Lesser known facts of Ronaldinho that you might not be aware of

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira popularly referred to as Ronaldinho, one of the most recognizable faces in football history, broke into the international scene as a youth at the 1997 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, where he became renowned for his Brazilian style and trickery.

Ronaldinho was twice named World Player of the Year after leading Brazil to World Cup success in 2002. He has played for clubs such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan.

Ronaldinho returned to Brazil in 2011 and played for Flamengo and Atlético Mineiro before a brief stint at Querétaro in Mexico. Since moving to Fluminense, Ronaldinho became a free agent after a string of disappointing results and has since been the subject of endless debate as to when he will play next.

Here are a few facts about the Brazilian legend that you may not have learned:

Fact 1: Ronaldinho adores his cars beyond most things in the world.

Fact 2: In 2004 and 2005, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year.

Fact 3: In January 2007, he became a Spanish citizen.

Fact 4: From 2004 to 2007, he was called to the FIFA 100, a ranking of the best footballers assembled by fellow countryman Pelé, as well as the FIFPro World XI.

Fact 5: Ronaldinho has appeared in 97 matches and scored 33 goals for Brazil’s national team.

Fact 6: He was a key member of the 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, featuring in an attacking trio with Ronaldo and Rivaldo, and was selected to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.

Fact 7: Ronaldinho is generally considered as one of the greatest footballers of his generation, thanks to his incredible talent, tricks, dribbling, overhead balls, blind passes, and free kicks.

Fact 8: Ronaldinho’s Nike commercial from 2005 went viral on YouTube, becoming the site’s first video to get one million views.

Fact 9: In 2011, Ronaldinho collaborated with the United Nations to teach the public about AIDS, and in June 2013, he released his own condom line called Sex Free.

Fact 10: Ronaldinho’s football abilities started to blossom when he was eight years old, and he was given the nickname Ronaldinho because he was always the youngest and smallest player in youth club matches.