Lasting Legacy of Ronaldinho: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Ronaldinho—a timeline of influence.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2014: Acquisition of Ronaldinho Gaúcho's short animated series

In 2014, Ronaldinho Gaúcho's short animated series was acquired by the children's channel Gloob, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup held in Brazil.

March 2015: Ronaldinho's Facebook popularity

In March 2015, Ronaldinho was the sixth most popular sportsperson on Facebook, with 31 million fans.

2015: End of Ronaldinho Gaucho comic strip

The comic strip Ronaldinho Gaucho ended in 2015.

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.

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.