Ronaldinho
Personal information
Full name	Ronaldo de Assís Moreira
Date of birth	March 21, 1980 (1980-03-21) (age 28)
Place of birth	Porto Alegre, Brazil
Height	1. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Porto Alegre ( is the 10th largest city in Brazil, and the capital city of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld 81 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in)
Playing position	Attacking midfielder, Second Striker
Club information
Current club	FC Barcelona
Number	10
Youth clubs
1997–1998	Grêmio
Senior clubs1
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1998–2001 2001–2003 2003–	Grêmio Paris Saint-Germain FC Barcelona	035 (14) 055 (17) 145 (70)[1]
National team2
1999–	Brazil	080 (32)
1 Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of June 18, 2007. For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, commonly referred to as Grêmio, is a Brazilian football team from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, founded Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, commonly referred to as Grêmio, is a Brazilian football team from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, founded Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, or PSG, is a French football club based in Paris. Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan Events 618 - Coronation of the Chinese governor Li Yuan as Emperor Gaozu of Tang, the new Emperor of China, initiating three centuries Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 2 National team caps and goals correct as of March 28, 2007. Events 37 - Roman Emperor Caligula accepts the titles of the Principate, entitled to him by the Senate. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. * Appearances (Goals)

Ronaldo de Assís Moreira (born March 21, 1980 in Porto Alegre), commonly known as Ronaldinho, is a Soccer player from Brazil, best known for his years at Spanish football club FC Barcelona. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Porto Alegre ( is the 10th largest city in Brazil, and the capital city of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan He became a naturalized Spanish citizen in January 2007. Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. ^[2].

Ronaldinho, meaning "little Ronaldo", is better known in Brazil by the nickname Ronaldinho Gaúcho, in order to distinguish him from Ronaldo (already called Ronaldinho in Brazil). Gaucho ( gaúcho in Portuguese, "gaucho" in Spanish) is a term commonly used to describe residents of the South American Pampas Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima (xo'nawdʊ lu'iz na'zaɾjʊ dʒɪ 'limɐ born September 18, 1976. However, upon Ronaldo's move to Europe, he began to be known simply as 'Ronaldo', thereby allowing Ronaldinho to drop Gaúcho and remain simply as 'Ronaldinho'.

Among his many achievements and accolades, Ronaldinho has been awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice (2004, 2005), as well as the European Footballer of the Year award and the FIFPro World Player of the Year award twice (2005, 2006). The FIFA World Player of the Year is an Association football award given annually to the male and female player who are thought to be the best in the world based The "fr '''Ballon d'Or'''" ( French for " Golden Ball " often referred to as the European Footballer of the Year award is an association football The Fédération Internationale Des Associations de Footballeurs Professionels, usually known by the abbreviation FIFPro, is a worldwide representative organization for professional ^[3] He has downplayed suggestions that he is the best footballer in the world, telling FourFourTwo magazine, "I don't even feel I'm the best at Barça. This page concerns the UK edition of the magazine however details about the others can be found further down the page Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan " ^[4] Currently, he plays for FC Barcelona with a contract ending in 2010. Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan ^[5]. Ronaldinho has not enjoyed a good 2007/08 season at Barcelona and is now reported to be looking for a new challenge. Manchester City are the club reportedly leading the race to sign Ronaldinho, with reports suggesting Ronaldinho is 'interested' in the challenge that Manchester City ambition's of turning themselves into a 'football powerhouse' would provide. TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club ^[6][7]

Early life

Ronaldinho was born in Porto Alegre, a city in the Rio Grande do Sul region of Brazil. Porto Alegre ( is the 10th largest city in Brazil, and the capital city of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Ronaldinho's mother Miguelina is a former salesperson who later studied to become a nurse. His father João was a shipyard worker and footballer for Cruzeiro. This article is about the football (soccer team For the currency see Brazilian cruzeiro. The family moved to a more affluent home in Porto Alegre when Ronaldinho's older brother Roberto signed to play professional football for Grêmio. Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, commonly referred to as Grêmio, is a Brazilian football team from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, founded João died when Ronaldinho was eight, after suffering a heart attack while swimming in the family's pool. This house was given to Roberto Assis as a present from Gremio to convince him to stay at the club. At the time, Torino were interested in him. Injuries ended Roberto's career prematurely, and he now manages Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho's sister Deisi works as his press coordinator. ^[8][9] Ronaldinho's son, named João after his father, was born on February 25, 2005. Events 138 - The Emperor Hadrian adopts Antoninus Pius, effectively making him his successor Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. João's mother is Janaína Nattielle Viana Mendes, a former dancer on the Brazilian television show Domingão do Faustão. Domingão do Faustão is a Brazilian Television program broadcast on Sunday afternoons by Globo Network. ^[10]

