Full Name: Ronaldo de Assis Moreira
Born: March 21, 1980
Birthplace: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
Notable Clubs: Grêmio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan
National Team: Brazil (1999–2013)
Notable For: Dribbling, flair, free kicks, creativity
Early Life & Family Background
Born into a humble family in Porto Alegre, Ronaldinho is the son of João de Assis Moreira, a shipyard worker, and Miguelina Elói Assis dos Santos. His father played amateur football and introduced him to the game at an early age. Raised alongside older brother Roberto Assis, who would later become his agent, Ronaldinho spent countless hours honing his skills on rough neighborhood pitches and indoor futsal courts.
Despite financial hardships, his natural talent was evident. At age seven, he joined the youth setup at Grêmio, where coaches marveled at his ball control, feints, and improvisation. While his teammates prioritized physicality, Ronaldinho’s focus was on creativity—mastering flicks, elastico moves, and no-look passes that would later become his trademark.
Off the pitch, he was known for his joyous personality, always smiling and playing with a carefree attitude. His mother encouraged his education alongside football, but when professional opportunities arose, Ronaldinho committed wholeheartedly, viewing the sport as both passion and family livelihood.
Grêmio (1998–2001)
Ronaldinho debuted for Grêmio’s first team in March 1998 at age 17, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his daring dribbles and match-winning flair. Over four seasons, he scored 21 goals in 92 appearances, helping Grêmio win the Brazilian Championship in 1999.
His performances attracted national attention. In 2001, he was instrumental in Grêmio’s Copa do Brasil run, earning South American Young Player of the Year honors and sparking European transfer interest, culminating in his move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Key highlights:
- 1999 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Champion
- South American Young Player of the Year: 1999
- 21 goals in 92 appearances
Paris Saint-Germain (2001–2003)
In August 2001, Ronaldinho joined PSG for a €5.5 million fee, embracing European football’s tactical demands while retaining his trademark creativity. He notched 25 goals in 77 appearances, including a spectacular long-range strike against Marseille that became an instant classic.
Despite PSG’s mixed team results, Ronaldinho’s individual brilliance shone: he earned the UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year award in 2003 and was named in the UEFA Team of the Year, solidifying his emerging global star status.
Key highlights:
- UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2003
- 25 goals in 77 appearances
- UEFA Team of the Year selection
FC Barcelona (2003–2008)
Transferring to Barcelona in summer 2003, Ronaldinho flourished under coach Frank Rijkaard. In his second season, he led Barça to the La Liga title, part of a team that captivated the world with its attacking football.
His peak came in 2005–06: winning the FIFA World Player of the Year, Ballon d’Or, and leading Barcelona to their second UEFA Champions League title since the 1992 “Dream Team.” He scored 33 goals in all competitions, including a mesmerizing performance in El Clásico where he scored and celebrated with a signature no-look pass to Samuel Eto’o.
Beyond trophies, Ronaldinho’s impact was cultural: his joyful style restored Barcelona’s global appeal, attracting new fans and inspiring a generation. He mentored emerging talents like Lionel Messi, offering advice and sharing the limelight with humility.
Key highlights:
- 2× La Liga Champion: 2004–05, 2005–06
- 2005–06 UEFA Champions League Winner
- FIFA World Player of the Year: 2004, 2005
- Ballon d’Or: 2005
AC Milan (2008–2011)
In summer 2008, Ronaldinho moved to AC Milan, aiming to replicate his Barcelona success. He scored 26 goals in 95 appearances and contributed to Milan’s 2010–11 Serie A title campaign, forming a potent attack with Zlatan Ibrahimović and Alexandre Pato.
His influence extended beyond goals: his creativity unlocked defenses in Serie A’s tactical setting, and his leadership aided Milan’s resurgence domestically. Despite injuries, he delivered memorable performances, including a hat-trick against Genoa in 2009.
Key highlights:
- 2010–11 Serie A Champion
- 26 goals in 95 appearances
- Multiple Man of the Match performances
Later Club Career & Farewell (2011–2018)
After spells at Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro—where he won the 2013 Copa Libertadores—and brief stints at Querétaro and Fluminense, Ronaldinho retired in January 2018. At Atlético, he regained form: 58 goals in 124 games, Copa Libertadores title, and MVP honors in the Brazilian league.
His farewell tour included testimonial matches celebrating his impact across clubs, drawing fans worldwide to witness the magician one last time.
Key highlights:
- 2013 Copa Libertadores Winner (Atlético Mineiro)
- Campeonato Mineiro titles: 2013, 2014
- Over 400 career goals
International Career with Brazil (1999–2013)
Ronaldinho debuted for Brazil in 1999, starring in the 2002 FIFA World Cup—scoring in the group stage and assisting in the final—to help Brazil win its fifth title. He also won Copa América (1999) and FIFA Confederations Cup (2005), earning tournament best player honors.
