinho further achieved success with Grêmio by winning the inaugural Copa Sul in 1999 and the 1999 Campeonato Gaúcho.

In 2001, Arsenal expressed interest in signing him, but the move collapsed as he could not obtain a work permit due to being a non-EU player with insufficient international matches. He also considered a loan spell with Scottish Premier League side St Mirren, but this fell through due to his involvement in a fake passport scandal in Brazil.

2.2. Paris Saint-Germain

In 2001, Ronaldinho signed a five-year contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain in a 5.00 M EUR transfer from Grêmio. Upon his arrival in Paris, he was given the number 21 shirt and joined an attacking lineup featuring fellow Brazilian Aloísio, midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha, and striker Nicolas Anelka.

In the 2001-02 season, Ronaldinho made his league debut on August 4, 2001, as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Auxerre. He spent the initial months alternating between the bench and a starting role, scoring his first goal for the club on October 13 in a 2-2 draw against Lyon from a penalty kick. After the winter break, he experienced a prolific spell, scoring in four consecutive matches against Monaco, Rennes, Lens, and Lorient. On March 16, 2002, he netted a brace in PSG's 3-1 victory over relegation-threatened Troyes. His final league goal of the season came on April 27 in a 2-0 win over Metz, concluding his first Ligue 1 campaign with nine goals. Ronaldinho was also instrumental in the 2001-02 Coupe de la Ligue, where PSG reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Bordeaux. Despite his on-field success, the season was marred by controversy due to conflicts with manager Luis Fernández, who publicly criticized Ronaldinho for prioritizing Parisian nightlife over football and often returning late from holidays in Brazil.

For the 2002-03 season, Ronaldinho switched to the number 10 shirt. Although his performances were perceived as less consistent than his first season, he still delivered notable displays. On October 26, 2002, he scored two goals in a 3-1 victory against Classique rivals Marseille, including a curling free-kick that evaded multiple defenders. In the return fixture at Stade Vélodrome, he scored again in a 3-0 win, dribbling half the length of the field before chipping the ball over the goalkeeper. On February 22, 2003, he scored the "goal of the season" (as voted by the public) against Guingamp, showcasing his signature moves by beating multiple defenders with a combination of one-twos, lifts, and a step over before finishing with a chip over the goalkeeper. Ronaldinho also excelled in the Coupe de France, scoring both goals in a 2-0 semi-final win over Bordeaux, including an accurate chip over the goalkeeper from the 18-yard box, earning him a standing ovation from the Parisian supporters. However, PSG lost the final 2-1 to Auxerre due to a last-minute goal. The club finished a disappointing 11th in the league, failing to qualify for any European competition. Following this, Ronaldinho openly declared his desire to leave.

2.3. FC Barcelona

Newly elected FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta had promised to sign one of the world's top players, initially targeting David Beckham. However, after Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid, Barcelona entered the race for Ronaldinho's signature, outbidding Manchester United with a 30.00 M EUR deal. This marked the beginning of his peak years and global fame.

Initially, Ronaldinho seemed set to join Manchester United, as both clubs were vying for his signature. Barcelona, desperate for a star signing after Luís Figo's controversial move to Real Madrid, intensified their efforts. Ronaldinho himself reportedly preferred United, and a deal seemed imminent. However, a dramatic twist occurred when a former Chelsea coach allegedly discovered a spelling error in the contract with Manchester United-the omission of the letter 'h' from "Ronaldinho." This error was promptly reported to FIFA, which invalidated the contract. Barcelona then swiftly secured his transfer for £19.00 M GBP, leading to his arrival at the Catalan club, while Manchester United subsequently signed Cristiano Ronaldo, famously setting the stage for two of football's greatest careers.

2.4. AC Milan

In July 2008, Ronaldinho turned down a £25.50 M GBP offer from Manchester City to join Italian Serie A giants AC Milan on a three-year contract for 22.05 M EUR, plus an annual bonus. With the number 10 jersey already occupied by Clarence Seedorf, Ronaldinho chose 80 as his jersey number, reflecting his birth year.

