by Jethro Soutar

Ronaldinho's is a classic rags-to-riches tale of an outrageously talented boy from the Brazilian back streets who, despite his humble origins, conquers the soccer world. Ronaldinho's early years were hard, coping 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. His decision in 2001 to leave familiar ground and transfer to Paris St. Germain proved controversial and unpopular locally, with those same Gremio fans who had hero-worshipped him now turning against him. Ronaldinho's time in France yielded little success on the pitch and turned a spotlight on his personal life, provoking accusations of a rather too rampant nightlife. 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 helped guide 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 modesty. It is not surprising that this unique combination of skill, charm, and generosity has conquered the hearts of soccer fans the world over—who will welcome the publication of this definitive biography and the full story of Ronaldinho's World Cup appearances.