Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born 21 March 1980), commonly known as Ronaldinho (onawdu) or Ronaldinho Gacho, is a Brazilian former professional footballer and ambassador for Spanish club FC Barcelona after signing for them in September 2016. [141] Brazil endured a disappointing campaign that culminated in a 10 loss to France in the quarter-finals, during which the Seleo had only one shot on goal.[142]. Though his performances in his second season with the club were underwhelming compared to his first, Ronaldinho performed admirably with the club. p. 123. [183][184][185][186] Among his repertoire of moves, is the "elastico", a move he learned by watching videos of one of his idols, the 1970s Brazilian star Rivelino. ", "Ranking the 16 Greatest Free-Kick Takers of All Time", "Messi and the other best freekick takers in football history", "Dead Ball Genius: How Messi Learned From Maradona, Ronaldinho And Deco To Become The Game's Greatest Free-Kick Taker", "Chelsea discover why Ronaldinho is Barcelona's pearl beyond price", "Ibrahimovic: Ronaldo was better than Ronaldinho and Cristiano", "Willian: Messi is very good, but Ronaldinho was the best of them all", "Ranked! The Brazil icon had spent 32. . The five-star-skiller is one of the most desirable Icons in the game, so it's no surprise to see him on this list. He recorded impressive goals against Monaco, Rennes, Lens and Lorient. [120], From September to early October 2017, Ronaldinho joined the Delhi Dragons from Delhi in the Premier Futsal League. Ronaldinho was released in August 2020 after a judge ordered him and his brother to pay a 153,000 fine between them, bringing to an end his five-month ordeal. That same day, Ronaldinho, joined by Adriano, returned to the city of Barcelona and held a party at his home, which was continued into the early morning hours at a nightclub. The Brazilian arrived at a club that had just finished sixth in La Liga and transformed their fortunes, winning two league titles and the Champions League over the following five years. In the following match, against Siena on 17 January, Ronaldinho scored his first hat-trick for Milan when he converted a penalty kick, scored with a header from a corner and finished with a strike into the top right corner from 20 yards out. [144] The statue had been erected in 2004 to celebrate his first FIFA World Player of the Year award. David Goldblatt (2009). Unfortunately for the club, however, Ronaldinho and the team failed to capture the form that got them to the final as they bowed out 21 to Auxerre due to a last minute goal from Jean-Alain Boumsong. Gemeinsame Normdatei. Mendes has been taken on after a trial period, having previously played at junior levels with a number of Brazilian clubs. Robson, 2006. [135] Then, in the 50th minute, Ronaldinho took a free-kick from 40 yards out which curled into the top left corner of the net, completely surprising England's goalkeeper David Seaman, giving Brazil a 21 lead. In Barcelona he wore shirt number 10, but that shirt is currently held by Dutch midfielder Clarence . [210] A few days later, on 29 October 2020, Ronaldinho released a statement regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Azerbaijan. Don't be fooled by the name Ronaldo, this isn't the famous Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo, but rather the famous Brazilian player Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. Ronaldinho Gacho - Squad number history | Transfermarkt Ronaldinho Gacho 2 1 1 1 1 Retired Last club: Fluminense Most games for: Barcelona Retired since: Jan 16, 2018 Getty Images + Date of birth/Age: Mar 21, 1980 (42) Place of birth: Porto Alegre Citizenship: Brazil Height: 1,79 m Position: Attacking Midfield Former International: Brazil The following year, he was dropped from Brazil's 2004 Copa Amrica squad, as coach Carlos Alberto Parreira decided to rest his stars and used a largely reserve squad. 2,978 posts. Duas vezes eleito o melhor do mundo pela FIFA. KINGS LEAGUE Ronaldinho revealed as player number 12 of Porcinos FC, Ibai Llanos' team in the Kings League. Having received the ball inside his own half, Ronaldinho ran at the England defence and wrong footed star defender Ashley Cole with a trademark step over before passing the ball to Rivaldo on the edge of the penalty area to score the equalising goal just before half-time. [121], On 16 January 2018, Ronaldinho confirmed his retirement from football through his brother/agent: "He has stopped, it is ended. [26], In 2001, Ronaldinho signed a five-year contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain in a 5million transfer. He won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2004 and 2005. In a Round of 16 match against