RONALDINHO NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY DROPS APRIL 16 WITH MESSI INTERVIEWS

## The Boy From Porto Alegre Gets The Full Treatment Netflix confirmed the April 16 premiere of Ronaldinho: The One and Only, a three-part documentary featuring exclusive access, never-before-seen material, and testimonials from iconic figures including Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Roberto Carlos, Gilberto Silva, Felipão, Carles Puyol, and Galvão Bueno. The series chronicles the only player ever to win a World Cup, Copa América, Confederations Cup, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and Ballon d'Or. Canal Azul and Trailer Films bill the documentary as the story of how a boy from Porto Alegre conquered the world and became one of the most decorated players in history. With exclusive access to his present-day private life and never-before-seen archival material, viewers get to know the star behind the player. ## The Barcelona Peak That Changed Everything Ronaldinho signed for Barcelona in 2003, won his first FIFA World Player of the Year award as Barcelona claimed the 2004-05 La Liga title, then received the 2005 Ballon d'Or and his second World Player of the Year award. The Brazilian maestro edged out Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard to claim the Ballon d'Or in 2005, winning with 225 points compared to Lampard's 148. After scoring two solo goals in the first 2005-06 El Clásico, he became the second Barcelona player after Diego Maradona in 1983 to receive a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu. His Barcelona legacy: 94 goals in 207 appearances. Due to these successes, Ronaldinho is widely credited with rejuvenating Barcelona in the early 2000s. In 2004-05, he guided them to their first La Liga title in six years, along with the Supercopa de España, all while dazzling crowds with his fancy footwork, outrageous creativity, and game-breaking flair. ## Netflix's Brazil Strategy Before The World Cup The Ronaldinho documentary kicks off Netflix's trilogy: USA 94: Brazil's Return to Glory arrives May 7 revisiting Brazil's 1994 World Cup triumph, while The Root Of The Game premieres June 8 revealing the world of amateur várzea soccer in São Paulo. "This sport creates a unique connection with audiences," said Elisa Chalfon, Head of Nonfiction at Netflix Brazil. "These are stories born on the streets, in neighborhoods, within families, spanning generations and reinforcing a sense of pride." Ronaldinho: The One and Only is co-produced by Canal Azul and Trailer Films, directed and written by Luis Ara, who serves as executive producer alongside Ricardo Aidar and Liz Reis. The timing is no accident. With the 2026 World Cup a mere 90 days away, Netflix has unveiled the trilogy to capture peak soccer interest. ## The Only Player To Do It All At international level, Ronaldinho played 97 matches for Brazil, scoring 33 goals and representing his country in two FIFA World Cups, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team where he starred alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo, scoring two goals including a free-kick from 40 yards against England. A global icon renowned for his dribbling abilities, free-kick accuracy, tricks, feints, no-look passes, and overhead kicks, Ronaldinho was also known as "O Bruxo" (The Wizard) and was one of the most valuable sportsmen in the world during his career. The April 16 premiere positions Netflix to own the soccer documentary space as World Cup fever builds. The release follows the success of documentaries about David Beckham and Pelé. For Ronaldinho, it represents the definitive chronicle of a player who proved magic and mastery could coexist on the same pitch.