In his childhood, Ronaldinho's skill in football began to blossom due to his particular interest in futsal and beach football, which later developed into a fondness for more standardised football. Futsal is an indoor version of Association football. Its name is derived from the Portuguese fut ebol de sal ão and the Spanish His first brush with the media came after he scored all 23 goals in a 23-0 victory against a local team, at just 13 years of age. ^[4] His reputation as a footballer was built up through his childhood, particularly since he was identified as a rising star at the Egypt 1997 under-17 world championship. The FIFA U-17 World Championship 1997 was held in the cities of Cairo, Ismailia, Alexandria, and Port Said in Egypt The FIFA U-17 World Cup, originally founded as the FIFA U-16 World Championship, later changed to the FIFA U-17 World Championship and known by its current name ^[11] He scored two goals in the tournament, both penalty kicks. A penalty kick is a type of free kick in Association football, taken from twelve yards (approximately eleven metres out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of ^[12]

Club career

Grêmio

Ronaldinho's career began in the youth team at Porto Alegre club Grêmio, under head coach Celso Roth, who only played him due to immense pressure from the Gremio supporters. Porto Alegre ( is the 10th largest city in Brazil, and the capital city of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, commonly referred to as Grêmio, is a Brazilian football team from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, founded His first senior appearance came in the 1998 Libertadores Cup,^[13] and his penchant for goalscoring was quickly displayed, his career soon began generating interest due to his phenomenal ball control and ability to score. The Copa Santander Libertadores, also known as Copa Libertadores de América, ( Taça Libertadores da América) is a football cup competition played This was followed by his introduction into the Brazilian national team in 1999.

Towards the end of his career at Grêmio, in 2001, many clubs from all over the world, particularly Premiership teams in England such as Manchester United, were eager to sign him as an attempt to attain a player who was both a "big name" and was also performing well. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Despite several generous bids from Premiership teams,^[14] and several requests from Grêmio (they offered £7000 a week), Ronaldinho signed a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain FC, to whom he moved at the beginning of the 2001-2002 season. Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, or PSG, is a French football club based in Paris.

Between leaving Grêmio and starting his contract at PSG, Ronaldinho had expressed an interest in a temporary spell with Scottish Premier League side St Mirren F.C., though this ultimately fell through owing to his involvement in a fake passport scandal in his homeland. The Scottish Premier League, currently known as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League for sponsorship reasons and often known as the Premier League or SPL Saint Mirren Football Club (commonly known by the shortening St A passport is a document issued by a national government which certifies for the purpose of international travel the identity and nationality of its holder ^[15]

Paris Saint-Germain

During his time at PSG, the manager, Luis Fernandez, claimed that Ronaldinho was too focused on the Parisian nightlife rather than on his football, and complained that his holidays in Brazil would always drag on and never end at the scheduled times. Luis Fernández (born on 2 October 1959 in Tarifa, Spain) is a Spanish - French former Football (soccer defender / Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city ^[13] He developed a reputation for performing brilliantly against the bigger teams, but against the smaller teams he seemed to drift in and out of the games.

After the 2002 World Cup, having shown his worth on the international scene, there was no shortage of interest from bigger clubs. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 17th staging of the World Cup, was held in South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30. In 2003, Ronaldinho made it clear he wanted to leave PSG after they failed to qualify for any European competitions. Ronaldinho's desire to leave set off a bidding war among the top European clubs (Manchester United and FC Barcelona the notable examples) for his services. Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan ^[13] The club that ended up winning the battle for his services was FC Barcelona. Manchester United also wanted him, but due to the constraints of being a PLC, could not come to an agreement with PSG. A Public Limited Company ( PLC, plc or plc or p l c is a type of Limited company in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland which is

Barcelona

Ronaldinho in 2004.