Guingamp, Ronaldinho scored two second half goals in the game after having entered the match as a half-time substitute. [74] In preparation for the 2010 Joan Gamper Trophy, Ronaldinho sent an open letter to the fans and players of Barcelona, stating that his best years had been the five he spent in the Catalan club. @footsider_. Ronaldo de Assis Moreira was born on 21 March 1980 in the city of Porto Alegre, the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. ", On 1 May 2005, Ronaldinho made the assist for Lionel Messi's first goal for Barcelona, executing a scooped pass over the Albacete defence for Messi to finish. [207] On 6 July 2018, Ronaldinho announced a partnership with company World Soccer Coin (WSC) to develop a new cryptocurrency, the Ronaldinho Soccer Coin, with WSC claiming that the profits of the coin will be used to football projects such as "Ronaldinho Digital Stadiums. Not too long ago, news broke in Spain that football superstar and Brazil legend Ronaldinho was in debt to the tune of 1.75 million. His first brace was in a 30 win over Sampdoria on 19 October. 1 reference. He changed the way football is played. Upon his arrival in Paris, Ronaldinho was given the number 21 shirt and inserted into a lineup that included fellow Brazilian Alosio and midfielders Mikel Arteta and Jay-Jay Okocha. The goal gave Flamengo its 19th Taa Guanabara title, which earned the Campeonato Carioca title two months later, as the team also won the Taa Rio. This is the fully-customizable long-sleeve home kit for FC Barcelona's 2007-2008 season. He then returned to Brazil to play for Flamengo in 2011 and Atltico . 145. number of points/goals/set scored. He was always spectacular, as player and person. [117] Fluminense sporting director Mario Bittencourt stated, "Ronaldinho asked us for a meeting. place of birth. Ronaldinho spent five seasons with Barcelona between 2003-2008 and played a huge part in lifting the club to dominance between 2004-2006 when Barca won back-to-back La Liga titles and the . "Football's Greatest Rivelino". He was greeted by more than 20,000 fans at his unveiling at his new club on 13 January 2011. 2012. They won 112 in the finals, with Ronaldinho scoring 5 goals and assisting the other 6. [95] Ronaldinho led Atltico Mineiro to a good 2012 season, in which the club finished second in the 2012 Brasileiro and qualified for the 2013 Copa Libertadores. "[189] In 2010, his former Barcelona teammate, Edgar Davids, said of him: "For the skills and tricks, Ronaldinho was the best player that I ever played with. Ronaldinho spent the majority of the 2001 . [140], For the 2006 World Cup finals, Ronaldinho was part of Brazil's much-publicized "magic quartet" of offensive players alongside Adriano, Ronaldo and Kak, which was expected to provide the "Joga Bonito" style of play that was the focus of an extensive advertising campaign by Nike leading up to the tournament. "[9], On 24 March 2007, Ronaldinho scored twice in a 40 win over Chile, which marked his first goal since the 2005 Confederations Cup final and thus ended a scoreless streak that lasted nearly two years. FC Barcelona have announced the signing of club legend Ronaldinho's son Joao Mendes. Milan ended up losing the game 32, with a goal from Paul Scholes and two goals from Wayne Rooney. Should we be grateful for what he gave us or angry that it ended so soon? [100], After becoming a free agent, Ronaldinho was offered contracts from English Conference South club Basingstoke Town and newly formed Indian Super League franchise Chennai Titans through their co-owner Prashant Agarwal,[101][102][103] but eventually signed a two-year contract with Mexican club Quertaro on 5 September 2014. "[122] Such a celebration was supposed to take place three years after his last appearance for Fluminense, but has not materialized. This guy is sheer will power and strong mentality. The legendary Barcelona forward was in action for Porcinos FC in a seven-a-side King's League. Ronaldinho net worth: Ronaldinho is a retired Brazilian football (soccer) player who has a net worth of $90 million. [160] He was again called up for the Seleo, being named captain of the national team for an international friendly with Chile on 24 April 2013. For the comic strip based on him, see. [178][179][180] His versatility and prowess from set pieces made him one of the most prolific free kick takers in history,[181] and also influenced his former teammate Messi, who went on to become a free kick specialist himself. Porto Alegre. Ronaldinho was suspended for the semi-final, but returned to Brazil's starting lineup for the 20 victory over Germany in the final as Brazil won its record fifth World Cup title. [107] On 30 October 2014, he scored a free kick against Atlas during an away match at the Estadio Jalisco. There have been some whacky shirt numbers in football. Ronaldinho was the recipient of the Bronze Ball Award for the competition. Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born 21 March 1980), commonly known as Ronaldinho Gacho (Brazilian Portuguese:[onawdu auu]) or simply Ronaldinho,[note 1] is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played mostly as an attacking midfielder, but was also deployed as a winger. He converted a penalty kick in a 32 semi-final win against host Germany and was named Man of the Match in a 41 victory over archrival Argentina in the final on 29 June. In October, he performed well against Mexico in a friendly, scoring a free kick to equalize after Dani Alves was sent off. [24] In a match-winning performance, Ronaldinho embarrassed Internacional's Brazilian legend and 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, flicking the ball over his head on one occasion, and leaving him flat-footed in a mazy dribble on another. In the end, 23-year-old Ronaldinho opted to join Spanish side Barcelona and just weeks later United captured a teenage prospect by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo. References Site Navigation FC Barcha Categories Delighted to have shared a pitch with him for 90 minutes, there is no doubt which way the Raja Casablanca players would cast their votes. 2012: The species of, (in Spanish, Portuguese, English, and Italian), Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 15:07, 2013 South American Footballer of the Year, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, World Soccer Magazine World Player of The Year, Campeonato Brasileiro Srie A Team of the Year, Campeonato Brasileiro Srie A Best Fan's Player, "FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2013: List of Players: Atletico Mineiro", "What Went Wrong for Ronaldinho: From World's Best No. Ronaldinho and his brother were released from Agrupacion Especializada on April 7 and placed under house arrest in a hotel after paying $1.6 million (1.3m) bail. Ronaldinho was born Ronaldo de Assis Moreira in Porto Alegre, the Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Ronaldinho was an attacking midfielder and forward who spent his youth career with Gremio. He scored his first goal for the club on 13 October in a 22 draw against Lyon, converting the equalizing penalty in the 79th minute after having come on ten minutes prior. [106] In his next match, however, against Guadalajara, he had a much better game, setting up Camilo Sanvezzo to score as well as scoring himself from a penalty kick in a 41 win. Ronaldinho, whose last professional game came in 2015 for Fluminese, scored five goals this weekend and set up another six. After debuting with the Seleo by winning the 1999 Copa Amrica, he was an integral part of the 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team, starring alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo in an attacking trio, and was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. Ronaldinho - Number 80 at AC Milan When he joined the club Ronaldinho couldn't have his favoured number 10 shirt because it was in the possession of Dutch legend, Seedorf. In June 2015, Ronaldinho, now 35, announced his departure from the club and thanked the Mexican people and fans of Quertaro: "I want to thank all the Mexican nation for all the days that I have lived with people so special, you will be forever in my heart. [54] He has appeared in Nike commercials, including the 2002 "Secret Tournament" commercial (branded "Scorpion KO") directed by Terry Gilliam. Here is an attempt to rank Brazil's. They became possessed, and furious. [98], At the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup held in Morocco in December, Atltico lost 31 to Raja Casablanca in the semi-final, with Ronaldinho scoring from a free-kick. @nooke.ag. [27], Ronaldinho was also praised for his performance in the Coupe de France when he scored both goals in the club's 20 win over Bordeaux in the semi-finals, which inserted PSG into the final. Ronaldinho made his league debut for the club on 4 August 2001 appearing as a substitute in a 1-1 draw withAuxerre. He respectfully told us he didn't feel he was able to perform as good as he wanted and that it was a bad situation for him. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about midfielder Ronaldinho on ESPN. [78][79][80][81] With the number 10 already occupied by teammate Clarence Seedorf, he selected 80 as his jersey number. One week after the conclusion of the Copa Amrica, he was called up for the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, in which he scored in every match except the final, including a hat-trick in an 82 semi-final rout of Saudi Arabia. How do you go from $90million and being one of football's most legendary players.. To $7.. And behind bars of South America's most dangerous prison.. Well th. [12] Many of his signature moves originate from futsal, especially his ball control. [54], The season is considered one of the best in Ronaldinho's career as he was an instrumental part of Barcelona's first Champions League title in 14 years. Pgina oficial do jogador Ronaldinho Gacho. In the final against Santos Laguna, Quertaro lost the first leg 05 and then won the 2nd leg 30 but lost 35 on aggregate. number of matches played/races/starts. More Player Info. Duas vezes eleito o melhor do mundo pela FIFA. D Kindersley Ltd. Jethro Soutar (2006). Brazil went on to win the match with a goal from Marcelo. Ronaldinho ended the Serie A campaign scoring two goals against Juventus; Luca Antonini opened the scoring and Milan went on to win 30 in Leonardo's last game in charge. [24], In 2001, Arsenal expressed interest in signing Ronaldinho, but the move collapsed after he could not obtain a work permit because he was a non-EU player who had not played enough international matches. Russian Wikipedia. [162], Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the greatest and most skilful players of all time. [189] Zlatan Ibrahimovi stated, "Prime Ronaldinho was phenomenal. Check out our ronaldinho jersey selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our t-shirts shops. "The Football Book". This statistic shows which kit numbers the player already wore during international caps. 10 to Prisoner No. The Portuguese famously adopted. Even at his time, this sum was as impressive as it is now. It is something that makes me like Mexico even more and I feel right at home. [18] He gained Spanish citizenship in 2007. [4] A global icon of the sport, Ronaldinho was renowned for his technical skills, creativity, dribbling ability and accuracy from free-kicks, his use of tricks, feints, no-look passes and overhead kicks, as well as his ability to score and create goals, all prominent characteristics of his early-age background playing futsal. 2001-02 season. His main playing position is as an attacking midfielder or forward. "[110][111], Ronaldinho scored two penalties in consecutive matches, the second giving Quertaro the classification to the Liga MX playoffs. Ronaldinho and Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi each captained a team of international stars in an anti-racism exhibition match in Venezuela on 28 June, which ended in a 77 draw. [12][187][188], ESPN described Ronaldinho as being "skillful by nature, his tricks are unparalleled and he is wonderful with the ball at his feet. [129] Ronaldinho appeared four times and scored only one goal, which came in the quarter-final defeat by Cameroon.[129]. [212], In fiction, Ronaldinho features as a character in Rupert Thomson's 2021 novel Barcelona Dreaming. [168][169] Throughout his career, he was often deployed as a winger, although he usually played as a classic number 10 in an attacking midfielder role. [127], On 26 June, three days before the start of the 1999 Copa Amrica, he earned his first cap for Brazil in a 30 win over Latvia, and he scored one goal during Brazil's victorious Copa Amrica campaign. For his performance, Ronaldinho was given a standing ovation by the Parisian supporters. Ronaldinho's 30-yard kick that ended inside the net remains one of the greatest highlights of the game to-date. [71][72] On 19 May 2008, Barcelona club president Joan Laporta stated that Ronaldinho needed a "new challenge", claiming that he needed a new club if he were to revive his career.[73]. "Ronaldinho: Football's Flamboyant Maestro". Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 3:29 PM by Fred Kennedy. The first goal was a free kick, which curled past numerous Marseille players in the 18-yard box before sailing past goalkeeper Vedran Runje. Jethro Soutar (2006). "[191] Another one of his former Barcelona teammate, Henrik Larsson, echoed this view. Upon his arrival in Paris, Ronaldinho was given the number 21 shirt and inserted into a lineup that included fellow Brazilian Alosio, midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha and striker Nicolas Anelka. Pitch International LLP. [124], In 1997, Ronaldinho was part of the first Brazilian team to win the FIFA U-17 World Championship, which was held in Egypt, in which his first goal was a penalty against Austria in the first group match, which Brazil won 70. [15][16], Growing up, his idols included the World Cup winning stars; Rivelino (from 1970), Diego Maradona (from 1986), Romrio (from 1994), and his two future international teammates Ronaldo and Rivaldo (which would form