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RONALDINHO CRACKED THE YOUTUBE CODE FIRST — Quick Facts

Nike's 2005 Ronaldinho crossbar video became YouTube's first to hit 1 million views, creating the viral marketing playbook that brands still follow today.

Key Data Points

Frequently Asked

When did Ronaldinho's crossbar challenge video go viral on YouTube?
The video was uploaded in October 2005, just four months after YouTube launched, and reached 1 million views by November 2005, making it the first video in YouTube history to achieve this milestone.
What Nike boots did Ronaldinho wear in the crossbar challenge?
Ronaldinho wore white and gold Nike Tiempo boots in the three-minute video filmed at Barcelona's training ground.
Was Ronaldinho's crossbar challenge real or fake?
The video sparked massive debate over its authenticity, with viewers divided on whether Ronaldinho actually hit the crossbar four consecutive times without the ball touching the ground, though the video became iconic regardless of verification.
How did Nike use the crossbar challenge for marketing?
Nike recognized YouTube's potential early and used the crossbar challenge to create a viral marketing template by featuring their biggest star performing an impressive feat, allowing the internet to organically spread the content rather than relying on traditional TV advertising.
What impact did Ronaldinho's video have on sports marketing?
The video created a blueprint for sports brands entering digital media and sparked a global movement where players worldwide began attempting their own crossbar challenges, demonstrating the power of viral video marketing before the term was widely understood.

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