In the 2008-09 season, Ronaldinho scored his first goal for Milan in a 1-0 Milan Derby victory over Inter Milan on September 28. He registered his first brace in a 3-0 win over Sampdoria on October 19 and scored a 93rd-minute match-winner against Braga in the 2008-09 UEFA Cup group stage. He finished his first season with Milan with 10 goals from 32 appearances across all competitions. After a promising start, he struggled with fitness and was often used as a substitute, leading to criticism regarding his perceived lack of dedication in training and his late-night partying lifestyle. His coach at Milan, Carlo Ancelotti, noted that Ronaldinho's "physical condition has always been very precarious. His talent though has never been in question."

The 2009-10 season saw Ronaldinho rediscover his form and become arguably Milan's best player. Newly appointed coach Leonardo shifted his role from a central attacking midfielder to a left-sided midfielder in an offensive 4-3-3 formation. On January 10, 2010, he scored two goals against Juventus in a 3-0 away victory. In the following match against Siena on January 17, Ronaldinho scored his first hat-trick for Milan, converting a penalty, scoring a header from a corner, and finishing with a strike from 20 yd (60 ft ^{(18.29 m)}). The Estado De São Paulo newspaper declared, "Ronaldinho revives his golden years." On February 16, he scored an early goal against Manchester United in the Champions League, though Milan ultimately lost 3-2. Ronaldinho finished the season as Serie A's top assist provider. However, he missed three penalties in the domestic season, adding to one from the previous season. He scored two goals against Juventus in Leonardo's final game in charge, a 3-0 win for Milan.

During the first half of the 2010-11 season, Ronaldinho was part of Milan's attack alongside new signings Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robinho. He made 16 appearances, scored one goal, and provided several assists before the winter break. Despite leaving the club mid-season, he was still eligible for and received a 2010-11 Serie A winner's medal when Milan clinched the title.

2.5. Return to Brazil

Ronaldinho returned to Brazilian football after his stint with AC Milan, joining several clubs and achieving notable success, including a Copa Libertadores title.

2.5.1. Flamengo

On January 11, 2011, Ronaldinho joined Flamengo on a contract set to end in 2014, concluding his decade-long career in Europe. His transfer generated immense anticipation, with over 20,000 fans greeting him at his unveiling on January 13, 2011.

Ronaldinho scored his first goal for Flamengo on February 6, 2011, in a 3-2 victory against Boavista. On February 27, he converted a second-half free-kick against Boavista to secure a 1-0 win and his first piece of silverware with the team, the Taça Guanabara. This victory contributed to Flamengo clinching the Campeonato Carioca title two months later, as they also won the Taça Rio. On July 27, 2011, Ronaldinho scored a hat-trick in Flamengo's dramatic 5-4 away win against rivals Santos, after being 3-0 down within the first 30 minutes. However, on May 31, 2012, he sued Flamengo, alleging four months of unpaid wages, and unilaterally terminated his contract with the club.

2.6. Querétaro (Mexico)

After becoming a free agent, Ronaldinho signed a two-year contract with Mexican club Querétaro on September 5, 2014. He chose to wear the number 49 jersey, a nod to his mother's birth year.

Ronaldinho's debut for Querétaro in a 1-0 loss to Tigres UANL was marred by a missed penalty kick. However, in his subsequent match against Guadalajara, he delivered a much-improved performance, assisting Camilo Sanvezzo and scoring from a penalty kick in a 4-1 win. On October 30, 2014, he scored a free-kick against Atlas during an away match at the Estadio Jalisco.

On April 18, 2015, Ronaldinho scored twice against Liga MX title-holders América in a 4-0 away victory at the Estadio Azteca. The opposing fans, mostly América supporters, gave him a rare standing ovation after his goals, moving him to tears. This was the second time in his career he received such a tribute from rival fans, and he stated it made him "like Mexico even more" and feel "right at home."

