Ronaldinho's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho, a Brazilian former professional footballer, is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. Renowned for his exceptional dribbling, free-kick accuracy, and creative flair, he won numerous individual accolades, including two FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a Ballon d'Or. He is also the only player to have won a World Cup, a Copa América, a Confederations Cup, a Champions League, a Copa Libertadores and a Ballon d'Or. As a global icon, Ronaldinho was known for his captivating style of play and ability to both score and create goals.

Sections (6)

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

1983: Maradona's Standing Ovation

In 1983, Diego Maradona received a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu, a feat that Ronaldinho would later repeat.

1994: Dunga's World Cup Win

In the match on 20 June 1999, Ronaldinho embarrassed Internacional's Brazilian legend and 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga.

June 1999: Emergence of Ronaldinho

In June 1999, the 18-year-old Ronaldinho emerged, scoring 22 goals in 47 matches and putting in headlining displays in derbies against Internacional.

1999: Debut for Brazilian Senior Team and Copa América Victory

In 1999, Ronaldinho debuted for the Brazilian senior team in a friendly against Latvia and contributed to Brazil's Copa América victory. He also played in the FIFA Confederations Cup, scoring in every match except the final and winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards.

1999: Part of Copa América Winning Squad

In 1999, Ronaldinho was part of the Brazilian squad that won the Copa América.

1999: Copa América Win

In 1999, Ronaldinho won the Copa América with Brazil, marking his debut with the Seleção.

2002: Participates in the 2002 FIFA World Cup

In 2002, Ronaldinho participated in his first World Cup held in South Korea and Japan, as part of Brazil's offensive unit dubbed the "Three Rs". Ronaldinho appeared in five matches, scoring two goals and contributing three assists. Brazil won the tournament.

2002: World Cup Win

In 2002, Ronaldinho was an integral player in Brazil's World Cup winning team.

February 2003: Goal of the Season

On 22 February 2003, Ronaldinho scored the goal of the season (chosen by public vote) against Guingamp.

December 2004: FIFA World Player of the Year

On 20 December 2004, Ronaldinho was named FIFA World Player of the Year.

2004: Inclusion in FIFA 100 List

In 2004, Ronaldinho was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.

2004: La Liga Title with Barcelona

In 2004, Ronaldinho's Barcelona won the 2004–05 La Liga title and he won his first FIFA World Player of the Year award.

September 2005: Inaugural FIFPro World Player of the Year

In September 2005, Ronaldinho won the inaugural FIFPro World Player of the Year award, was included in the 2005 FIFPro World XI, and was named the 2005 European Footballer of the Year.

2005: UEFA Club Footballer of the Year

During the 2005–06 season, Ronaldinho was named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year.

2005: Captains Brazil to Confederations Cup Title

In 2005, Ronaldinho captained Brazil to victory at the Confederations Cup, scoring three goals and being named Man of the Match in the final against Argentina.

2005: FIFA Confederations Cup Title

In 2005, Ronaldinho captained his team to the FIFA Confederations Cup title and was named man of the match in the final.

2005: Ballon d'Or and Second World Player of the Year

In 2005, Ronaldinho received the 2005 Ballon d'Or and his second World Player of the Year award.

May 2006: Champions League Final Victory

On May 17, 2006, Ronaldinho and Barcelona won the Champions League Final, defeating Arsenal 2–1. Earlier in May 2006, Barcelona had also clinched their second-straight La Liga title.

November 2006: 50th Career League Goal

On November 25, 2006, Ronaldinho scored his 50th career league goal against Villarreal, following up with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick. Barcelona fans admired the goal.

2006: Third in FIFA World Player of the Year

In 2006, Ronaldinho finished third in the FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

2006: UEFA Club Footballer of the Year

In 2006, Ronaldinho was named the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and chosen for the UEFA Team of the Year for the third consecutive time. He was also shortlisted for the 2006 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and selected in the FIFA World XI.

February 2008: 200th Career Match for Barcelona

On February 3, 2008, Ronaldinho played his 200th career match for Barcelona in a league match against Osasuna.

July 2008: Participates in 2008 Summer Olympics

In July 2008, Ronaldinho was named in Brazil's squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He captained the team, scored two goals against New Zealand, and won a bronze medal.

2008: Bronze Medal at Summer Olympics

In 2008, Ronaldinho captained the Brazil Olympic team to a bronze medal in men's football at the Summer Olympics.

2009: World Player of the Decade

In 2009, World Soccer magazine voted Ronaldinho World Player of the Decade 2000s.

2010: Serie A Title with AC Milan

In the 2010–11 season, Ronaldinho was part of the AC Milan squad that won the Serie A title.

February 2011: First Goal and Trophy with Flamengo

In February 2011, Ronaldinho scored his first goal for Flamengo on February 6. On February 27, 2011, he scored a free kick to win the Taça Guanabara, his first trophy with the team.

2013: Copa Libertadores Title with Atlético Mineiro

In 2013, Ronaldinho helped Atlético win the Campeonato Mineiro and led the club to its first Copa Libertadores title. He was voted the 2013 South American Footballer of the Year.

2013: Copa Libertadores Win

In 2013, Ronaldinho won the Copa Libertadores with Atlético Mineiro.

April 2015: Standing Ovation from América Supporters

On April 18, 2015, Ronaldinho scored twice against Liga MX title-holders América, leading to a standing ovation from the opposing fans at the Estadio Azteca.