On July 19, 2003, FC Barcelona acquired Ronaldinho for £21 million. Events 711 - Muslim forces under Tariq ibn Ziyad defeat the Visigoths led by their king Roderic. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan ^[16] Originally, Barcelona President Joan Laporta had promised to bring David Beckham to the club, but following his transfer to Real Madrid, Barcelona entered the running for Ronaldinho and beat Manchester United to his signature. President is a Title leaders of Organizations companies, Trade unions universities, and countries. Joan Laporta i Estruch (born June 29 1962 in Barcelona, Spain) is the president of Futbol Club Barcelona since 2003 David Robert Joseph Beckham, and is also a member of the England national team. It was thought that a failure on the part of the English and French clubs to agree on a fee was the reason Manchester United's deal fell through. Ronaldinho is also said to have signed with Barcelona instead of Manchester United because of his friendship with former Nike executive in Brazil and Barcelona's then vice-president in charge of sports, Sandro Rosell. Nike Inc ('naɪki ( is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. ^[17] Ronaldinho's signing with Barcelona follows in the footsteps of a number of illustrious fellow countrymen who enjoyed successful careers with the club, including Romário, Ronaldo and Rivaldo. Romário de Souza Faria (born January 29 1966 in Rio de Janeiro) better known simply as Romário, is a former Brazilian football Center Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima (xo'nawdʊ lu'iz na'zaɾjʊ dʒɪ 'limɐ born September 18, 1976. Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira (born April 19, 1972 in Paulista, Pernambuco) commonly known as Rivaldo, is regarded as one of

2003-04 season

Barcelona quickly showcased the talents of their new striker in an exhibition match against AC Milan. Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy The match took place in front of a crowd of 45,000 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Robert F Kennedy Memorial Stadium, better known as RFK Stadium or RFK, is a professional sports Stadium in Washington D Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D Barcelona had a 1-0 lead through most of the first half, and they increased their lead to 2-0 when Ronaldinho scored in the 51st minute. Having received a short pass from Xavi, Ronaldinho fired a shot that spun around Fernando Redondo and into the net, landing him his first goal for the club. Xavier Hernández Creus (born January 25 Fernando Carlos Redondo Neri, Redondo (born July 6, 1969 in Adrogué, Buenos Aires) is a former Argentine professional

After returning from injury in the first half of the campaign, Ronaldinho continued to justify his price tag by leading Barcelona to a second-place finish in La Liga during the 2003/2004 season. The Primera División of the es Liga de Fútbol Profesional ( Professional Football League) commonly known as La Liga or La Liga 2003-04 season the 73rd since its establishment started on August 30, 2003 and finished on May 23, 2004.

2004-05 season

Along with Samuel Eto'o, Deco, Xavi, Ludovic Giuly and Henrik Larsson, Ronaldinho comprised part of a strike force which helped bring the 2004-05 La Liga title for FC Barcelona. Samuel Eto'o Fils (born March 10, 1981 in Douala) is a Cameroonian football striker who plays for Spanish La Liga club Anderson Luis de Souza, OIH (born August 27 1977 in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil) is a professional Portuguese Xavier Hernández Creus (born January 25 Ludovic Giuly (born July 10 1976 in Lyon) is a French Footballer who plays as a winger for Paris Saint Germain Henrik Edward Larsson, MBE (ˈhɛnrɪk ˈlɑːʂɔn born September 20 1971 in Helsingborg, Scania) is a Swedish footballer, La Liga 2004-05 season the 74th since its establishment started on August 28, 2004 and finished on May 29, 2005. The Primera División of the es Liga de Fútbol Profesional ( Professional Football League) commonly known as La Liga or Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan On December 20, 2004, Ronaldinho was named FIFA World Player of the Year ahead of Arsenal's Thierry Henry and AC Milan's Andriy Shevchenko. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The FIFA World Player of the Year is an Association football award given annually to the male and female player who are thought to be the best in the world based Thierry Daniel Henry ( born 17 August 1977 Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy Andriy Mykolayovych Shevchenko (Андрій Миколайович Шевченко Andrij Mykolajovyč Ševčenko; born September 29 1976 in Dvirkivschyna, It was then that Barcelona rejected a £60 million bid made for him by Chelsea F.C., according to Sandro Rosell. ^[13]

In March 2005, Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea in the first knockout round. Ronaldinho scored a penalty kick and an impressive solo goal in the 4-2 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Stamford Bridge is a football Stadium on the border of Fulham and Chelsea, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham that ^[18] After the match, he was involved in a physical altercation with Chelsea stewards following allegations that the stewards had behaved in a racist and provocative manner. ^[19] Neither team was punished by UEFA, who downplayed the incident as "a very minor scuffle" and lacked firm evidence about the alleged racism. ^[20]

In June 2005, Rosell resigned from the Barcelona administration following a bust-up with Joan Laporta, and it was feared that his resignation would spell the end for Ronaldinho and Barcelona's association as well. Joan Laporta i Estruch (born June 29 1962 in Barcelona, Spain) is the president of Futbol Club Barcelona since 2003 With Ronaldinho's contract running only into 2008, he was offered a contract until 2014 that would net him £85 million over those 9 years,^[17] which he rejected. Later that year in September, he signed a two-year extension of his original contract on with FC Barcelona. The new contract contains a minimum fee release clause that allows him to leave should a club make an offer to Barcelona of at least £85 million for him. ^[21]