He scored two penalties in consecutive matches, the second of which secured Querétaro's qualification for the Liga MX playoffs. On May 17, 2015, Querétaro advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Veracruz 4-3 on aggregate, with Ronaldinho scoring a free-kick. Querétaro eventually reached the final after beating Pachuca on aggregate, but lost the final 3-5 to Santos Laguna after a 0-5 first-leg defeat and a 3-0 second-leg win. In June 2015, at age 35, Ronaldinho announced his departure from the club, expressing his gratitude to the Mexican people and Querétaro fans, stating, "Thank you very much the Nation Gallos Blancos, which made me very proud to wear this shirt and defend this club."

2.7. Futsal Career in India

In July 2016, Ronaldinho participated in the Premier Futsal League in India, playing for the Goa 5′s alongside football legends like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Míchel Salgado, and Hernán Crespo, as well as futsal player Falcão. After two games, he left India to become an ambassador for the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro and was replaced by Cafu. From September to early October 2017, Ronaldinho joined the Delhi Dragons in the Premier Futsal League, where he scored 16 goals in eight games.

3.1. Youth National Teams

Ronaldinho was an integral part of Brazil's first team to win the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Egypt. He scored his first goal in a 7-0 victory against Austria in the group stage. He finished the tournament with two goals and was awarded the Bronze Ball, as Brazil scored 21 goals while conceding only two.

In 1999, Ronaldinho had a busy international schedule. He first appeared in the 1999 South American Youth Championship, scoring three goals in nine appearances and helping the Brazil U20 team secure third place. He then participated in the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria, where he scored his first goal in Brazil's final group match. In the round of 16, he scored two first-half goals in a 4-0 win over Croatia, finishing the tournament with three goals before Brazil was eliminated by Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

3.2. Early Success and Senior Debut

Ronaldinho earned his first senior cap for Brazil on June 26, 1999, just three days before the start of the 1999 Copa América, in a 3-0 win over Latvia. He scored one goal during Brazil's victorious Copa América campaign. A week after the Copa América concluded, he was called up for the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup. He scored in every match except the final, including a hat-trick in an 8-2 semi-final rout of Saudi Arabia. In the final, Brazil lost 4-3 to Mexico. Ronaldinho won both the Golden Ball award for the best player and the Golden Boot award for the top scorer of the tournament.

In 2000, Ronaldinho participated in the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, with the Brazil U23 national team. Earlier that year, he led Brazil to win the CONMEBOL Men Pre-Olympic Tournament, scoring nine goals in seven matches. In the Olympics, however, Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Cameroon, who went on to win the gold medal. Ronaldinho appeared four times and scored his only goal in the quarter-final defeat.

3.3. 2002 FIFA World Cup Glory

Ronaldinho participated in his first 2002 FIFA World Cup as part of a formidable offensive unit alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo, famously dubbed the "Three Rs." This trio had also been part of the 1999 Copa América winning squad. The World Cup was held in South Korea and Japan, and Ronaldinho featured in five matches, scoring two goals and providing three assists. His first goal came in the group stage match against China PR, which Brazil won 4-0.

His most memorable World Cup moment occurred in the quarter-final against England on June 21. With Brazil trailing 1-0 after Michael Owen's goal, Ronaldinho turned the game around. After receiving the ball in his own half, he dribbled past Ashley Cole with a trademark step over before passing to Rivaldo, who scored the equalizer just before half-time. In the 50th minute, Ronaldinho took a free-kick from 40 yd (120 ft ^{(36.58 m)}) out, which curled into the top left corner of the net, completely surprising England's goalkeeper David Seaman and giving Brazil a 2-1 lead. Seven minutes later, he was controversially sent off for a foul on England defender Danny Mills. Ronaldinho was suspended for the semi-final, but returned for Brazil's starting lineup in the 2-0 victory over Germany in the final, as Brazil secured its record fifth World Cup title.

3.4. 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup Title

Ronaldinho's next international tournament was the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he went scoreless as Brazil was eliminated in the group stage. The following year, he was rested by coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and omitted from Brazil's 2004 Copa América squad, which largely comprised reserve players.

