By rikififi90 
Ronaldinho Gaúcho turns 45 this Friday, March 21, cementing his status as one of the greatest names in Brazilian and global football history. Born in Porto Alegre, the former player captivated the world with mesmerizing dribbles, unforgettable goals, and a charisma that transcended the pitch. His journey with the Brazilian national team, highlighted by the 2002 World Cup triumph—the famed “Penta”—and his stints at clubs like Grêmio, Barcelona, and Atlético-MG, have left a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Today, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and millions of fans celebrate the life of a star who turned the sport into an art form. With 101 appearances and 35 goals for Brazil, alongside continental and national titles across multiple countries, Ronaldinho remains a benchmark of talent and joy.
The gaucho’s career took shape in 1998 when he broke through at Grêmio. His unique playing style quickly propelled him to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2001, opening the doors to Europe. However, it was at Barcelona, starting in 2003, where he reached his peak, earning FIFA’s Best Player in the World award in 2004 and 2005. Later, he returned to Brazil, shining at Flamengo and, most notably, Atlético-MG, where he clinched the 2013 Libertadores title. His retirement, announced in 2018, closed a chapter filled with trophies and moments that still resonate with fans.
Now, at 45, Ronaldinho is receiving tributes that underscore his influence. Clubs like Milan, where he won the Italian Championship, and Fluminense, his final stop on the pitch, are also part of this story. His easy smile and mastery with the ball remain trademarks of a player who, for many, embodies the soul of Brazilian football.
Dia de comemorar o 𝓑𝓡𝓤𝓧𝓞! 🎉🧙🏻♂️
Campeão da Libertadores, melhor do mundo, ídolo da Massa: @10Ronaldinho completa mais um ano de vida! 🪄
Saúde e muitas alegrias, craque! Você sempre será um dos nossos! 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/3toLHpr8xk
— Atlético (@Atletico) March 21, 2025
The beginning of a legend on Brazilian and European fields
Roots at Grêmio and national team debut
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira emerged in professional football in 1998 with Grêmio, his hometown club in Porto Alegre. At just 18, he dazzled with jaw-dropping dribbles and rare game vision, securing the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship in 1999. It was during this time that the Brazilian national team took notice, calling him up for his debut on June 26, 1999, in a 3-0 win over Latvia. Just four days later, in the Copa América, Ronaldinho scored his first goal for Brazil in a 7-0 rout of Venezuela, nutmegging a defender on his first touch and finishing with precision. This meteoric start foreshadowed the brilliance to come.
In 2001, the star took his first step into Europe by signing with PSG. There, he lifted the UEFA Intertoto Cup and began drawing attention from the continent’s giants. His move to Barcelona in 2003 marked the start of a golden era, turning him into a global icon. By then, he had already won the 1999 Copa América and the 1997 U-17 World Cup with Brazil, proving his talent knew no bounds of age or competition.
Peak at Barcelona and global acclaim
Arriving at Barcelona in 2003 was a turning point for Ronaldinho. At the Catalan club, he led the team to two Spanish League titles (2004–05 and 2005–06) and the 2005–06 Champions League, forming historic partnerships with players like Deco and Samuel Eto’o. In 207 matches, he scored 94 goals and provided 71 assists, numbers that reflect his impact on a team that had faced years of instability before his arrival. The FIFA Best Player awards in 2004 and 2005 came as natural recognition for an athlete who revolutionized football with his creativity and skill.
After leaving Barcelona in 2008, Ronaldinho joined Milan, where he won the Italian Championship in 2010–11. Though less dazzling than his Spanish stint, his time in Italy showcased his adaptability to different playing styles. His return to Brazil in 2011 to play for Flamengo brought the Carioca Championship, but it was at Atlético-MG where he made history again, with the 2013 Libertadores as the pinnacle.
