Football history is filled with legends, but only one man has achieved the impossible quartet – Ballon d’Or, World Cup, Champions League, and Copa Libertadores. A decade after his crowning glory with Atletico Mineiro, Ronaldinho’s 2013 triumph remains a masterclass in defying time. Baji live revisits the magic of a career that refused to fade quietly.
The Unmatched Legacy of Ronaldinho
While 37 players have won the Ballon d’Or and 11 have lifted the World Cup, Ronaldinho stands alone as the only footballer to add South America’s premier club trophy, the Copa Libertadores, to his collection. Unlike his early-career dominance at Barcelona, this victory came at 33 with Atletico Mineiro—a testament to enduring genius.
By 2013, many had written him off. His European career ended abruptly under Pep Guardiola, and a stint at Flamengo fizzled out. Yet, in Belo Horizonte, he orchestrated a fairy tale. As former teammate Leandro Donizete noted, “We let him rest because he could decide matches in an instant.”
The Atletico Mineiro Revival
Coach Cuca’s gamble to build around Ronaldinho’s fading pace paid off spectacularly. Deployed in a free role, the maestro revived his signature flair—no-look passes, audacious flicks, and telepathic link-ups with striker Jo, who later joked about their “beer-for-assists” pact.
Key to their 2012-13 campaign:
- Bernard (then a rising star) provided explosive wing play.
- Jo topped the Libertadores scoring charts, fueled by Ronaldinho’s creativity.
- Victor, the goalkeeper, became a penalty-shootout hero in the final.
Ronaldinho’s artistry against Olimpia in the 2013 final
The Final: A Night of Redemption
Down 2-0 after the first leg against Olimpia, Atletico’s comeback was pure theater. Leonardo Silva’s 87th-minute equalizer forced extra time, and Victor’s saves sealed the shootout. Ronaldinho, ever the showman, claimed he’d planned a Panenka for the winning kick.
“Let them talk now,” he roared post-match, silencing critics who’d declared him finished.
The Bittersweet Aftermath
Post-retirement, Ronaldinho’s life took turbulent turns—from a 2020 passport scandal in Paraguay to fleeting club appearances. Yet, as Baji live reflects, his 2013 peak overshadows the decline.
When Atletico Mineiro inaugurated their new stadium recently, fans reserved their loudest cheers for him. “Still moved by your love,” he posted—a reminder that while his career flickered out, the magic never dimmed.
Why Ronaldinho’s Story Still Resonates
In an era of athletic robots, his joy and improvisation feel like relics. Yet his Libertadores win proves genius can’t be quantified by metrics. As Baji live honors this anniversary, we ask: Will football ever see another like him?
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