History of Ronaldinho in Timeline
Ronaldinho Gaúcho, a Brazilian former professional footballer, is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. Known for his exceptional dribbling, free-kick accuracy, tricks, and playmaking ability, he won numerous individual awards, including two FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a Ballon d'Or. He is uniquely distinguished as the only player to have secured victories in the World Cup, Copa América, Confederations Cup, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and the Ballon d'Or. Nicknamed "O Bruxo", Ronaldinho was a global icon and one of the most valuable sportsmen during his career.
1949: Birth year of Ronaldinho's mother
Ronaldinho's mother was born in 1949
1966: Pele's Disappointment in the 1966 World Cup
In 1966, After Pelé's disappointment in the 1966 World Cup, he fought like a lion to get himself in good shape for 1970.
1970: Tostão compares Ronaldinho to Maradona and Pelé
In 1970, Brazil World Cup winner Tostão noted in O Tempo that Ronaldinho lacks the aggression of Maradona and Pelé, who transformed themselves in adversity.
1970: Pele gets in shape for 1970 World Cup
In 1970, Pelé fought like a lion to get himself in good shape for the 1970 World Cup.
March 1980: Ronaldinho's Birth
In March 1980, Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, famously known as Ronaldinho, was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil. His mother was a salesperson and his father was a shipyard worker and footballer.
1997: Ronaldinho wins FIFA U-17 World Championship
In 1997, Ronaldinho was part of the Brazilian team that won the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Egypt. He scored two goals in the tournament and was awarded the Bronze Ball.
June 1999: Rio Grande do Sul State Championship final
On June 20, 1999, Ronaldinho gave a headlining performance in the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship final, embarrassing Dunga.
1999: Ronaldinho debuts for Brazil and wins Copa América
In 1999, Ronaldinho debuted for the Brazilian senior team in a friendly victory against Latvia. He also scored a goal during Brazil's victorious Copa América campaign. He was then called up for the FIFA Confederations Cup, where he won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards, despite Brazil losing the final against Mexico.
1999: Ronaldinho's international play in 1999
In 1999, Ronaldinho played in the South American Youth Championship, helping the U20s to reach third place. He also participated in the FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria, scoring three goals, with Brazil being eliminated by Uruguay in the quarter-finals.
August 2001: League Debut for PSG
On August 4, 2001, Ronaldinho made his league debut for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), appearing as a substitute in a 1–1 draw with Auxerre.
March 2002: Scored Twice Against Troyes
On March 16, 2002, Ronaldinho scored two goals in Paris Saint-Germain's 3–1 victory against Troyes.
2002: Ronaldinho appears in Nike "Secret Tournament" commercial
In 2002, Ronaldinho appeared in Nike commercials, including the "Secret Tournament" commercial (branded "Scorpion KO") directed by Terry Gilliam.
2002: Ronaldinho participates in his first World Cup
In 2002, Ronaldinho participated in his first World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan. He appeared in five matches, scored two goals, and contributed three assists, being part of the "Three Rs" offensive unit.
2003: Ronaldinho goes scoreless at Confederations Cup
In 2003, Ronaldinho participated in the Confederations Cup, but he went scoreless as Brazil were eliminated in the group stage.
2004: Ronaldinho dropped from Copa América squad
In 2004, Ronaldinho was dropped from Brazil's Copa América squad, with the coach choosing to rest his stars and use a largely reserve squad.
2004: Ronaldinho's FIFA World Player of the Year award celebrated with a statue
In 2004, a 23-foot tall statue of Ronaldinho was erected in Chapecó to celebrate his first FIFA World Player of the Year award.
February 2005: Birth of Ronaldinho's son, João
In February 2005, Ronaldinho became a father to a son named João, born to Brazilian dancer Janaína Mendes and named after Ronaldinho's late father.
September 2005: Won FIFPro World Player of the Year
In September 2005, Ronaldinho won the inaugural FIFPro World Player of the Year, was included in the 2005 FIFPro World XI, and was named the 2005 European Footballer of the Year.