After falling short in 1999 and 2003, Ronaldinho captained Brazil and led his team to its second-ever 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup title in 2005. He converted a penalty kick in a 3-2 semi-final win against host Germany and was named Man of the Match in a dominant 4-1 victory over archrival Argentina in the final on June 29. Ronaldinho scored three goals in the tournament, making him tied with Mexican forward Cuauhtémoc Blanco as the tournament's all-time top goalscorer with nine goals.

3.5. 2006 FIFA World Cup and Criticism

For the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, Ronaldinho was part of Brazil's highly anticipated "magic quartet" of offensive players alongside Adriano, Ronaldo, and Kaká, who were expected to deliver the "Joga Bonito" style of play. However, the team was widely criticized for being "top-heavy and unbalanced." Ronaldinho himself went scoreless and provided only one assist (for Gilberto's goal in a 4-1 group stage victory over Japan), delivering what many considered his worst collective performance in his international career. Brazil's disappointing campaign ended in a 1-0 loss to France in the quarter-finals, where the Seleção managed only one shot on goal.

The team faced harsh criticism from Brazilian fans and media upon their return. On July 3, two days after Brazil's elimination, vandals immolated and destroyed a 23 ft (23 ft ^{(7.01 m)}) tall fiberglass and resin statue of Ronaldinho in Chapecó, which had been erected in 2004 to celebrate his first FIFA World Player of the Year award. That same day, Ronaldinho and Adriano returned to Barcelona and reportedly held a party at his home that continued into the early morning hours at a nightclub, further aggravating Brazilian fans who felt betrayed by the squad's perceived lack of effort. The 2006 World Cup is often seen as a turning point in Ronaldinho's career, marking the beginning of his decline from the summit of the game. Brazilian World Cup winner Tostão critically remarked, "Ronaldinho lacks an important characteristic of Maradona and Pelé-aggression. They transformed themselves in adversity. They became possessed, and furious."

3.6. 2008 Beijing Olympics Bronze Medal

On March 24, 2007, Ronaldinho scored twice in a 4-0 win over Chile, ending a nearly two-year scoreless streak in international play since the 2005 Confederations Cup final. He was excused from the 2007 Copa América due to fatigue. In October, he was controversially benched by Barcelona after returning late from a Brazil friendly against Ecuador, which had been followed by a night of partying in Rio de Janeiro.

On July 7, 2008, Ronaldinho was selected as one of the overage players for Brazil's squad at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Barcelona initially blocked his participation due to his upcoming Champions League commitments, but the decision was nullified following his transfer to AC Milan, who permitted him to join. Ronaldinho captained the team and scored his only two goals in a 5-0 victory over New Zealand in the group stage. Brazil was subsequently beaten by Argentina in the semi-final but secured the bronze medal after defeating Belgium 3-0 in the third-place match.

3.7. Later Career and World Cup Absences

Despite a return to good club form, Ronaldinho was not included in coach Dunga's final 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, even though he was initially in the 30-man provisional squad and deeply desired to participate. Critics argued that the exclusion of players like Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato, Adriano, and Ronaldo signaled a departure from Brazil's traditional attacking "Joga Bonito" style. At the tournament, Brazil was eliminated by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

In September 2011, Ronaldinho returned to the national team under coach Mano Menezes for a friendly against Ghana at Craven Cottage, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win. He followed this with solid performances in back-to-back friendlies against Argentina in the same month. In October, he played well against Mexico in a friendly, scoring a free-kick to equalize after Dani Alves was sent off in a match Brazil went on to win.

