In the first of a new series on NYCFC.com, we look at some of the legends of the game who inspired our boys in blue.
We kick off with Jack Harrison’s favorite player – a World Cup winner and a Ballon d’Or recipient who goes by the name of Ronaldo de Assis Moreira…
You might know him better as Ronaldinho…
Jack on Ronaldinho
“I had a bunch of favorite players when I was growing up – I loved watching Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Ronaldinho.
“If I had to choose just one, it’s tough but I’d go for Ronaldinho.
“No matter who you support, he was a pleasure to watch – he brought something really special to the game. The way he got supporters of their feet and entertained with his playing style is something I aspire to.”
Ronaldinho: Carnival King
Arguably the most naturally talented player of his generation, Ronaldinho has won every major prize the game has to offer.
FC Barcelona unquestionably saw the best of him in their all-conquering side of the mid-noughties, winning La Liga twice, as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2006, feats which earned him the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2005 and 2006.
As Jack hints, Ronaldinho was a player truly in the Brazilian spirit of carnival, delighting supporters the world over with his flicks, tricks and bicycle kicks - someone who played the beautiful game in a beautiful way.
Although his reign as the world’s greatest player was brief, few stars have shone brighter than Ronaldinho’s when he was at the peak of his powers at the Camp Nou.
Status Update
Ronaldinho has not yet officially retired and reports last week suggested he had offered to play for Chapecoense following the air tragedy. The 36-year old was last seen playing for Fluminense in 2015.
Showreel
Clubs
Gremio 1998-2001
PSG 2001-2003
Barcelona 2003-2008
Milan 2008-2011
Flamengo 2011-2012
Atletico Mineiro 2012-2014
Quaretaro 2014-2015
Fluminense 2015
Honors
Atlético Mineiro
Campeonato Mineiro: 2013
Copa Libertadores: 2013
Recopa Sudamericana: 2014
Flamengo
Campeonato Carioca: 2011
AC Milan
Serie A: 2010–11
FC Barcelona
La Liga (2): 2004–05, 2005–06
UEFA Champions League: 2005–06
Supercopa de España (2): 2005, 2006
PSG
UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2001
Gremio
South Cup: 1999
Campeonato Gaúcho: 1999
Brazil
Copa América: 1999
FIFA World Cup: 2002
FIFA Confederations Cup: 2005