2005: Winning Confederations Cup final
In 2005 Ronaldinho participated in the Confederations Cup final and scored his first goal
2005: Ronaldinho leads Brazil to Confederations Cup title
In 2005, Ronaldinho captained Brazil and led his team to its second Confederations Cup title. He scored three goals in the tournament and was named Man of the Match in the final against Argentina. He also is tied with Cuauhtémoc Blanco as the tournament's all-time top goalscorer with nine goals.
2005: Ballon d'Or and World Player of the Year Award
In 2005, Ronaldinho received the Ballon d'Or and his second FIFA World Player of the Year award. Also in the 2005-2006 El Clásico, he received a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans.
2005: UEFA Club Footballer of the Year
In 2005, Ronaldinho was named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year for the 2005-06 season.
2005: Ronaldinho's Nike advertisement goes viral
In 2005, Ronaldinho's Nike advertisement, featuring him juggling a football and volleying it against the crossbar, went viral on YouTube, becoming the site's first video to reach one million views.
2005: Standing Ovation at Bernabéu
In April 2015, Ronaldinho noted that the standing ovation he received from América fans reminded him of a previous ovation from Madrid fans in 2005.
February 2006: Ronaldinho becomes an official with UNICEF
In February 2006, Ronaldinho assumed an official role with UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund.
May 2006: Champions League Final Win
On 17 May 2006, Ronaldinho and Barcelona won the Champions League Final against Arsenal with a score of 2–1. This victory marked Barcelona's first Champions League title in 14 years and contributed to Ronaldinho achieving his first career double.
November 2006: Spectacular Goal Against Villarreal
On 25 November 2006, Ronaldinho scored his 50th career league goal against Villarreal, followed by a second goal with an overhead bicycle kick. After receiving a cross from Xavi, he flicked the ball up with his chest and spun 180 degrees to finish. Barcelona fans waved white handkerchiefs in admiration of the goal.
2006: Ronaldinho at the 2006 World Cup
At the 2006 World Cup finals, Ronaldinho was part of Brazil's much-publicized "magic quartet" of offensive players. However, the team was deemed "top heavy and unbalanced," and Ronaldinho had his worst collective performance in his international career, going scoreless with only one assist. Brazil lost to France in the quarter-finals.
2006: Controversy after Brazil's World Cup elimination
Following Brazil's elimination from the 2006 World Cup, fans and media harshly criticized the team. A statue of Ronaldinho was destroyed in Chapecó. Ronaldinho then held a party in Barcelona, aggravating fans who felt betrayed by the team's lack of effort. This World Cup is seen as a turning point in Ronaldinho's career.
2006: Richard Williams describes Ronaldinho as a genius
In 2006, Richard Williams of The Guardian described Ronaldinho as a "genius", and his former Barcelona teammate Sylvinho praised his intelligence and talent.
2006: Creation of Ronaldinho Gaúcho comic strip
In 2006, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, a Brazilian celebrity comic strip by Mauricio de Sousa featuring a fictionalized version of Ronaldinho as a child, was created, coinciding with the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
2006: FIFA World Player of the Year Third Place
In 2006, Ronaldinho finished third in the FIFA World Player of the Year awards, behind Fabio Cannavaro and Zinedine Zidane.
2006: UEFA Club Footballer of the Year
In 2006, Ronaldinho was named the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and was chosen for the UEFA Team of the Year for the third consecutive time. He was also named in the six man shortlist for the 2006 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, and was selected in the FIFA World XI, marking a highly successful year.
2006: Ronaldinho's endorsement earnings
In 2006, Ronaldinho, one of the world's highest paid players, earned over $19 million from endorsements.
March 2007: Champions League Elimination and Injury
In March 2007, defending champions Barcelona, including Ronaldinho, were eliminated from the Champions League at the last 16 stage by Liverpool. Around the same time, Ronaldinho missed a charity match on 13 March due to an injury he had picked up several days earlier in Barcelona's 3–3 El Clásico draw with Real Madrid.