Ronaldinho's good form continued into 2013, leading to an unexpected call-up by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for a friendly against England on February 6 at Wembley Stadium, part of The Football Association's 150th anniversary. Ronaldinho started in what was his 100th cap (including non-official matches) and had a penalty saved by Joe Hart in Brazil's 1-2 loss. He was again named captain for an international friendly with Chile on April 24, 2013. However, Ronaldinho was not selected for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and was ultimately omitted from Scolari's final squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

4.1. Technical Skills and Creativity

Ronaldinho possessed exceptional technical abilities, refined during his early years playing futsal, which granted him unparalleled ball control. He was renowned for his innate creativity, unpredictable play, and a vast repertoire of tricks and feints. His signature moves included the "elastico"-a deceptive dribble where he pushes the ball with the outside of his foot and then quickly changes direction with the inside-a move he learned by studying videos of his idol, the 1970s Brazilian star Rivellino. In parts of Africa, particularly Nigeria, this move is even referred to as 'The Gaúcho' due to his popularization of it.

His playstyle incorporated a variety of flashy and effective techniques, such as back-heels, bicycle kicks, and no-look passes. He had an exceptional first touch, which was crucial in controlling the ball in tight spaces and initiating quick attacks. Despite his slender build, he was physically strong in possession, capable of fending off defenders and maintaining control while executing complex dribbles and nutmegs. Critics and fellow players often described his play as artistic and magical, emphasizing his ability to beat multiple opponents with individual runs and create moments of awe.

4.2. Vision and Goal Scoring

Beyond his dazzling dribbling, Ronaldinho was celebrated for his impressive passing range and extraordinary vision on the field. He could deliver sharp, accurate long passes diagonally from deep positions on the left flank, quickly changing the flow of play. His ability to execute no-look passes, where he deceptively looks in one direction while passing the ball in another, was a testament to his unique spatial awareness and creativity.

He was a versatile goal scorer, capable of finishing with either foot from both inside and outside the penalty area. Ronaldinho was a specialist in free-kicks and penalty kicks, known for his ability to bend the ball with precision. He also occasionally employed the "knuckleball" technique for free-kicks, popularized by his compatriot Juninho Pernambucano, and was capable of striking the ball with power underneath the wall. He is widely considered one of the most prolific free-kick takers in football history, and his techniques in this area influenced younger players, including his former teammate Lionel Messi, who later became a free-kick expert himself.

4.3. Influence and Impact

Ronaldinho's playing style left a profound influence on other players and the sport as a whole. His joyful approach to the game, often accompanied by his characteristic smile, embodied the Brazilian philosophy of "Joga Bonito" (Beautiful Game). This attitude, coupled with his unparalleled skills, captivated audiences and opponents alike.

Lionel Messi himself acknowledged Ronaldinho's impact, stating, "Ronaldinho was responsible for the change in Barça. It was a bad time and the change that came about with his arrival was amazing." Many former teammates praised his unique abilities. Edgar Davids declared, "For the skills and tricks, Ronaldinho was the best player that I ever played with," a sentiment echoed by Henrik Larsson. Fellow Brazilian Willian rated him as the greatest player of all time in 2019, while Juninho described him as the most skillful player he had ever seen. FourFourTwo magazine, in 2019, described him as "possibly the best technician in the history of football in Brazil."

Brazilian legend Tostão famously summarized Ronaldinho's multifaceted talent: "Ronaldinho has the dribbling skills of Rivelino, the vision of Gérson, the spirit and happiness of Garrincha, the pace, skill and power of Jairzinho and Ronaldo, the technical ability of Zico and the creativity of Romário." Above all, Tostão noted, "he had one, very special ability: he made you smile."

5.1. Family and Relationships

Ronaldinho is the father of a son, João, born on February 25, 2005, to Brazilian dancer Janaína Mendes. João was named after Ronaldinho's late father. In April 2019, João, at age 14, signed a professional contract with Cruzeiro EC. Ronaldinho gained Spanish citizenship in 2007.

His personal relationships have attracted media attention; he has reportedly lived with two women, Priscilla Coelho and Beatriz Souza, simultaneously, in a de facto cohabitation, as polygamy is not legally recognized in Brazil. In February 2021, his mother passed away due to complications from COVID-19.