Achievements that immortalized Ronaldinho in history
The 2002 Penta and other national team triumphs
The free-kick goal against England in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals stands as one of Ronaldinho’s most iconic moments. At 22, he struck the ball from long range, fooling goalkeeper David Seaman, to secure a 2-1 victory that propelled Brazil to the semifinals. Earlier in the same match, he had assisted Rivaldo’s goal, underscoring his critical role in the Penta campaign, won in South Korea and Japan. In total, he scored 35 goals in 101 appearances for Brazil, boasting a record of 65 wins, 24 draws, and 12 losses.
Beyond the World Cup, Ronaldinho claimed titles like the 2005 Confederations Cup, dominating in Germany, and the 2011 Superclásico de las Américas against Argentina. His final match for Brazil, on April 24, 2013, ended in a 2-2 draw with Chile, concluding nearly 14 years of service to the national team. Every game in the yellow jersey bore the mark of a player who blended talent with flair.
Memorable club conquests
Ronaldinho’s club achievements are equally remarkable. Here are some of his standout titles:
- Rio Grande do Sul Championship (1999): His first professional trophy with Grêmio.
- Champions League (2005–06): A starring role in Barcelona’s historic campaign.
- Italian Championship (2010–11): Victory with Milan in Italy.
- Libertadores (2013): An unprecedented title with Atlético-MG, forever etched in Belo Horizonte.
At Atlético-MG, between 2012 and 2014, he played 88 matches, scored 28 goals, and provided 28 assists, also playing a key role in the 2014 Recopa Sudamericana. Before retiring, he featured for Querétaro in Mexico from 2014 to 2015 and Fluminense in 2015, where he wrapped up his playing career in 2016.
Ronaldinho’s career timeline
Ronaldinho’s journey can be tracked through key milestones:
- 1998: Professional debut with Grêmio.
- 1999: First goal for the Brazilian national team.
- 2003: Move to Barcelona.
- 2011: Return to Brazil with Flamengo.
- 2013: Libertadores triumph with Atlético-MG.
- 2018: Official retirement announcement.
These events highlight the consistency of a player who shone across different stages of his career.
A lasting impact from a football icon
Legacy with Brazil and inspiration for new talent
Turning 45, Ronaldinho is hailed as a cornerstone of Brazilian football. His role in the 2002 Penta and his 35 goals for the national team place him alongside legends like Pelé and Ronaldo Fenômeno. Off the field, he inspired young stars like Neymar, who often cites him as a reference. At Barcelona, his 2003 arrival paved the way for the club’s later dominance, even influencing a young Lionel Messi. Ronaldinho’s flair-filled, joyful style remains a blueprint for future generations.
In Brazil, his time at Atlético-MG stands out. The 2013 Libertadores title, won before a packed Mineirão, made him an eternal idol for the club’s fans. At Flamengo, the 2011 Carioca title left its mark, while at Fluminense, despite a brief stint, he was welcomed as a star. Every club he played for carries tales of a player who never lost his childlike love for the game.
Birthday tributes and life after football
On this March 21, the CBF issued a statement honoring Ronaldinho’s contributions to Brazilian football. Clubs like Grêmio, Barcelona, and Atlético-MG shared videos and messages on social media, while fans posted iconic plays, from the England free kick to Camp Nou dribbles. At 45, he remains a unifying figure across rival fanbases, a rarity in today’s game.
Since retiring in 2018, Ronaldinho has pursued diverse ventures, including charity events and music, releasing samba tracks that echo his vibrant personality. His appearances in friendly matches and ad campaigns keep his image alive, proving that, even off the pitch, he continues to captivate the world.
Stats that define a stellar career
Ronaldinho’s numbers speak to his greatness. For Brazil, he scored 35 goals in 101 matches. At Barcelona, he netted 94 goals in 207 games. At Atlético-MG, he tallied 28 goals and 28 assists in 88 appearances. At 45, he’s more than stats—he’s proof that football can be art, passion, and history.