As captain from 2006 to 2010, he led Brazil in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. Though Brazil fell short of further World Cup glory, his leadership and creativity left an indelible mark on the national team.
Key highlights:
- 2002 FIFA World Cup Winner
- Copa América: 1999
- 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup Winner & Best Player
- 97 caps, 33 goals
Playing Style & Technical Attributes
Dribbling & Flair
Ronaldinho’s genius lay in improvisation: elastico, flip-flap, no-look passes, and rabona strikes. His dribbling drew crowds, while his joyful expression embodied “joga bonito.”
Vision & Creativity
As playmaker, he unlocked packed defenses with through balls and inventive set-piece routines, blending technique with unpredictability.
Free Kicks & Finishing
Renowned for curling free kicks over walls with dip and swerve, he scored memorable goals directly from set pieces, including that iconic goal vs. Werder Bremen in 2005.
Leadership & Charisma
His infectious smile and team-first mentality boosted morale. Younger players idolized him, and he often mentored prospects, sharing knowledge with sincerity.
Major Achievements & Records
Club Honors
- La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06
- UEFA Champions League: 2005–06
- Serie A: 2010–11
- Copa Libertadores: 2013
- Multiple domestic cups in Brazil, France, Spain, Italy
International Honors
- FIFA World Cup: 2002
- Copa América: 1999
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2005
Individual Awards
- 2× FIFA World Player of the Year: 2004, 2005
- Ballon d’Or: 2005
- UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year: 2005–06
- Included in FIFA 100 list
Business Ventures & Endorsements
Ronaldinho has been a global ambassador for Nike—his signature boots inspired countless children. He partnered with Pepsi, EA SPORTS (FIFA series), and UNESCO, leveraging his charisma for social causes.
In 2016 he launched the “Ronaldinho Gaúcho Academy” in Brazil, focusing on youth development and life skills through football. He also invested in eSports, co-founding a competitive FIFA team.
Through his media company R10 Productions, he produces documentaries on Brazilian football culture and hosts clinics worldwide, sharing his philosophy of joy in sport.
Philanthropy & Charity Work
Ronaldinho established the Ronaldinho Institute in Porto Alegre, funding education, healthcare, and sports programs for underprivileged youth. The institute has served over 5,000 children through scholarships and community projects.
As UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, he advocates for children’s rights and peace through sport, visiting conflict zones and speaking at international forums.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated medical supplies to Brazilian hospitals and organized virtual football workshops, raising funds for frontline workers.
Personal Life
Ronaldinho is a father of three and enjoys music—playing guitar and rap—which reflects his creative spirit. He is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and conversational English and Italian.
Known for his love of samba and carnival culture, he often participates in cultural festivals and supports Brazilian music artists.
In retirement, he remains active in charity matches, ambassadorial roles, and promoting grassroots football development across Latin America and Africa.
Public Image & Influence
With over 50 million followers across social platforms, Ronaldinho’s image transcends sport. Forbes has recognized him among the most influential retired athletes, and Time magazine featured him in “Most Influential People” lists.
He is regularly cited in documentaries—like Netflix’s “Ronaldinho: The Happiest Man in the World”—and his dribbles are studied by coaches as benchmarks of creative excellence.
His ethos—“play with a smile”—resonates globally, inspiring campaigns on joy, creativity, and unity through football.
Controversies & Criticisms
Ronaldinho faced legal issues in 2020 when detained in Paraguay over alleged use of fraudulent passports—resolved after community service commitments. Critics argued his lifestyle contributed to off-field troubles, but many defended his philanthropic efforts.
His twilight career choices—brief spells in lower-tier leagues—drew mixed reactions, though he cited passion for performing and mentoring younger players as his motivation.
Some pundits questioned his dedication in later years, but his enduring smile and commitment to community endeared him to fans worldwide.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Ronaldinho redefined football artistry: his elastico dribble, no-look passes, and gravity-defying free kicks remain part of global football vocabulary. Academies incorporate his techniques into training, and coaches praise his blend of technique and emotion.
In June 2025, FIFA announced the “Ronaldinho Trophy” for the most skilful player at the World Cup, honoring his legacy of joy and innovation.
His influence extends to music, fashion, and philanthropy—embodying football’s power to unite, entertain, and inspire across cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Ronaldinho born?
He was born on March 21, 1980, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Which clubs did Ronaldinho play for?
Grêmio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, Querétaro, Fluminense.
What major trophies did he win?
2002 World Cup, 2006 Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Copa Libertadores.
What individual awards has he received?
2× FIFA World Player of the Year, Ballon d’Or 2005, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.