Ronaldinho (b. 1980)

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Biography

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, commonly known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho or simply Ronaldinho, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or left winger. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he won two FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a Ballon d'Or. He is the only player ever to have won a World Cup, a Copa América, a Confederations Cup, a Champions League, a Copa Libertadores and a Ballon d'Or. A global icon of the sport, Ronaldinho was renowned for his dribbling abilities, free-kick accuracy, his use of tricks, feints, no-look passes, and overhead kicks, as well as his ability to score and create goals. Also known by the nickname "O Bruxo", during his career, he was one of the most valuable sportsmen in the world.

Timeline

The story of Ronaldinho, told in moments.

1980 Birth

Born Ronaldo de Assis Moreira in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Grew up in poverty in the Vila Nova neighborhood. His father died of a heart attack in a swimming pool when Ronaldinho was eight.

Growing up in poverty in Guaruja. Was the ball the only escape? Your father died in a swimming pool when you were eight. How did you carry that?

2002 Event

Won the World Cup with Brazil in Japan. Scored a famous free kick against England that lobbed David Seaman from 35 yards. Debate still rages over whether it was a cross or a shot. He says he meant it.

That free kick lobbing Seaman against England. Was it deliberate or a cross? World Cup winner at 22. Was that the peak?

2005 Event

Won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. At Barcelona, he made Camp Nou crowds give standing ovations during the game, not after. Even Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu stood and clapped for him once.

Ballon d Or and making Camp Nou give you a standing ovation. Was Barcelona the happiest time? You made football look like it was being played by someone from another planet. Was it all instinct?

2006 Event

His Nike crossbar challenge video became one of the earliest viral football clips on the internet. He bounced the ball off the crossbar four times without it touching the ground. It's still debated whether it was real.

The crossbar challenge video. Was it real or CGI? One of the earliest viral football clips. Did you understand the internet back then?

2020 Event

Arrested in Paraguay for entering the country with a fake passport. Spent 32 days in prison and five months under house arrest in a luxury hotel. Played futsal with inmates while detained.

Arrested in Paraguay with a fake passport. What were you thinking? 32 days in jail. Was that rock bottom?

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