One of the greatest Brazilian talents to have played the sport, the Brazilian played the game in a fun way and always put a smile on the face of the audience. Ronaldinho spent the peak of his career at Camp Nou, where he mesmerized Barcelona supporters for five years, and brought title glory back to Catalonia.
5. Bernabeu Miracle
There's no love between Real Madrid and Barcelona, and the two Spanish giants are not in the habit of handing out compliments to their arch-rivals - the Bernabeu faithful rarely applaud their own players.
Well, in November 2005, we found out. Ronaldinho led Barça to an incredible 3-0 win in Madrid, and the Brazilian sensation delivered one of the greatest individual performances of skill and creativity that the game has ever seen.
For both goals in Ronaldinho's brace, the winger picked up the ball on the left-hand side and sprinted at his marker - a certain Sergio Ramos - and then breezed past one of the greatest defenders in the game as if he wasn't there. The two strikes were pieces of art, and the Bernabeu recognized the genius that they had been subjected to, by awarding their enemy with a standing ovation. Touching stuff.
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4. World Cup Winning Goal
Ronaldinho's long-range looping free-kick which caught England goalkeeper David Seaman off guard and somehow found its way into the top corner of the net will always be remembered as one of the greatest goals in world cup.
The Brazilian magician broke all English hearts on that day, and he would go on to lift the prestigious World Cup trophy in 2002, helping his nation claim bragging rights for a record fifth time. It was the peak moment in international football that he thoroughly deserved.
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3. Bicycle Kick Against Villareal
Ronaldinho has scored some amazing goals in this career. Many of his greatest came during his time with Barcelona, including this fantastic bicycle kick against Villareal.
It may not be the most memorable goal or most important, but it showed the skills the Brazilian possessed at one time.
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2. Magic at Atletico Mineiro
When a Brazilian footballer leaves his home nation to conquer Europe, he seldom returns to his motherland until he is well past his best. Well, Ronaldinho was forced out of Barcelona to make room for some kid called Lionel Messi and after a spell in Italy with Milan, he returned to his South American roots.
And with some success, too. After a stint at Flamengo, Ronaldinho joined Atlético Mineiro and guided them to Copa Libertadores qualification in his first campaign. The next season, they only went and won the bloody thing - for the first time in their history, too!
The Brazilian star scored four goals and provided seven assists during their dramatic cup run, which saw them overturn two-goal deficits in the first leg of the semi-final and final. Our main man was honored for his achievements by scooping the award for Best South American player in 2013.
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1. Champions league winning run
It's hard to imagine, given all of Messi's magic over the 15 years or so, but once upon a time, Barcelona was a team that was struggling to lift the Champions League trophy. But with Ronaldinho at the peak of his powers, they looked destined to break their barren run.
And they did. In 2006, Barcelona ended a 14-year wait for European success by beating Arsenal 2-1 in a dramatic final. Ronaldinho was at the heart of their journey, and he scored a superb goal against Chelsea in the round of 16, showing incredible strength to bounce off a challenge, beat two men, and lash a vicious strike beyond Petr Cech.
It was a perfect demonstration of what Ronaldinho is all about: quick feet, lightning pace, and devastating power. Barça also claimed their second successive title that season and their talisman was named the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner and FIFPro World Player of the Year.
Ronaldinho will always be remembered as one of the greatest player.
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