Barcelona and Brazil legend Ronaldinho announced his retirement on Tuesday night, bringing to an end one of the most magical careers of the modern era.
The buck-toothed Brazilian with his infectious smile and feet that produced wizardry made him one of the most-loved footballers of his generation.
Here’s how social media reacted to the news.
💙❤️ @10Ronaldinho – a true football legend!https://t.co/ZXGSpu9KlX
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 17, 2018
1⃣7⃣ years after signing for Paris Saint-Germain, the one and only @10Ronaldinho has announced his retirement. Thank you, genius, for your two amazing years wearing the PSG jersey! #ObrigadoRonnie 🤙🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/TnCe4O1TfG
— PSG English (@PSG_English) January 17, 2018
#Ronaldinho, the man who enchanted San Siro and every football fan has officially retired 🇧🇷
Obrigado, Dinho: G.O.A.T. 🐐@10Ronaldinho si ritira, dopo aver illuminato i campi di tutto il mondo con le sue magie! 🤙🏻
Grazie di tutto, Dinho 🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/vc04uBtU3i— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 16, 2018
🎵 You spin my head right round round round 🎵
🎵 Tu mi fai girar, tu mi fai girar… 🎵#ObrigadoDinho 🤙🏿 pic.twitter.com/BHP7j4QIwp— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 17, 2018
Ronaldinho – the man who made so many of us fall in love with football. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/K5KVRpKJGP
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 17, 2018
Lionel Messi led the tributes for his former team-mate, writing: “As I always said, I learned a lot by your side. I will always be grateful for how easy you made everything for me when I got to the locker room. I was lucky to share many things with you and I am very happy because, in addition to a phenomenon with the ball, you are a very great person and that is the most important thing. Even if you decide to leave, football will never forget your smile. All the best, Ronnie.”
A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on
Neymar, who’s taken up the mantle of Brazil’s next great hope, paid tribute to one of his country’s legendary footballers with an Instagram post that read: “What an honour to be part of your history. I’ll always remember your joy on the field. You’ve left a legacy that will hardly be beaten in the art of football. Thank you for everything that you did for football lovers.”
Fellow Brazilians Kaka – who also announced his retirement recently – and Roberto Carlos, both of whom won the 2002 World Cup alongside Ronaldinho, joined in the tributes. Kaka wrote: “It was a pleasure to see you play, a privilege to play at your side and an honor to win titles together! Very successful in the next stage of your life my partner.”
Roberto Carlos’ message read: “Today my tribute goes to this great friend that I have made in football, thank you very much for everything you have done for us and for the world of football, you will be one of those that has made us enjoy this sport. Thank you very much my friend, thank you very much for your magic.”
A post shared by Roberto Carlos (@oficialrc3) on
Ronaldinho’s former Barcelona team-mates, Samuel Eto’o, Carlos Puyol, Deco, and Gianluca Zambrotta were quick to show their appreciation, with Eto’o writing simply: “My brother and friend. Thank you for everything.”
Mon frère et ami. Merci pour TOUT ❤️❤️❤️adrénaline 💉💉💉💉@Ronaldinho
A post shared by Samuel Eto’o (@setoo9) on
A post shared by Carles Puyol (@carles5puyol) on
Deco said: “Football is sadder today … Lucky and grateful to have had the pleasure of playing with one of the greatest players of all time !!! Friend for life for all … Welcome to Retirement!
A post shared by Gianluca Zambrotta (@gianlucazambrotta_official) on
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who was on the receiving end of some of Ronaldinho’s more memorable moments, also paid homage, saying: “I was forced to suffer at your hands but as a football lover, I also enjoyed watching you!”
Me tocó sufrirte, pero como amante del fútbol también te disfrute. Que vaya genial! @10Ronaldinhohttps://t.co/RWDGsVEMrG
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) January 17, 2018
Tributes from the rest of the footballing world poured in.
One of the best ⚽ Grazie Ronny è stato un piacere giocare con te! pic.twitter.com/wDxF34rHNr
— Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) January 17, 2018
Gracias por cada sonrisa en cada partido, gracias @10Ronaldinho !
Thank you for each smile, in each match!
Grazie per ogni sorriso, in ogni partita!🤙🏻🤙🏽🤙🏿⚽️#ronaldinho #dinho #farawell #football #futbol #soccer #calcio pic.twitter.com/PEa5CE8McW— Paulo Dybala (@PauDybala_JR) January 17, 2018
Phillip Cocu on Ronaldinho: “His feet are so fast he can touch the ball four times in half a second.” 👌#UCLpic.twitter.com/sXmrSpofGd
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 17, 2018
A post shared by Luis Garcia (@luchogarcia14) on
Merci pour tout 🤙🏾🇧🇷❤️😁
Thanks for everything #Legend#idolo#Ronaldinhopic.twitter.com/zDaE5LL6oe— Alexandre Lacazette (@LacazetteAlex) January 17, 2018
Growing up Ronaldinho was my idol, I remember watching his clips all the time n trying to recreate his skills on the pitch I’m a true fan of his. #R10 living legend 🤙🏼 pic.twitter.com/DFdHThkEVN
— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) January 17, 2018