2005-06 season

On November 19, 2005, Ronaldinho scored two solo goals to help FC Barcelona to a 3–0 win over arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. Events 1095 - The Council of Clermont, called by Pope Urban II to discuss sending the First Crusade to the Holy Land Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Santiago Bernabéu is a football Stadium in Madrid, Spain. Madrid (pronounced in English in Spanish and colloquially in Spain) is the Capital and largest city of Spain. After he scored his second goal of the night, his team's third, a large part of the Madrid followers gave him a standing ovation, a rare feat which had not occurred since Diego Maradona played for Barcelona in 1982. Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan

In September 2005, Ronaldinho was crowned FIFPro World Player of the Year, an award voted for by his fellow professionals. The Fédération Internationale Des Associations de Footballeurs Professionels, usually known by the abbreviation FIFPro, is a worldwide representative organization for professional He was also named in the FIFPro team of the year alongside the likes of Zidane and Maldini. The Fédération Internationale Des Associations de Footballeurs Professionels, usually known by the abbreviation FIFPro, is a worldwide representative organization for professional Paolo Cesare Maldini ( born 26 June 1968 in Milan) is a legendary Italian footballer who has played his entire career for In November 2005 Ronaldinho was named as both the European Footballer of the Year and the best striker in the 2004-05 Champions League. The "fr '''Ballon d'Or'''" ( French for " Golden Ball " often referred to as the European Footballer of the Year award is an association football In 2005, Ronaldinho became the third Brazilian to win the Ballon d'Or. The "fr '''Ballon d'Or'''" ( French for " Golden Ball " often referred to as the European Footballer of the Year award is an association football On December 19, 2005, he was again named FIFA World Player of the Year with 956 points, more than three times the 306 points of Chelsea's Frank Lampard, who finished second in the poll, and the 190 points of Barcelona team mate Samuel Eto'o who finished third. Events 324 - Licinius abdicates his position as Roman Emperor. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The FIFA World Player of the Year is an Association football award given annually to the male and female player who are thought to be the best in the world based Frank James Lampard Jr (born 20 June 1978 in Romford, London) is an English football Midfielder currently playing for Premier He was chosen for the UEFA team of 2005 for the third time running in January 2006. The Union of European Football Associations (Union des associations européennes de football is the administrative and controlling body for European football.

On March 7, 2006, in the 2nd leg of the Champions League first knockout round at Nou Camp, Ronaldinho avenged Barcelona's defeat to Chelsea in the same competition the previous year, running past the Chelsea defence to score. Events 161 - Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius dies and is succeeded by co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Camp Nou (kam ˈnɔw Catalan for "new field" often erroneously called the Nou Camp in both Spanish and English) is a football Although the game ended 1-1 with Chelsea equalling through a dubious penalty in the second half stoppage time,^[22][23] Barcelona progressed to the Champions League quarter-final on aggregate (3-2), in which they beat SL Benfica 2-0 at Nou Camp (Ronaldinho having scored the first goal after missing an early penalty kick) after a goalless draw at the Estádio da Luz. Sport Lisboa e Benfica (spɔɾ liʒˈboɐ i bɐ̃ĩˈfikɐ commonly referred to as simply Benfica, S The Estádio da Luz ( pron ɨʃ'tadiu dɐ luʃ officially named the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica and commonly mistranslated as Stadium of Light In the first semi-final leg, against AC Milan in the San Siro, Ronaldinho once again proved his worth with a superb pass for the goal volleyed in by Ludovic Giuly, which brought Barcelona a 1-0 victory. For the town in the Province of Como, see San Siro (Como. For the saint after which these places are named see Syrus of Pavia or Syrus of Ludovic Giuly (born July 10 1976 in Lyon) is a French Footballer who plays as a winger for Paris Saint Germain The second leg game ended in a goalless draw despite a disallowed goal from Andriy Shevchenko in the 70th minute. Andriy Mykolayovych Shevchenko (Андрій Миколайович Шевченко Andrij Mykolajovyč Ševčenko; born September 29 1976 in Dvirkivschyna, The 0-0 result with AC Milan brought Barcelona to the 2006 Champions League Final in Paris against Arsenal F.C., who had not conceded a goal in ten Champions League matches, a competition record. Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy Route to the final See also UEFA Champions League 2005-06 Arsenal F Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city

On May 3, 2006, Barcelona were crowned 2005-06 La Liga champions after they beat Celta Vigo 1-0. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. La Liga 2005-06 season the 75th since its establishment started on August 27, 2005 and finished on May 20, 2006. Real Club Celta de Vigo Sociedad Anonima Deportiva is a Spanish football team from Vigo in Galicia.

