Happy Birthday Ronaldinho!

While his dazzling career is often linked with Barcelona and Brazil, Ronaldinho's European adventure began in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain. Though his time in France lasted only two seasons (2001-2003), it was a period filled with breathtaking skill, off-field disputes, and a glimpse into the genius that would later dominate world football.

In the summer of 2001, PSG pulled off a major coup by signing the 21-year-old Ronaldinho from Grêmio for €5 million. The Brazilian had already won the Copa América (1999) and shone at the 2000 Olympics, attracting interest from several European clubs. However, Paris provided the platform for his first steps in Europe. PSG, who were managed by Luis Fernández at the time, saw Ronaldinho as the next key step in the club's development. The arrival of the 21-year-old undoubtedly created an instant buzz. 

Moments of Magic from Ronaldinho

Despite PSG's struggles domestically, Ronaldinho had lit up the Parc des Princes with some magical individual moments. In 76 games he would score 25 goals, but they would be as memorable as they get.

Mauricio Pochettinho was the captain of the club, whilst Gabriel Heinze and Nicolas Anelka were making their debuts in the side, but it was Jay-Jay Okocha who guided a young Ronaldinho during his time in the French capital.  “He was like my kid brother,” the Nigerian said about Ronaldinho. “I realised he was just so talented and he just needed someone to guide him.”

He scored his first goal for the club with a penalty against Lyon, before a brace scored against Rapid Vienna in Europe. After starting slowly, his form picked up in 2002 with six goals in six games which all came in January. The Brazilian then went on to single-handedly beat Marseille in the Classique of 2002, scoring a first half brace in a 3-0 home win over their Provence rivals. The fun he brought to the pitch, with his quick feet and dribbling ability was simply too much for defenders at the time.

He would go on and win the FIFA World Cup in 2002 with Brazil in the summer, and then play one more season in Ligue 1 before making his big move to FC Barcelona. The rest, as they say, as history…

Feliz aniversário, Ronaldinho! 

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