March 2007: Ronaldinho scores twice against Chile
On March 24, 2007, Ronaldinho scored twice in a 4–0 win over Chile, ending a nearly two-year scoreless streak.
December 2007: Ronaldinho wax sculpture unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
In December 2007, a wax sculpture of Ronaldinho was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.
2007: Ronaldinho gains Spanish citizenship
In 2007, Ronaldinho gained Spanish citizenship.
2007: Decline in Form and Lifestyle Criticisms
Ronaldinho's 2007-08 campaign was plagued by injuries, including a muscle tear in his right leg on 3 April, prematurely ending his season. His partying lifestyle and lack of dedication to training led to a decline in physical condition.
February 2008: 200th Match for Barcelona
In February 2008, specifically on 3 February, Ronaldinho played his 200th career match for Barcelona in a league match against Osasuna.
May 2008: Laporta's Statement on Ronaldinho's Future
On 19 May 2008, Barcelona club president Joan Laporta stated that Ronaldinho needed a "new challenge" and claimed he needed a new club to revive his career.
July 2008: Joins AC Milan
In July 2008, Ronaldinho turned down an offer from Manchester City to join AC Milan on a three-year contract worth around £5.1 million (€6.5 million) a year, for €22.05 million plus €1.05 million bonus each season (€24.15 million in 2010).
July 2008: Reuters Quote
In July 2008, Simon Baskett from Reuters provided a quote about an event.
July 2008: Ronaldinho named in Brazil's Olympics squad
On July 7, 2008, Ronaldinho was named in Brazil's 2008 Summer Olympics squad. After initial resistance from Barcelona, his transfer to Milan allowed him to participate. He captained the team and scored two goals against New Zealand. Brazil won the bronze medal.
2008: First Season with AC Milan
During the 2008–09 season, Ronaldinho scored his first goal for Milan in a 1–0 derby victory over Inter Milan on 28 September, and his first brace was in a 3–0 win over Sampdoria on 19 October. He finished the season with 10 goals from 32 appearances, but his fitness and dedication were questioned, leading to criticism.
January 2010: Goals Against Juventus and Siena
In January 2010, Ronaldinho scored two goals against Juventus on 10 January, leading Milan to a 3–0 victory. Following this, on 17 January against Siena, he scored his first hat-trick for Milan.
May 2010: Ronaldinho not named in 2010 World Cup squad
In May 2010, despite being in good form and named in the provisional squad, Ronaldinho was not included in Brazil's final squad for the 2010 World Cup, leading to criticism and debate over the team's style of play.
2010: Ronaldinho featured in Nike commercial "Write the Future"
In 2010, Ronaldinho was featured in Nike's commercial "Write the Future", directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, showcasing his stepovers, which became a viral trend.
2010: Edgar Davids comments on Ronaldinho's skills
In 2010, Ronaldinho's former Barcelona teammate, Edgar Davids, remarked that "For the skills and tricks, Ronaldinho was the best player that I ever played with."
2010: AC Milan Contract Details
In July 2008, Ronaldinho's contract with AC Milan was worth €22.05 million plus €1.05 million bonus each season (€24.15 million in 2010).
2010: Open Letter to Barcelona
In preparation for the 2010 Joan Gamper Trophy, Ronaldinho sent an open letter to the fans and players of Barcelona, stating that his best years had been the five he spent in the Catalan club. He expressed regret for leaving without playing long enough with Messi.
January 2011: Joins Flamengo
On 11 January 2011, Ronaldinho joined Flamengo with a contract ending in 2014, after being linked with various other clubs. He was greeted by over 20,000 fans at his unveiling on 13 January 2011.