On May 17, 2006, Barcelona became European champions after defeating Arsenal 2-1 in the Champions League final. Events 1521 - Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for Treason. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Route to the final See also UEFA Champions League 2005-06 Arsenal F In this match Ronaldinho was kept relatively subdued and the goals came from Samuel Eto'o and Juliano Belletti, who were both assisted by Henrik Larsson. Samuel Eto'o Fils (born March 10, 1981 in Douala) is a Cameroonian football striker who plays for Spanish La Liga club Juliano Haus Belletti (born June 20, 1976 in Cascavel, Brazil) often known as Belletti, is a Brazilian football Henrik Edward Larsson, MBE (ˈhɛnrɪk ˈlɑːʂɔn born September 20 1971 in Helsingborg, Scania) is a Swedish footballer, Ronaldinho finished the season with 26 goals in all competitions, his best goalscoring tally ever. It was rumoured on 3 August that Ronaldinho might move to AC Milan, but Ronaldinho denied it. Events 8 - Roman Empire General Tiberius defeats Dalmatians on the river Bathinus. On August 24, 2006, Ronaldinho was named Champions League player of the year for the 2005-06 season. Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar 's General Gaius Scribonius Curio is defeated in the Second Battle of the Bagradas River Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.

2006-07 season

Ronaldinho celebrates a goal with Belletti and Giuly. Juliano Haus Belletti (born June 20, 1976 in Cascavel, Brazil) often known as Belletti, is a Brazilian football Ludovic Giuly (born July 10 1976 in Lyon) is a French Footballer who plays as a winger for Paris Saint Germain

On September 12, 2006, Ronaldinho gave a stellar display as the defending champions Barcelona beat PFC Levski Sofia 5-0 in the Champions League. Events 1213 - Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan PFC Levski Sofia, also known simply as Levski is a Bulgarian football club from Sofia. He was involved in two of the goals before wrapping up the win with a stunning strike in the final minute. [1]

On November 25, 2006, Ronaldinho scored his 50th league goal against Villarreal during a Spanish League match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Villarreal Club de Fútbol, usually abbreviated to Villarreal, is a Spanish Primera División football club based in Villarreal The Primera División of the es Liga de Fútbol Profesional ( Professional Football League) commonly known as La Liga or In that same match he scored a second goal by an over head bicycle kick, after controlling the ball with his chest. A bicycle kick, chalaca, chilena, overhead kick, or scissors kick is a move in football (soccer which is made by throwing the body He later said that it was a goal he had dreamed of scoring since he was a boy. ^[24]

On December 5, 2006, Ronaldinho scored a low free kick against Werder Bremen in the first round of the Champions League to help Barcelona to a 2-0 win and send them through to the next round. Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Werder Bremen is a German sports club best known for its football team playing in Bremen, in the northwest German federal state of the He tricked the Bremen defenders by sending his free-kick under the wall, when his trademark is to bend it high, for Barcelona’s first goal and then picked out team mate Ludovic Giuly who passed to Eidur Gudjohnsen for the second. ^[25]

On December 14, 2006, Ronaldinho inspired Barcelona to beat Mexico's Club America 4-0 by scoring one and setting up two other goals to book a spot in the final of the Club World Cup at Yokohama, Japan where Brazil lifted their fifth World Cup trophy in 2002. Events 1287 - St Lucia's flood: The Zuider Zee sea wall in the Netherlands collapses killing over 50000 people Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Club América, most commonly known as just América, is a professional Mexican football club playing in the Primera División. The 2006 FIFA Club World Cup was a football tournament held in Japan between 10 December and 17 December 2006. ^[26]

On December 17, 2006, at the same Yokohama Stadium, Ronaldinho's efforts were not enough to beat his ex-rival team, the Sport Club Internacional, from Brazil. Events 546 - Gothic War (535–554: The Ostrogoths of King Totila Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Sport Club Internacional, also known as Inter or Colorado, is a Brazilian football team from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld Barcelona lost 1-0 in the final. Ronaldinho won the Bronze ball award for the tournament.