5.2. Personal Beliefs and Interests

Ronaldinho was baptized Catholic in 2023, reflecting his long-standing support for the Catholic Church. In March 2018, he joined the Brazilian Republican Party, which has ties to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. He publicly endorsed presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro in the 2018 Brazilian general election. This endorsement sparked criticism from some, including FC Barcelona officials, who believed it conflicted with the club's values of anti-racism and anti-discrimination, though others defended his right to political expression.

Ronaldinho has been known for a relaxed approach to his off-field routine, reportedly engaging in sexual activity before matches during his time at Barcelona, which he claimed helped improve his game. His competitive nature is well-known, though he also exhibited a tendency towards "burnout" after major successes, with his behavior notably changing after the 2002 World Cup and 2005-06 Champions League victory.

6.1. Off-field Conduct and Criticism

Ronaldinho received criticism for his perceived lack of discipline in training and a hedonistic lifestyle off the pitch. These factors were often cited as contributors to his decline in performance after his peak at Barcelona. For example, after Brazil's elimination from the 2006 World Cup, his decision to party in Barcelona with Adriano just two days later angered many Brazilian fans who felt betrayed by the team's lack of effort. Tim Vickery described him as "Brazil's childlike genius who never grew up," suggesting that his father's early death might have led to an attitude of enjoying life while it lasts, potentially at the expense of sustained dedication.

His love for nightlife was so well-known that in a 2002 poll in Brazil, he was humorously voted the number one "man you wouldn't want to embrace."

6.2. Financial and Legal Troubles

Ronaldinho encountered significant financial and legal issues. In July 2019, 57 properties belonging to him, along with his Brazilian and Spanish passports, were confiscated due to unpaid taxes and environmental fines. These fines stemmed from building a fishing platform on the Guaíba River in a heritage-protected area. A judge reduced the fine from 8.50 M BRL to 6.00 M BRL, but Ronaldinho and his brother failed to pay within the allotted time, leading to the suspension of their passports.

In March 2020, Ronaldinho faced a high-profile scandal when he and his brother were questioned and subsequently detained by police in Paraguay for allegedly using fake passports to enter the country for a charity event and book promotion. This was particularly perplexing as Brazilian nationals do not require a passport to enter Mercosur member countries like Paraguay. While in prison in Asunción, Ronaldinho participated in a prison futsal tournament, where his team won 11-2 in the final, with him scoring five goals and assisting the other six. The winning team was famously awarded a suckling pig. Despite his apparent enjoyment and the widely circulated images of him smiling, a former Paraguayan national team player, Nelson Cuevas, who visited him, stated that Ronaldinho was "not happy at all" and that his "smile had begun to fade" due to being in an unfamiliar prison environment. He attempted to appeal his detention but was ordered to remain under house arrest with his brother. On August 24, 2020, Ronaldinho and his brother were released from Paraguayan prison after a judge approved a plea deal, with fines of 90.00 K USD and 110.00 K USD respectively.

7.1. Commercial Endorsements

Ronaldinho secured lucrative endorsement deals with major international companies, including Nike, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, EA Sports, and Danone. In 2006, he was one of the world's highest-paid athletes, earning over 19.00 M USD from endorsements alone. After endorsing Pepsi for much of his career and appearing in commercials with stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho signed a deal with Coca-Cola in 2011. However, this contract was abruptly terminated in July 2012 after he was caught drinking Pepsi during a news conference.

He had a long-standing 10-year deal with Nike, wearing custom-designed Nike Tiempo R10 boots. He featured prominently in Nike commercials, such as the 2002 "Secret Tournament" (Scorpion KO) directed by Terry Gilliam. His 2005 Nike advertisement, where he seemingly juggles and repeatedly volleys a football against the crossbar without it touching the ground, became a groundbreaking viral video on YouTube, being the first video on the site to reach one million views. A 2010 Nike commercial, "Write the Future," directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, featured Ronaldinho executing his signature stepovers, which also went viral.

