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The question of who constitutes the greatest footballer in the world will always be one that is fiercely debated by football fans all over the world. However, if one were to ask who are and have been some of the most entertaining players to watch, ever; one can only imagine that the name of Ronaldinho would unanimously be decided upon.
The former Brazil and Barcelona number 10 has enthralled football fans the world over, at different points of time in his career, ever since taking to the football field for the very first time. Being born into a country that eats, drinks and sleeps football and wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey did not in any way seem to affect the two-time world player of the year. In fact, it could easily be said that at his best, Ronaldinho had become synonymous with the game of football itself.
Watching Ronaldinho in full flow will always be remembered as one of the best moments for any football fan of the last decade. For, some of the things that Ronaldinho did with the ball were never seen before, or after. Ronaldinho along with Luis Ronaldo and Rivaldo combined to form what was famously known as the ‘three R’s’; terrorizing opposition defenders and mesmerizing football fans all over the world on their way to guiding Brazil to Copa America and World Cup glory in 1999 and 2002 respectively.
That destructive spell at Barcelona
A five year period starting 2003 would be remembered as the period in which Ronaldinho cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players ever. Ronaldinho helped Barcelona to a second place finish in La Liga in his first season in Spain, contributing 15 goals in the process. Things got even better for the Brazilian in his second season in Spain as Barcelona clinched the title and Ronaldinho was named Fifa World Player of the Year and some of his performances in games during that particular season illustrated that the title was fully deserved. For instance, his goals and performance against Chelsea in the Champions League had class written all over it.
And just when we thought that things could not get any better for Ronaldinho and Barcelona, Ronaldinho managed to raise the bar even higher. Ronaldinho went on to win his second consecutive Fifa World Player award along with the Ballon d'Or in 2005, following another stellar season with Barcelona guiding them to the league title and also the Champions League in 2006.
This season is particularly remembered for Ronaldinho’s stellar performance in the El Classico against Real Madrid wherein he scored a spectacular solo goal, which was rightfully applauded even by the Real Madrid fans themselves. In fact, this appreciation from Madrid fans was proof of the fact that, at his best Ronaldinho had transcended club loyalties. He was simply too good to be hated by anyone, regardless of whether they were Barcelona fans or not; they were all fans of the Brazilian; and this in my opinion is what makes Ronaldinho one of the greatest players ever.
Ronaldinho was at a stage in his career where he could possibly do no wrong. However, as good a time as Ronaldinho was having on the pitch, the effects of his indisciplined lifestyle off the pitch was slowly beginning to catch up with him. In fact, Ronaldinho’s wayward lifestyle was first pointed out by his former PSG manager Luis Fernandez who had once claimed that the Brazilian was more interested in the Parisian nightlife than football. However, Ronaldinho’s genius on the pitch had more than covered up for him, up until this point.
The fateful move to Italy and the subsequent demise
Ronaldinho eventually left Barcelona for AC Milan in 2008 following 5 glorious years in Spain, and despite showing glimpses of his old self he never managed to reach the heights that he once did and recreate the flair and the magic that was once synonymous with his style of play. Further, at Milan his lifestyle problems off the pitch began to come to light more than ever before. While in Milan, he was accused of a lack dedication and focus on his game. And whether this stemmed out of his now infamous lifestyle or an overdose of success can only be speculated.
Since leaving Milan in 2010 Ronaldinho has moved back to his homeland in Brazil, in a bid to find his former self. And there have been glimpses of his genius that cannot be denied. But even the most die-hard Ronaldinho fans, like myself, must admit that it is heart-wrenchingly painful to see such an illustrious career come to the stage that it has reached right now. And the recent termination of his contract with Fluminense might be a sign that the end might be near for the legendary number 10. And perhaps it may even make sense for Ronaldinho to hang up his boots right now than to deteriorate his career further in an attempt to prolong it.
All said and done Ronaldinho’s greatness lies in the fact that when he played in his prime, he was a pure joy to watch. He is one of those few players who can never be hated for he brought a smile to anyone who watched him in play. He will always be remembered as the one who always played with a smile on his face and put a smile on the face of anyone who watched him play. Thank You for the entertainment Gaucho, you will be remembered as the one who made the beautiful game a bit more beautiful in your own way.