The next day Ronaldinho appeared at the World Player of the Year Gala in Zurich to claim third place in the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year poll, behind the Italian World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro and Zinedine Zidane. The FIFA World Player of the Year is an Association football award given annually to the male and female player who are thought to be the best in the world based The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament Fabio Cannavaro, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born September 13, 1973 in Naples) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer ^[27]

In January, 2007, Ronaldinho was named among the UEFA Team of the Year for the third time in a row, receiving the highest number of votes in almost 292,000 nominations. The UEFA Team of the Year is a football award given by UEFA through a poll on its official website [2]

On January 28, 2007, Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti announced his intention to bid for Ronaldinho in response to AC Milan's acquisition of Ronaldo just days before. Events 1077 - Walk to Canossa: The Excommunication of Henry IV Holy Roman Emperor is lifted Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Football Club Internazionale Milano, most commonly referred to as simply Internazionale, or Inter, is an Italian professional football club Massimo Moratti (born 16 May 1945 in Bosco Chiesanuova) is an Italian oil Tycoon. Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima (xo'nawdʊ lu'iz na'zaɾjʊ dʒɪ 'limɐ born September 18, 1976. ^[28]

On March 13, 2007, the FC Barcelona playmaker was scheduled to play for Marcello Lippi's European XI, but he withdrew because of an injury he picked up during the 3-3 draw with Real Madrid on Saturday evening. Events 1138 - Cardinal Gregorio Conti is elected Antipope as Victor IV, succeeding Anacletus II. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan Marcello Romeo Lippi, Commendatore OMRI, (born April 12, 1948) is an Italian World Cup -winning football manager and former Lippi's squad lost to Sir Alex Ferguson's premiership leading Manchester United side by a 4-3 score line. Sir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE, (born 31 December 1941 in Govan, Glasgow) is a Scottish football manager ^[29][3]

2007-08 season

On 3 February 2008 Ronaldinho played his 200th match for Barcelona (against Osasuna at Camp Nou). Events 1112 - Ramon Berenguer III of Barcelona and Douce I of Provence marry uniting the fortunes of those two states 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Club Atlético Osasuna, usually known as Osasuna, is a Spanish Primera División football club based in Pamplona in Navarre The Camp Nou (kam ˈnɔw Catalan for "new field" often erroneously called the Nou Camp in both Spanish and English) is a football His 2007-2008 season was plagued by injuries, and missed the remainder of Barcelona's season after tearing a muscle in his right leg in training on 3 April 2008. Events 1043 - Edward the Confessor is crowned King of England. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[30]

On May 19, 2008, Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated that Ronaldinho needed a 'new challenge' and must join a new club if he were to revive his career. Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Joan Laporta i Estruch (born June 29 1962 in Barcelona, Spain) is the president of Futbol Club Barcelona since 2003 ^[31] Subsequently, he has been linked with a move to Manchester City whose owner, Thaksin Shinawatra, confirmed on 6 June that he is trying to bring Ronaldinho to the City of Manchester Stadium. TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club (ทักษิณ ชินวัตร IPA tɕʰinnawát Chinese: 丘[[wikt 達|達]] 新, Qiū Dáxīn nicknamed by the media as แม้ว Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year The City of Manchester Stadium, which is also known as COMS or Eastlands, is a sports venue in Manchester, England. ^[32]

International career

Ronaldinho with Brazilian President Lula

Ronaldinho is one of few players to have played for Brazil at every footballing level, as he has played at under 15, under 17, under 20, under 23, and senior level. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (pronounced /lu'iz i'nasju 'lulɐ da 'siwvɐ/; born October 27, 1945) known simply as Lula, is the thirty-fifth and The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international He made his first ever appearance for Brazil playing against Scotland on 7 March 1995 in an under 15s match, Brazil lost the game 1-0. The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Events 161 - Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius dies and is succeeded by co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995

1997 FIFA Under-17 World Championship

Ronaldinho was part of the first ever Brazilian team to win the FIFA U-17 World Championship, in Egypt, 1997. The FIFA U-17 World Championship 1997 was held in the cities of Cairo, Ismailia, Alexandria, and Port Said in Egypt This article is about the country of Egypt For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Egypt topics. Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar His first goal was scored from a penalty against Austria in the first group match, which Brazil won 7-0, and eventually went on to finish top of their group. The Austria national football team is the association football team that represents the Country of Austria in international competition and is controlled In the quarter-finals Brazil beat Argentina 2-0, in which Ronaldinho was named the Man of the Match after setting up his teammate Fabio Pinto and creating numerous scoring chances. The Argentina national football team is the national football team of Argentina and is controlled by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA Fábio Pinto (born 9/10/1980 in Itajaí) is a Brazilian footballer Currently playing for FC Paxtakor. In the semi-finals Brazil had their first game against a European team, they had to play Germany, Brazil won the match 4-0 and Ronaldinho scored the fourth goal with a penalty. The German national football team (Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft From 1950 to 1990 the team was also informally called West Germany in English as since In the final Brazil had to play reigning champions Ghana, the game went 1-0 up for Ghana just before the half time break, only for Brazil to win the game 2-1 with the second goal being scored in the 87th minute. The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national Association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the During the six matches of the tournament Brazil conceded only 2 goals and scored 21. Ronaldinho was named one of the best players of the tournament, receiving the Bronze Ball award. After the under 17's championship, he debuted for the Brazilian national team on June 26, 1999 against Latvia in a game which Brazil won 3-0. The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian is killed during the retreat from the Sassanid Empire. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) The Latvian national football team ( Izlase in Latvian) is controlled by the Latvian Football Federation, the governing body for football in Latvia

