Born into a family that had soccer running through its veins, Ronaldinho Gaucho demonstrated special gifts from a very early age. After emerging from his native Porto Alegre, Brazil, he delighted fans around the world with his magical moves on the pitch. Playing for some of the top clubs on the planet--including A.C. Milan, F.C. Barcelona, and Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro--Ronaldinho assured his place in the annals of modern soccer. He has won championships, twice been named best player in the world, and, in 2009, garnered the coveted Golden Foot.

Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho has had an amazing and colorful career. Playing for FC Barcelona and AC Milan, as well as the Brazilian national team, Ronaldinho has been on some of the greatest teams in soccer history. This biography will show that even as he nears the end of his career, his continued production on the field has led fans to consider Ronaldinho to be one of the all-time greats.

Provides a brief profile of the life and achievements of Ronaldinho discussing his childhood the death of his father 2002 World Cup appearance career highlights and family. Includes a chronology a glossary and a list of resources.

Ronaldinho’s is the classic rags-to-riches tale of the outrageously talented boy from the Brazilian back streets who, despite his humble origins, conquers the footballing world. As Jethro Soutar shows, Ronaldinho's early years were hard, and he had to cope with a family tragedy at a tender age before making his name as the star of local team Gremio, whose youth club he joined when he was just six. Understandably, his decision in 2001 to transfer to Paris St. Germain proved controversial and unpopular locally, with those same Gremio fans who had hero-worshipped him now turning against him. As it transpired, Ronaldinho's time in France yielded little success on the pitch and provoked the first accusations of a rather too rampant nightlife off it, accusations that continue to haunt him. Last year he recognised the legitimacy of a son born to a former showgirl in Rio. Yet, Ronaldinho has always thrived in the yellow shirt of the national team, playing a key role in Brazil´s 2002 World Cup victory. When he switched to Barcelona in 2003 the club was in crisis; but his dazzling and inspiring play quickly transformed their fortunes, and last season he guided the Catalans to the league title with the Champions League the next target. Ronaldinho’s style of play is spectacular, combining dazzling dribbles with audacious strikes at goal, but as this inspiring and meticulously researched book shows, he always plays with a smile and handles himself with a modesty alien to the arrogance of the modern footballer. It is not surprising that this unique combination of skill, charm and generosity has conquered the hearts of football fans the world over – who will welcome the publication of this definitive biography which will include the full story of Ronaldinho's world cup appearances.

Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho has had an amazing and colorful career. Playing for FC Barcelona and AC Milan, as well as the Brazilian national team, Ronaldinho has been on some of the greatest teams in soccer history. This biography will show that even as he nears the end of his career, his continued production on the field has led fans to consider Ronaldinho to be one of the all-time greats.

For students, business people, government officials, artists, and tourists—in short, anyone traveling to or wishing to know more about contemporary Brazil—this is an essential resource. The two-volume Brazil Today: An Encyclopedia of Life in the Republic is an introductory work intended for those in search of basic information about Brazilian institutions, businesses, social issues, and culture. At the same time, it is a work that reflects the nation's geographic, demographic, economic, and cultural diversity. The wide-reaching encyclopedia offers an entry for each Brazilian state with information about the land, climate, economy, and culture. It also offers extensive coverage of the country's political parties and leaders, its governmental and non-governmental organizations, and the environmental issues and social problems that shape Brazilian politics today. In addition, the work pays considerable attention to the economy and business through entries on industry, agriculture, commerce, banking, and economic policies. Finally, there are entries that illuminate various aspects of Brazil's culture, including the nation's social movements, religion, education, music, cuisine, and literature, as well as personalities from sports and entertainment.