7.2. Gaming and Digital Ventures

Ronaldinho has been a prominent figure 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. In 2018, he announced a partnership with World Soccer Coin (WSC) to develop a new cryptocurrency, the 'Ronaldinho Soccer Coin,' with claims that profits would fund football projects like "Ronaldinho Digital Stadiums." In January 2024, he announced a two-year partnership with OKVIP, an online entertainment company, becoming their brand ambassador primarily for Asian markets.

7.3. Social and Cultural Impact

Beyond his commercial endeavors, Ronaldinho has been active in various social initiatives. He has held an official role with UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, since February 2006. In 2011, he was recruited by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS to promote awareness among young people about the disease. He even launched his own line of condoms called "Sex Free" in June 2013 to support public health.

His global popularity is evident in his massive social media following, being one of the most followed athletes on Facebook and having over 50 million followers on Instagram. A wax sculpture of Ronaldinho was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong in December 2007. In February 2017, Barcelona signed a 10-year deal with Ronaldinho for him to become a club ambassador at institutional events.

7.4. Fictional Works and Media Appearances

Ronaldinho has appeared as a character in various fictional works and media. He is featured in Rupert Thomson's 2021 novel Barcelona Dreaming. In 2018, he made an appearance in the American martial arts film Kickboxer: Retaliation.

Beyond these, Ronaldinho Gaúcho was a Brazilian celebrity comic strip created by Mauricio de Sousa, featuring a fictionalized child version of him. Launched in 2006 during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the strip ran until 2015. This comic was later adapted into an animated television series titled Ronaldinho Gaúcho's Team, co-produced by GIG Italy Entertainment and MSP (Mauricio de Sousa Produções). in 2014, coinciding with the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the animated series was acquired by children's channels Gloob and Discovery Kids.

8.1. Official Retirement

On January 16, 2018, Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, officially confirmed his retirement from football, stating, "He has stopped, it is ended. Let's do something pretty big and nice after the Russia World Cup, probably in August." Although a celebratory testimonial match or event was planned for after the 2018 World Cup, three years after his last appearance for Fluminense, it has not yet materialized. Ronaldinho retired as one of only eight players in history to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or.

8.2. Post-Retirement Activities

Following his retirement, Ronaldinho has continued to make public appearances and maintain various roles. He famously performed at the closing ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 15, playing an African drum during a rendition of "Kalinka." He is known to be a skilled Pandeiro player, an instrument used in Brazilian samba. He continues to serve as an ambassador for FC Barcelona and engages in other partnerships, as detailed in his media and endorsement activities.

9.1. Positive Reception

Ronaldinho holds a legendary status in football, often being referred to by iconic nicknames such as "The Wizard" (O Bruxo) and "Alien" due to his seemingly otherworldly abilities. He is celebrated for his unique and creative playing style, which brought immense joy and entertainment to spectators worldwide. His flair, audacious dribbling, and unpredictable moves, such as the "Elastico," are lauded as hallmarks of his genius. He is widely credited with inspiring a generation of players, most notably Lionel Messi, and for embodying the "Joga Bonito" philosophy of the beautiful game. His influence on the sport is seen as profound, changing the history of clubs like Barcelona and leaving an indelible mark on football.

9.2. Criticism and Evaluation

Despite his legendary status and peak performances, Ronaldinho has also faced criticism. Concerns were often raised regarding his training habits and dedication, with many observers suggesting that his off-field lifestyle, particularly his enjoyment of partying, contributed to a perceived decline in his physical condition and focus on football after his prime years. This led to questions about his career longevity compared to other top players.

His performance in major tournaments, such as the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he went scoreless despite being part of a star-studded attacking quartet, also drew significant criticism from Brazilian fans and media who felt he did not deliver on expectations. Tim Vickery summarized this sentiment, posing the question: "Should we be grateful for what he gave us or angry that it ended so soon?" suggesting that his childlike enthusiasm for the game, while charming, may have prevented him from maintaining the intense, aggressive competitive drive seen in other football legends.

10.1. Club Appearances and Goals

10.2. International Appearances and Goals

11.1. Club Honours

11.2. International Honours

11.3. Individual Awards