1999 FIFA World Youth Championship

Ronaldinho also took part in the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship which took place in Nigeria. The 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship took place in Nigeria between April 3 and April 24, 1999. Nigeria, officially named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal Constitutional republic comprising thirty-six states and one Federal As usual, Brazil was favorite to win the trophy. However, they lost their opening match against Spain 2-0. The Spanish National Football Team, commonly referred to as La Selección, is the national football team of Spain and is controlled by the es [[Spanish But Brazil managed to finish the group at second place following their victories over Honduras and Zambia, 3-0 and 5-1 respectively. Records versus other nations As of 10 September, 2008 Percentages Win = 159/374 (42 The Zambia national football team represents the country of Zambia and is governed by the Football Association of Zambia. Ronaldinho scored his first goal in Brazil's last group match and in the round of 16, Ronaldinho helped his team to beat Croatia 4-0 by scoring two first half goals. The Croatian national football team ( Croatian pronunciation: Hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija) is the national side representing Croatia However, Brazil lost to their old rivals Uruguay 2-1 in the quarter finals. The Uruguay national football team is controlled by the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol.

Ronaldinho playing against Switzerland

Copa America 1999

Ronaldinho first tournament participation with the Brazilian national team came in when he was included in the Brazilian squad that won the 1999 Copa América. The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international The Copa América 1999 was a football tournament held in Paraguay, from June 29 to July 18, 1999. He scored a goal against Venezuela in the 1999 Copa América, a game that the Brazilian team won 7-0. The Venezuela national football team is the national football team of Venezuela and is controlled by the Federación Venezolana de Fútbol. The Copa América 1999 was a football tournament held in Paraguay, from June 29 to July 18, 1999.

1999 FIFA Confederations Cup

Ronaldinho was both top player and scorer in the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup. The 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup was the fourth FIFA Confederations Cup, and the second organised by FIFA. He scored in all of the games of the tournament including a hat-trick against Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals to give Brazil an 8-2 win. Although Brazil lost to Mexico 4-3 in the final in which Ronaldinho did not participate due to injury.

2002 World Cup

Ronaldinho played a part in Brazil's successful 2002 campaign to win the World Cup, forming the famed "3 R's" with Ronaldo and Rivaldo. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 17th staging of the World Cup, was held in South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30. Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima (xo'nawdʊ lu'iz na'zaɾjʊ dʒɪ 'limɐ born September 18, 1976. Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira (born April 19, 1972 in Paulista, Pernambuco) commonly known as Rivaldo, is regarded as one of He scored two goals in the tournament. One of the highlights was an unconventional 30-yard free kick he scored against England in the quarter-finals in Shizuoka. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland is a sports Stadium used primarily for football. The stadium is in Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, although the stadium itself The ball lobbed over the English keeper David Seaman, who was out of position as he expected a pass into the penalty area, to make it 2-1 for Brazil. David Andrew Seaman MBE (born 19 September 1963 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire) is a former English football Soon after, he was sent off for a foul on Danny Mills. This article is about the footballer For the actor see Danny Mills (actor. Following the sending-off, he was suspended for the semifinal, but returned to Brazil's starting line-up for the 2-0 victory over Germany in the final. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe.

2005 Confederations Cup

On June 29, 2005, he played a pivotal role as the captain of the Brazilian squad that won its second FIFA Confederations Cup title, and was named Man of the Match in a 4–1 victory over Argentina in the final. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup football tournament was the seventh FIFA Confederations Cup. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Argentina topics.

Ronaldinho on the road with the national squad.