the attacking trio in Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning team). I'm relaxed. [87], After being heavily linked with a move back to his childhood club Grmio, Ronaldinho joined Flamengo on 11 January 2011 with a contract ending in 2014. Here is an attempt to rank Brazil's. "[46] His fame was growing with his entertaining and productive play in both the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. [47] His domination as the world's best footballer was undisputed as he also won the prestigious Ballon d'Or for the only time in his career. Brazil and Barcelona icon Ronaldinho made his return to the pitch over the weekend despite hanging up his boots back in 2018 and issued a strong message to his . The rest is history. [75] It was a sad moment for him and he later said in an interview that he regretted leaving without playing long enough with Messi. stated in. [196] Having endorsed Pepsi for much of his career and appeared in commercials with David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho signed a deal with Coca-Cola in 2011, however this was terminated in July 2012 after he was caught drinking Pepsi in a news conference. [1][5] His mother, Miguelina Eli Assis dos Santos,[6] was a salesperson who studied to become a nurse. Website URL: NA Ronaldinho went on to score 94 goals in 207 games for Barca, helping them win two LaLiga titles and one Champions League. [213], In July 2019, 57 properties belonging to Ronaldinho along with his Brazilian and Spanish passports were confiscated because of unpaid taxes and fines. Ronaldinho called time on his illustrious football career more than seven years ago. After a good start to the season, Ronaldinho struggled with fitness, and was often played from the bench to end a disappointing first season for Milan. Ronaldinho wore #80 while playing for AC Milan. [33], Ronaldinho was also influential in the 200102 Coupe de la Ligue, helping PSG reach the semi-finals where they were eliminated by Bordeaux. 194", "Which team has played the most times in a month? For much of that period, he was widely considered to be the best . [174], Despite primarily being a creative player, who was renowned for his passing, vision, and playmaking ability, Ronaldinho was an accurate finisher with either foot, both from inside and outside the penalty area, as well as being a free-kick and penalty kick specialist. [37] Henry remained with Arsenal, and Laporta then promised to bring Beckham to the club, but following his transfer to Real Madrid, Barcelona entered the running for Ronaldinho and outbid Manchester United for his signature in a 30million deal. p. 169. At number ten is the Barcelona and Brazil wizard Prime Icon Ronaldinho. With his trademark goal celebration and broad smile, Ronaldinho joined Bara at the age of 23 in the summer of 2003. 3x Domestic League Champion. [60], On 25 November 2006, Ronaldinho scored his 50th career league goal against Villarreal, then scored a second time with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick; receiving Xavi's cross, he flicked the ball up with his chest and spun 180 degrees to finish Barcelona fans waved white handkerchiefs in admiration of the goal. Ronaldinho made his career debut for Grmio, in 1998. Brazil finished with the bronze medal after defeating Belgium 30 in the third-place match. [205] Ronaldinho also has over 50 million Instagram followers. Lionel Messi is an iconic wearer of Barcelona's No.10 jersey (Image:. The 101 greatest football players of the last 25 years: full list", "The utterly beguiling genius of Ronaldinho", "Ronaldinho sips Pepsi, loses Coca-Cola deal", "A lighter shoe, cooler kits, a faster ball, a Secret Tournament every touch counts", "Nike "Writes the Future" Just In Time For The World Cup", "Ronaldinho wax figure arrives Hong Kong (, "Soccer great Ronaldinho aims to score goals in UN campaign against AIDS", "Cristiano Ronaldo overtakes Shakira as Facebook's most 'liked' person", "Ronaldinho Named Barcelona Ambassador: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction", "Everything you need to know about Ronaldinho's cryptocurrency", "Barcelona and Brazil legend Ronaldinho tests positive for coronavirus", "Football: Ronaldinho expresses support for Azerbaijan", "Lebanon: Footballer Ronaldinho causes stir on Beirut trip", "Barcelona Dreaming by Rupert Thomson review heartbreak and hope in the city", "Ronaldinho: Ex-Brazil and Barcelona star has property seized over unpaid fines", "Brazilian judge lifts Ronaldinho travel ban", "Ronaldinho, Brother Not To Face Prosecution For Fake Passports", "Ronaldinho held over fake passport claims", "Jailed Ronaldinho facing multiple issues off the pitch", "Ronaldinho loses appeal for release from house