Ronaldinho: Carnival King

Jack on Ronaldinho

“If I had to choose just one, it’s tough but I’d go for Ronaldinho.

“No matter who you support, he was a pleasure to watch – he brought something really special to the game. The way he got supporters of their feet and entertained with his playing style is something I aspire to.”

Ronaldinho: Carnival King

Arguably the most naturally talented player of his generation, Ronaldinho has won every major prize the game has to offer.

FC Barcelona unquestionably saw the best of him in their all-conquering side of the mid-noughties, winning La Liga twice, as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2006, feats which earned him the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2005 and 2006.

As Jack hints, Ronaldinho was a player truly in the Brazilian spirit of carnival, delighting supporters the world over with his flicks, tricks, and bicycle kicks - someone who played the beautiful game in a beautiful way.

Although his reign as the world’s greatest player was brief, few stars have shone brighter than Ronaldinho’s when he was at the peak of his powers at the Camp Nou.

Status Update

Ronaldinho has not yet officially retired and reports last week suggested he had offered to play for Chapecoense following the air tragedy. The 36-year old was last seen playing for Fluminense in 2015.

Showreel

Clubs

Gremio 1998-2001

PSG 2001-2003

Barcelona 2003-2008

Milan 2008-2011

Flamengo 2011-2012

Atletico Mineiro 2012-2014

Quaretaro 2014-2015

Fluminense 2015

Honors

Atlético Mineiro

Campeonato Mineiro: 2013

Copa Libertadores: 2013

Recopa Sudamericana: 2014

Flamengo

Campeonato Carioca: 2011

AC Milan

Serie A: 2010–11

FC Barcelona

La Liga (2): 2004–05, 2005–06

UEFA Champions League: 2005–06

Supercopa de España (2): 2005, 2006

PSG

UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2001

Gremio

South Cup: 1999

Campeonato Gaúcho: 1999

Brazil

Copa América: 1999

FIFA World Cup: 2002

FIFA Confederations Cup: 2005