2006 World Cup

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldinho was a starting player for all of Brazil's five matches, but his performances were considered disappointing by both fans and commentators. The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament He scored no goals and made only one assist (for Gilberto's goal in a 4-1 victory over Japan). Gilberto, full name Gilberto da Silva Melo, (born April 25, 1976 in Rio de Janeiro) is a football player from The Japan national football team is the national football team of Japan and is controlled by the Japan Football Association. When Brazil were eliminated by France 1-0 in the quarterfinal, he failed to make an impression. ^[33]

Immediately after the World Cup disappointment, the team was criticized by many Brazilians, and vandals immolated and destroyed a 7. 5-meter (23-foot) tall fiberglass and resin statue of Ronaldinho in the Brazilian city of Chapecó. Fiberglass (also called fibreglass and glass fibre see Spelling differences) is material made from extremely fine Fibers of Glass. Resin, not to be confused with Rosin, is a Hydrocarbon Secretion of many Plants particularly coniferous trees. Chapecó is a major city in the western area of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, located 630 km west of Florianópolis, the capital of the state ^[34] The statue had been erected in 2004 to celebrate his first election as FIFA World Player of the Year. The FIFA World Player of the Year is an Association football award given annually to the male and female player who are thought to be the best in the world based Two days after the loss, Ronaldinho, joined by Adriano, returned to Barcelona and held a party at his home, which was continued into the early morning hours at a nightclub. Adriano Leite Ribeiro (born February 17 1982 in Rio de Janeiro) known simply as Adriano, is a Brazilian striker who plays for Italian This increased the feeling of Brazilian fans that they were betrayed by the lack of effort from their national team. ^[35] This reaction contrasted with other players such as Rogerio Ceni, who was ashamed of the game and said "some defeats are marked by struggle, but we lost in an infelicitous way, that wasn't what we had hoped for"^[36] and Zé Roberto, who cried and said that "the unity that we had outside the pitch, lacked inside it". Rogério Ceni (born January 22, 1973 in Pato Branco, Paraná) is a Brazilian goalkeeper. "Zé Roberto" redirects here For other people named Zé Roberto see Zé Roberto (disambiguation. ^[37]

After the World Cup

After the World Cup, he has played in three of five official matches under Dunga's command (one start and two substitute appearances). The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament Dunga (born Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri on October 31, 1963 in Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul) is a Brazilian former football After coming off the bench against Ecuador, Ronaldinho excelled, creating the winning goal for Kaká and hitting the post twice. Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite (hiˈkaɾdʊ

On March 24, 2007, Ronaldinho made his first start for Brazil since September 2006 and scored twice in Brazil's 4-0 win against Chile, putting an end to a scoreless streak that lasted nearly two years. Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions [4]

Statistics

FC Barcelona:
First match: FC Barcelona - Athletic Bilbao 1-0 (30-08-2003)
207 matches - 93 goals(La Liga: 145/69, European Cups: 42/18 (UEFA Cup:7/4, UEFA Champions League:35/14), Copa del Rey: 13/4, Supercopa de España: 4/1, UEFA Super Cup: 1/0, FIFA Club World Cup: 2/1

National team:

First cap: Brazil - Latvia 3 - 0 (26. Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan Athletic Club is a Spanish football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Basque Country, Spain. The Primera División of the es Liga de Fútbol Profesional ( Professional Football League) commonly known as La Liga or The UEFA Cup is a football competition for European club teams organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA. See also List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League winners The UEFA Champions League, which evolved from the European Champion Clubs' Cup is a seasonal club The Copa del Rey is an annual cup competition for Spanish football teams The Supercopa de España is a two-leg Spanish football championship contested by the winners of the La Liga and the Copa del Rey. The European Super Cup ( UEFA Super Cup) is at stake in an annual football game between the reigning champions of the UEFA Cup and the Champions The FIFA Club World Cup, formerly known as the FIFA Club World Championship, is a football competition contested between the champion clubs from all six continental The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international The Latvian national football team ( Izlase in Latvian) is controlled by the Latvian Football Federation, the governing body for football in Latvia 06. 1999)
Last cap: Brazil - Uruguay 2 - 1 (21. The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international The Uruguay national football team is controlled by the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol. 11. 2007)

82 caps - 32 goals

Club career statistics

As of April 05, 2008^[38]

Honors

Notes

References

• FootballDatabase career stats
• Ronaldinho profile at BBC Sport website

External links

• Ronaldinho FIFA competition record
• Ronaldinho Gaúcho Official Website (Spanish) (Portuguese) (English) (Catalan)
• Ronaldinho profile at FC Barcelona website
• Ronaldinho profile at FIFA website
• Ronaldinho career stats at Soccerbase