arrest", "Ronaldinho's Prison Team Win Futsal Tournament And Suckling Pig", "Ronaldinho set for release after bizarre six-month stay in Paraguay penal system", "Paraguayan judge releases Ronaldinho after five months", "Ronaldinho wari ufungishijwe ijisho muri Paraguay yarekuwe", "South American U-17 Championship 1997 (Paraguay)", "Mundialito u-20 lvaro Fabin Perea Berrospe 1998", "World Youth Cup (U-20) 1999 (Nigeria, April 3-24)", "Seleo Brasileira Restritiva (Brazilian National Restrictive Team) 19961999", "Seleo Brasileira Restritiva (Brazilian National Restrictive Team) 20002003", "Seleo Brasileira Restritiva (Brazilian National Restrictive Team) 20042012", "Ronaldo de Assis Moreira "Ronaldinho" Goals in International Matches", "Seleo Brasileira (Brazilian National Team) 19981999", "Seleo Brasileira (Brazilian National Team) 20002001", "Seleo Brasileira (Brazilian National Team) 20022003", "Seleo Brasileira (Brazilian National Team) 20042005", "Seleo Brasileira (Brazilian National Team) 20062007", "Seleo Brasileira (Brazilian National Team) 20102011", "Ronaldinho Announces His Retirement; Why He Is One Of Soccer's All-Time Greats", "Rio Grande do Sul -- List of State Topscorers", "Palmars Trophes UNFP Oscars du football " Le plus beau but de Ligue 1 " (vote du public)", "Ronaldinho gana el trofeo EFE a falta de un jornada para el final", "FIFA Awards, World Player of the Year Top 10", "FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005 | Awards", "RONALDINHO VOTED FIFPRO WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR AGAIN", "Spanish Primera Divisin Scoring Stats - 2005-06", "UEFA Champions League 2005/06 History Statistics UEFA.com", "Winners of all time | Golden Foot Award Monaco", "2000s: The Decade in Sports; All-Decade Team: Soccer", "Italian Serie A Scoring Stats - 2009-10", "Os eleitos do Prmio Craque do Brasileiro! "Barcelona: Football's Greatest" (2013). He was part of the 2002 World Cup squad. The world's population was 4,458,411,534 and there were an estimated year babies born throughout the world in 1980, Jimmy Carter (Democratic) was the president of the United States, and the number one song on Billboard 100 was "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" by Pink Floyd. 342,187 talking about this. He made his opponents look like children". [35], "Ronaldinho was responsible for the change in Bara. At age 20, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in France before signing for Barcelona in 2003. But let me stop you right there. [125], 1999 was a busy year for Ronaldinho in terms of international play. [14] Ronaldinho was identified as a rising star at the 1997 U-17 World Championship in Egypt, in which he scored two goals on penalty kicks. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . He expressed solidarity with Azerbaijani people. [23] 1999 saw the emergence of the 18-year-old Ronaldinho, with 22 goals in 47 matches, and he put in headlining displays in derbies against Internacional, most notably on 20 June 1999 in the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship final. 527 following. [44] He was named in the six man shortlist for the 2006 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, and was selected in the FIFA World XI. [123], Ronaldinho appeared at the closing ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 15 July, performing a few bars of the Russian folk song "Kalinka" (sung by opera singer Aida Garifullina) on an African drum. The Brazilian legend Tosto claimed: "Ronaldinho has the dribbling skills of Rivelino, the vision of Grson, the spirit and happiness of Garrincha, the pace, skill and power of Jairzinho and Ronaldo, the technical ability of Zico and the creativity of Romrio." Following the season, Ronaldinho declared he wanted to leave the club after the capital club failed to qualify for any European competition. The Brazilian was the catalyst for the return of the good times to FC . [198] His 2005 Nike advertisement, where he is given a new pair of boots and then proceeds to juggle a football and appears to repeatedly volley it against the crossbar of a goal and recover it without the ball touching the ground, went viral on YouTube, becoming the site's first video to reach one million views. . [19] In March 2018, Ronaldinho joined the Brazilian Republican Party, which has links to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. [62] He scored once and set up two others in Barcelona's 40 Club World Cup win over Mexico's Club Amrica on 14 December in Yokohama, Japan,[63] but Barcelona were defeated 10 by Brazilian club Internacional in the final. Ronaldinho won the Golden Ball award for the best player in tournament as well as the Golden Boot award for the tournament top-scorer.