Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, famously known as ‘O Bruxo’ and forever etched in football history as Ronaldinho, celebrates his 45th birthday today.
Although many in the current generation of football fans may not have had the privilege of watching the Porto Alegre-born magician in action, we can still rely on YouTube and other video archives to relive his brilliance.
Let’s look back at the top 5 Ronaldinho goals and remind ourselves of his magical feet.
Brazil v England 2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 World Cup Quarter-Final clash between England and tournament favourites Brazil was a memorable encounter. For Ronaldinho, it turned into a night full of drama, as he dominated the headlines for both the right and wrong reasons.
Brazil found themselves 1-0 down after England striker Michael Owen’s goal, but they responded just before halftime with a strike from Rivaldo. The game took a dramatic turn in the 50th minute when Brazil earned a free kick about 35 yards out, on the right side of the pitch.
Ronaldinho stepped up to take it, and while a cross seemed the obvious choice, the Brazilian genius had other plans. Spotting England goalkeeper David Seaman off his line, Ronaldinho took the audacious decision to launch a stunning shot that curled perfectly into the top left corner, leaving Seaman stranded.
Despite being sent off with a red card in the 57th minute, Ronaldinho’s magical moment secured Brazil’s progress to the next round. They would go on to win the tournament, and this incredible goal became one of the most iconic in his career, ranking among the top 5 most important goals of Ronaldinho’s legendary legacy!
Chelsea v Barcelona 05-06 UEFA Champions League
During the UEFA Champions League Group A match between Barcelona and Chelsea at the Nou Camp on October 31, 2006, Chelsea’s defense stood strong against a powerful Ronaldinho free kick. Barcelona ultimately lost the match 4-2, but it was Ronaldinho’s performance that had everyone talking.
The standout moment came when Ronaldinho, surrounded by Chelsea defenders, somehow found the back of the net with a breathtaking outside-the-foot strike. The ball curled perfectly into the corner, leaving everyone in awe.
The sheer difficulty of executing such a precise shot under pressure from a dead-ball situation only adds to the magic of this goal, making it even more remarkable with each viewing!
Barcelona v Real Madrid 05-06 La Liga
Ronaldinho’s brilliance was on full display during the 2005/06 season, when he bagged 18 goals and 17 assists in just 29 La Liga matches, a performance that earned him the Ballon d’Or.
Yet, his finest El Clasico moment came in 2005, when Barcelona faced Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Ronaldinho delivered a magic moment, weaving past two Madrid defenders before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
The incredible play didn’t just impress Barcelona fans—it even earned him a standing ovation from the Real Madrid supporters. Ronaldinho wasn’t finished, as he went on to score a second, further solidifying his place as one of the greatest players of his era.
Barcelona v Villareal 2005-06 La Liga
One of his most remarkable strikes came in a match against Villarreal, where he showcased his incredible skill with a bicycle kick. The move was set up by a delicate pass from Xavi, and Ronaldinho executed it flawlessly, controlling the ball with his chest before sending it flying into the net.
The Barcelona fans erupted in celebration, knowing they had witnessed something extraordinary. This goal ranks second in our top 5 Ronaldinho moments due to its sheer brilliance and technical mastery.
Barcelona v Real Zaragoza 06/07 La Liga
Big moments require big players, and in a crucial match during the 2006/2007 season, Ronaldinho showed exactly why he was Barcelona’s star. With the game tied 1-1 against Zaragoza and time winding down, a free-kick was awarded to Barcelona.
From around 25 yards out on the left, Ronaldinho took the shot and cleverly sent the ball to the far post, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The ball nestled into the top corner, and the stadium erupted as Ronaldinho and his teammates celebrated the fantastic strike, solidifying its place in our top 5 most important Ronaldinho goals.