Ronaldinho Gaúcho turns 45 this Friday, March 21, cementing his status as one of the greatest names in Brazilian and global football history. Born in Porto Alegre, the former player captivated the world with mesmerizing dribbles, unforgettable goals, and a charisma that transcended the pitch. His journey with the Brazilian national team, highlighted by the 2002 World Cup triumph—the famed “Penta”—and his stints at clubs like Grêmio, Barcelona, and Atlético-MG, have left a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Today, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and millions of fans celebrate the life of a star who turned the sport into an art form. With 101 appearances and 35 goals for Brazil, alongside continental and national titles across multiple countries, Ronaldinho remains a benchmark of talent and joy.
The gaucho’s career took shape in 1998 when he broke through at Grêmio. His unique playing style quickly propelled him to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2001, opening the doors to Europe. However, it was at Barcelona, starting in 2003, where he reached his peak, earning FIFA’s Best Player in the World award in 2004 and 2005. Later, he returned to Brazil, shining at Flamengo and, most notably, Atlético-MG, where he clinched the 2013 Libertadores title. His retirement, announced in 2018, closed a chapter filled with trophies and moments that still resonate with fans.
Now, at 45, Ronaldinho is receiving tributes that underscore his influence. Clubs like Milan, where he won the Italian Championship, and Fluminense, his final stop on the pitch, are also part of this story. His easy smile and mastery with the ball remain trademarks of a player who, for many, embodies the soul of Brazilian football.
Dia de comemorar o 𝓑𝓡𝓤𝓧𝓞! 🎉🧙🏻♂️
Campeão da Libertadores, melhor do mundo, ídolo da Massa: @10Ronaldinho completa mais um ano de vida! 🪄
Saúde e muitas alegrias, craque! Você sempre será um dos nossos! 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/3toLHpr8xk
— Atlético (@Atletico) March 21, 2025
The beginning of a legend on Brazilian and European fields
Roots at Grêmio and national team debut
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira emerged in professional football in 1998 with Grêmio, his hometown club in Porto Alegre. At just 18, he dazzled with jaw-dropping dribbles and rare game vision, securing the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship in 1999. It was during this time that the Brazilian national team took notice, calling him up for his debut on June 26, 1999, in a 3-0 win over Latvia. Just four days later, in the Copa América, Ronaldinho scored his first goal for Brazil in a 7-0 rout of Venezuela, nutmegging a defender on his first touch and finishing with precision. This meteoric start foreshadowed the brilliance to come.
In 2001, the star took his first step into Europe by signing with PSG. There, he lifted the UEFA Intertoto Cup and began drawing attention from the continent’s giants. His move to Barcelona in 2003 marked the start of a golden era, turning him into a global icon. By then, he had already won the 1999 Copa América and the 1997 U-17 World Cup with Brazil, proving his talent knew no bounds of age or competition.
Peak at Barcelona and global acclaim
Arriving at Barcelona in 2003 was a turning point for Ronaldinho. At the Catalan club, he led the team to two Spanish League titles (2004–05 and 2005–06) and the 2005–06 Champions League, forming historic partnerships with players like Deco and Samuel Eto’o. In 207 matches, he scored 94 goals and provided 71 assists, numbers that reflect his impact on a team that had faced years of instability before his arrival. The FIFA Best Player awards in 2004 and 2005 came as natural recognition for an athlete who revolutionized football with his creativity and skill.
After leaving Barcelona in 2008, Ronaldinho joined Milan, where he won the Italian Championship in 2010–11. Though less dazzling than his Spanish stint, his time in Italy showcased his adaptability to different playing styles. His return to Brazil in 2011 to play for Flamengo brought the Carioca Championship, but it was at Atlético-MG where he made history again, with the 2013 Libertadores as the pinnacle.
Achievements that immortalized Ronaldinho in history
The 2002 Penta and other national team triumphs
The free-kick goal against England in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals stands as one of Ronaldinho’s most iconic moments. At 22, he struck the ball from long range, fooling goalkeeper David Seaman, to secure a 2-1 victory that propelled Brazil to the semifinals. Earlier in the same match, he had assisted Rivaldo’s goal, underscoring his critical role in the Penta campaign, won in South Korea and Japan. In total, he scored 35 goals in 101 appearances for Brazil, boasting a record of 65 wins, 24 draws, and 12 losses.