February 2011: First Goal and Title with Flamengo
In February 2011, on 6 February, Ronaldinho scored his first goal for Flamengo in a 3–2 victory against Boavista. Later, on 27 February, he scored a free kick to beat Boavista 1–0, winning his first title, the Taça Guanabara, with Flamengo.
July 2011: Hat-trick against Santos
On 27 July 2011, Ronaldinho scored a hat-trick in Flamengo's 5–4 away win against rivals Santos, after being 3–0 down inside the first 30 minutes.
September 2011: Ronaldinho returns to the national team
In September 2011, Ronaldinho returned to the national team under coach Mano Menezes, playing the full 90 minutes in a friendly against Ghana. He had solid performances in subsequent friendlies against Argentina.
2011: Ronaldinho recruited by UNAIDS
In 2011, Ronaldinho was recruited by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS to promote awareness of the disease among young people.
May 2012: Leaves Flamengo Due to Lack of Payment
On 31 May 2012, Ronaldinho sued Flamengo claiming lack of payment for four months and cancelled his contract with the club.
June 2012: Debut and First Goal for Atlético Mineiro
In June 2012, specifically on 9 June, Ronaldinho debuted for Atlético Mineiro, playing 90 minutes in a 1–0 away win against Palmeiras. He scored his first goal for the club on 23 June 2012 against Náutico from the penalty spot.
June 2012: Moves to Atlético Mineiro
On 4 June 2012, Ronaldinho moved to Atlético Mineiro on a six-month contract, just four days after leaving Flamengo. He wore number 49 in reference to his mother's birth year.
2012: New bee species named after Ronaldinho
In 2012, two Brazilian entomologists named a new species of bee, Eulaema quadragintanovem, after Ronaldinho, referencing his jersey number 49 at Atlético Mineiro as an homage to his mother, born in 1949.
April 2013: Ronaldinho named captain for friendly against Chile
In April 2013, Ronaldinho was named captain of the national team for a friendly against Chile.
2013: Copa Libertadores Title
In 2013, Ronaldinho helped Atlético win the Campeonato Mineiro and led the club to its first Copa Libertadores title. He scored four goals and assisted on eight occasions during the competition.
2013: Bola de Ouro Award
Ronaldinho led Atlético Mineiro to a good 2012 season, in which the club finished second in the 2012 Brasileirão and qualified for the 2013 Copa Libertadores. Ronaldinho won the Bola de Ouro award, selected as the best player in the league.
January 2014: Contract Renewal with Atlético
In January 2014, Ronaldinho renewed his contract with Atlético Mineiro.
September 2014: Signs with Querétaro
On 5 September 2014, Ronaldinho signed a two-year contract with Mexican club Querétaro after being offered contracts from other clubs.
October 2014: Scores First Goal for Querétaro
In October 2014, Ronaldinho scored his first goal for Querétaro from a penalty kick in a 4–1 win against Guadalajara. On 30 October 2014, he scored a free kick against Atlas at the Estadio Jalisco.
2014: Ronaldinho omitted from 2014 World Cup squad
In 2014, Ronaldinho was omitted from Scolari's 2014 World Cup finals squad.
2014: End of Flamengo Contract
On 11 January 2011, Ronaldinho joined Flamengo with a contract ending in 2014.
March 2015: Ronaldinho's Facebook popularity
In March 2015, Ronaldinho was the sixth most popular sportsperson on Facebook, with 31 million fans.
April 2015: Standing Ovation from América Fans
On 18 April 2015, Ronaldinho scored twice against Liga MX title-holders América in an away game at the Estadio Azteca, leading his team to a 4–0 victory. He received a standing ovation from the América supporters after his goals.
May 2015: Liga MX Playoffs and Semi-Finals
In May 2015, Ronaldinho scored two penalties in consecutive matches. On 17 May 2015, Querétaro progressed to the semi-finals after defeating Veracruz 4–3. Querétaro eventually advanced to the final after beating Pachuca on aggregate 2–2.
