Brazilian icon Ronaldinho is a player who made many football fans fall in love with the beautiful game. It is unsurprising, therefore, that he has a catalogue of incredible skills and goals in his career highlight reel. So, here are our top 5 greatest goals from the legendary career of Ronaldinho.
In his prime, “Dinho” was arguably unplayable. He had an untouchable array of skills with which to beat defenders, pace, a great shot, and an amazing passing range. With this, he helped restore Barcelona to the pinnacle of European football.
Thanks to successful spells at numerous clubs, Ronaldinho is a beloved figure around the world. And boy, could he score a banger.
#5: vs Chelsea, 2004/05 Champions League R.O.16
First up on our compilation of the greatest goals from Ronaldinho is a moment of brilliance from 2005. During Barcelona’s knockout tie against Chelsea, the Brazilian maestro stunned the Stamford Bridge crowd.
After a weak header found Andres Iniesta, the midfielder fed the ball to ‘Dinho. Barca’s No.10 stood on the edge of Chelsea’s box as numerous defenders faced him. But, with a shoulder shimmy and twist of his leg, Ronaldinho unbalanced Ricardo Carvalho.
This small opening gave the Barcelona star just enough space to unleash a spectacular shot. His effort, coming from a dead ball, flew past a frozen Petr Cech in the Chelsea net.
Despite this incredible strike, the Blaugrana ended up losing the game 4-2 and going out on aggregate. Ronaldinho and Barca did get revenge on Chelsea the following year, though, eliminating the Blues in the round of 16 on their way to the 2006 UCL title.
#4: vs Guingamp, 2002/03 Ligue 1
At number four comes one of the greatest goals that Ligue 1 has ever seen – courtesy of Ronaldinho.
This strike from 2003 was actually an award-winner, whilst showcasing the very best of Ronaldinho’s skill. Picking the ball up near halfway, the PSG attacker played a swift one-two with a teammate before producing an outrageous trick.
Ronaldinho flicked the ball and leaped over a sliding defender in one swift action, giving himself a free run at the box. He then produced a devastating stepover to beat another Guingamp defender, leaving the keeper to beat.
The Brazilian finally lifted the ball over the onrushing goalie to complete a fantastic goal. A demonstration of his balance, dribbling, and composure, this effort won the Ligue 1 goal of the season for 2002/03.
#3: vs Real Madrid, 2005/06 La Liga
A select few visitors receive a standing ovation at the Bernabeu, but Ronaldinho got one after a mesmeric El Clasico performance in the 2005/06 season. One such moment which earned him applause from rival fans was this iconic solo goal.
Gathering the ball in his own half, Dinho danced past Sergio Ramos with a deft chop around the helpless defender. From here, he accelerated at the Madrid penalty area, at which point he cut inside. To do this, Ronaldinho dropped his shoulder, freezing Ivan Helguera to the spot.
He then shaped to curl the ball into the far corner. But instead, the Barca star whipped his shot to the near post. This flat-footed Iker Casillas in the Real net, who could only stand in frustration as Ronaldinho scored one of the greatest El Clasico goals.
The Brazilian tormented Los Blancos throughout this match, adding a second goal as Barca ran out 3-0 winners. This undoubtedly proved a pivotal moment in their run to the 2005/06 La Liga title.
Additionally, the Blaugrana went on to win the Champions League for the first time in 14 years later in that same season.
On a personal level, Ronaldinho took home the Ballon D’Or in 2005 for his stellar performances. Goals such as this El Clasico strike prove just how untouchable he was in his prime.
#2: vs Sevilla, 2003/04 La Liga
Next up on our list of greatest goals from Ronaldinho is what must be the best-ever first goal. In 2003, the Brazilian icon opened up his Barcelona scoring account with an absolute screamer.
Cutting inside past one defender, Ronaldinho built up a head of steam in the Sevilla half. He then calmly dribbled around a second opponent, after which he unleashed a rocket shot.
The maestro took aim from at least 30 yards out, if not more, and struck the ball perfectly. His effort flew past the keeper, smacking the bar before bouncing off the ground into the net. This sent Camp Nou absolutely wild, totally enamoured with their new hero.
A humorous element to this goal, though, is manager Frank Rijkaard’s reaction. As Ronaldinho celebrates, a TV camera captured Rijkaard walking back to his seat with his hands on his head in disbelief.
To be fair, there are not many other ways to react when you witness such an incredible goal live. What a hit, honestly, what a hit!
#1: vs Villarreal, 2006/07 La Liga
Last but not least, a seemingly impossible feat of body control and technique takes our number one spot.
And added bonus for this goal is the fact that the assist is from another all-time great – Xavi. The Spaniard’s chipped cross set up Ronaldinho for an unbelievable, bicycle kick goal.
Controlling Xavi’s pass on his chest, the ball actually goes over Ronaldinho’s shoulder and away from goal. As a result, Barca’s No.10 contorted his body in the air in order to get underneath the ball. Then, in one swift movement, Dinho unleashed a textbook overhead kick.
His effort sailed beautifully toward the goal and lobbed over the helpless Mariano Barbosa in net. The goal caused an absolutely awestruck Camp Nou to erupt in celebration, and rightfully so.
In terms of the match itself, this all-time strike was Ronaldinho’s second of the game. During Barca’s 4-0 win over Villarreal, the Brazilian also scored a penalty. Meanwhile, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Andres Iniesta provided the other two goals.
Everything about the strike – Barca’s fourth – is brilliant. The pass, the control, the technique, the finish… It is simply sublime. And, therefore, it is a deserved number one in our greatest-ever Ronaldinho goals list.
Featured image credit: Getty