Beyond the World Cup, Ronaldinho claimed titles like the 2005 Confederations Cup, dominating in Germany, and the 2011 Superclásico de las Américas against Argentina. His final match for Brazil, on April 24, 2013, ended in a 2-2 draw with Chile, concluding nearly 14 years of service to the national team. Every game in the yellow jersey bore the mark of a player who blended talent with flair.
Memorable club conquests
Ronaldinho’s club achievements are equally remarkable. Here are some of his standout titles:
- Rio Grande do Sul Championship (1999): His first professional trophy with Grêmio.
- Champions League (2005–06): A starring role in Barcelona’s historic campaign.
- Italian Championship (2010–11): Victory with Milan in Italy.
- Libertadores (2013): An unprecedented title with Atlético-MG, forever etched in Belo Horizonte.
At Atlético-MG, between 2012 and 2014, he played 88 matches, scored 28 goals, and provided 28 assists, also playing a key role in the 2014 Recopa Sudamericana. Before retiring, he featured for Querétaro in Mexico from 2014 to 2015 and Fluminense in 2015, where he wrapped up his playing career in 2016.
Ronaldinho’s career timeline
Ronaldinho’s journey can be tracked through key milestones:
- 1998: Professional debut with Grêmio.
- 1999: First goal for the Brazilian national team.
- 2003: Move to Barcelona.
- 2011: Return to Brazil with Flamengo.
- 2013: Libertadores triumph with Atlético-MG.
- 2018: Official retirement announcement.
These events highlight the consistency of a player who shone across different stages of his career.
A lasting impact from a football icon
Legacy with Brazil and inspiration for new talent
Turning 45, Ronaldinho is hailed as a cornerstone of Brazilian football. His role in the 2002 Penta and his 35 goals for the national team place him alongside legends like Pelé and Ronaldo Fenômeno. Off the field, he inspired young stars like Neymar, who often cites him as a reference. At Barcelona, his 2003 arrival paved the way for the club’s later dominance, even influencing a young Lionel Messi. Ronaldinho’s flair-filled, joyful style remains a blueprint for future generations.
In Brazil, his time at Atlético-MG stands out. The 2013 Libertadores title, won before a packed Mineirão, made him an eternal idol for the club’s fans. At Flamengo, the 2011 Carioca title left its mark, while at Fluminense, despite a brief stint, he was welcomed as a star. Every club he played for carries tales of a player who never lost his childlike love for the game.
Birthday tributes and life after football
On this March 21, the CBF issued a statement honoring Ronaldinho’s contributions to Brazilian football. Clubs like Grêmio, Barcelona, and Atlético-MG shared videos and messages on social media, while fans posted iconic plays, from the England free kick to Camp Nou dribbles. At 45, he remains a unifying figure across rival fanbases, a rarity in today’s game.
Since retiring in 2018, Ronaldinho has pursued diverse ventures, including charity events and music, releasing samba tracks that echo his vibrant personality. His appearances in friendly matches and ad campaigns keep his image alive, proving that, even off the pitch, he continues to captivate the world.
Stats that define a stellar career
Ronaldinho’s numbers speak to his greatness. For Brazil, he scored 35 goals in 101 matches. At Barcelona, he netted 94 goals in 207 games. At Atlético-MG, he tallied 28 goals and 28 assists in 88 appearances. At 45, he’s more than stats—he’s proof that football can be art, passion, and history.
Veja Também:
benefício de R$ 540 transforma assistência social no Brasil
prêmio de R$ 1,7 milhão com os números sorteados no dia 14 de agosto
Falha de energia causa transtornos na Linha 8-Diamante e ViaMobilidade aciona ônibus do Paese
Hailey Bieber apoia Justin Bieber em nova fase com foco total no cantor
São Paulo contesta arbitragem após derrota por 1 a 0 para o Palmeiras na semifinal do Paulista
where to watch live, lineups, and game details