Ronaldinho Profile

Date of birth: 21.03.1980
Country: Brazil
Position: Forward

His Facts
One of the world's most dangerous and exciting players, Ronaldinho is equally proficient at creating chances or finishing, can play anywhere up front and is deadly from free-kicks.

Beginning his career with Grêmio FPA in his homeland, the playmaker appeared in 36 league games over four years before joining French side Paris Saint-Germain FC in 2001. Brilliant at the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1997 and top scorer in the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, Ronaldinho was the outstanding player in an average PSG team, scoring 17 times in more than 50 league games over two seasons. Excelled at the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals as Brazil lifted the trophy for a fifth time and became FC Barcelona's record signing in July 2003 when he agreed a €30m move after a protracted transfer saga.

The Catalan club's hefty investment was amply rewarded, however, as the Brazilian scored 22 times in his first season and signed an improved contract in summer 2004, increasing his buy-out clause to a reported €150m. He was voted FIFA World Player of the Year at the end of the year and scored exceptional UEFA Champions League goals against AC Milan and Chelsea FC in 2004/05, when he was the inspiration behind Barça's 17th Primera División title. Another followed the next season when he retained the World Player of the Year accolade, became the third Brazilian to win the Ballon D'Or and was named in uefa.com's Team of the Year for the second year in succession. Also helped Barcelona win the UEFA Champions League, although his season finished on a low as Brazil lost to France in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Did you know?
While filming a television commercial in March 2004, Ronaldinho broke a window in the 12th century cathedral Santiago de Compostela.

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