June 2015: Departure from Querétaro
In June 2015, Ronaldinho announced his departure from Querétaro, expressing gratitude to the Mexican people and fans of the club.
July 2015: Ronaldinho returns to Brazil and signs with Fluminense
In July 2015, Ronaldinho returned to Brazil, signing an 18-month contract with Fluminense. However, the deal was terminated by mutual agreement in September after nine appearances, with Ronaldinho feeling unable to perform to his desired level. His brief stint was heavily criticized by fans.
2015: End of Ronaldinho Gaucho comic strip
The comic strip Ronaldinho Gaucho ended in 2015.
July 2016: Ronaldinho plays for Goa 5′s and becomes Paralympics ambassador
In July 2016, Ronaldinho played for Goa 5’s in the Premier Futsal League in India. After two games, he left to become an ambassador for the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
February 2017: Ronaldinho becomes Barcelona ambassador
On February 2, 2017, Barcelona announced that Ronaldinho had signed a 10-year deal to become an ambassador for the club at institutional events.
October 2017: Ronaldinho joins Delhi Dragons
In October 2017, Ronaldinho joined the Delhi Dragons in the Premier Futsal League, scoring 16 goals in eight games.
January 2018: Sid Lowe's comment after Ronaldinho's retirement
In January 2018, Sid Lowe commented on Ronaldinho after his retirement.
January 2018: Ronaldinho confirms retirement from football
On January 16, 2018, Ronaldinho confirmed his retirement from football through his brother/agent, with plans for a celebration after the Russia World Cup. He retired as one of eight players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or.
March 2018: Ronaldinho joins Brazilian Republican Party
In March 2018, Ronaldinho joined the Brazilian Republican Party, which has links to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. Ronaldinho endorsed presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro in the 2018 Brazilian presidential election.
July 2018: Ronaldinho partners with World Soccer Coin to develop cryptocurrency
On July 6, 2018, Ronaldinho announced a partnership with World Soccer Coin (WSC) to develop a new cryptocurrency, the Ronaldinho Soccer Coin.
2018: Jorginho retires from beach soccer
In 2018, Jorginho retired from competitive beach soccer after a career spanning more than two decades.
2018: Ronaldinho appears in Kickboxer: Retaliation film
In 2018, Ronaldinho appeared in the American martial arts film Kickboxer: Retaliation, alongside Alain Moussi and Jean-Claude Van Damme.
July 2019: Ronaldinho's properties confiscated due to unpaid taxes
In July 2019, 57 properties and passports belonging to Ronaldinho were confiscated because of unpaid taxes and fines. The fine was later reduced from R$8.5 million to R$6 million for building a fishing platform on Guaíba River in a 'heritage-protected' area. Ronaldinho and his brother ultimately failed to pay the fines within the allotted time, and their passports were suspended.
2019: FourFourTwo ranks Ronaldinho
In 2019, FourFourTwo ranked Ronaldinho as possibly the best technician in Brazilian football history, placing him fifth in their list of "The 101 greatest football players of the last 25 years". Also in 2019, Willian rated Ronaldinho as the greatest player of all time, and Juninho described him as the most skillful player he had ever seen.
March 2020: Ronaldinho questioned for using fake passport
In March 2020, Ronaldinho was questioned by police in Paraguay for allegedly using a fake passport to enter the country for a charity event and book promotion. He and his brother were held in custody. While in prison he competed in a prison futsal tournament, where his team won 11–2, with Ronaldinho scoring 5 goals and assisting the other 6. His appeal against the detention order failed, and he was ordered to remain under house arrest with his brother.
August 2020: Ronaldinho released from Paraguayan prison
On August 24, 2020, Ronaldinho and his brother were released from Paraguayan prison after agreeing to a plea deal, with fines of US$90,000 and US$110,000 for the brothers, respectively.
2021: Ronaldinho featured in Barcelona Dreaming novel
In 2021, Ronaldinho is a character in Rupert Thomson's novel Barcelona Dreaming.
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