Ronaldinho's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ronaldinho.

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

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.