The Unforgettable Triumph of Ronaldinho: Reliving Atletico Mineiro's Historic Copa Libertadores Victory in Brazil

37 men have won the Ballon d'Or, with only 11 of them also winning the World Cup. Among those, only eight have claimed victory in the European Cup. However, Ronaldinho Gaucho stands alone as the sole player to have added the Copa Libertadores to his list of accomplishments. Despite achieving this unique quadruple later in his career with Atletico Mineiro, it served as the pinnacle of Ronaldinho's journey, showcasing his ability to defy age and relive past glories.

This is the 10th anniversary of that triumph on July 24th, 2013.

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Ronaldinho celebrates his team's victory over Newell's Old Boys in the semi-final

Ronaldinho, despite being just 33 years old at the time, seemed much older due to the decreasing success in his final years. It had been seven years since his last World Cup appearance, and five years since Pep Guardiola had determined that his presence was incompatible with Barcelona's rebuild.

With his European career behind him, Ronaldinho's stint at Flamengo had been unsuccessful. Within a year of winning the Copa Libertadores, he left for Mexico. His achievements with Atletico now appear as a rare bright spot in the otherwise disappointing later years of his career.

Ronaldinho's last days as a footballer were in Rio with Fluminense, but he was not the player he once was. Many saw it as a commercial success, as his popularity remained, but those who watched his seven appearances were not satisfied.

This is why the latter part of Ronaldinho's career is often seen as a disappointing finish for someone who was known for his constant smile. However, his time at Atletico was an exception. In a team that was built around him, he led them to success, making it their first and only triumph in their 115-year history.

How was it accomplished? How did he manage it? In his characteristic manner, as always.

A captivating revelation from the retiring Atletico Mineiro team masseuse, Belmiro de Oliviera, has garnered global attention. In a televised interview in Italy, De Oliveira shared, "I was the constant support, aiding him through his post-alcohol recovery."

The line was delivered - and widely accepted - with laughter, bringing smiles instead of shock. It is clear that the enduring fascination with the rebellious footballer remains. During his short tenure with Atletico, he managed to succeed against all odds.

Even after just ten years, it is now seemingly impossible. The game has become even more physically demanding, with the speed constantly increasing. However, Atletico coach Cuca managed to build the team around Ronaldinho, fully leveraging his immense talent.

The club reportedly made efforts to secure the signature of Juninho Pernambucano, a highly skilled player known for his expertise in free-kicks. However, when Ronaldinho became available, Cuca, the coach, believed that he could thrive in a more flexible position if they could find the perfect harmony within the team.

True to his belief, Ronaldinho successfully turned the struggling team's luck around, serving as an inspiration for Atletico Mineiro, nicknamed the Roosters, to achieve a remarkable second-place finish in 2012. This achievement not only secured qualification for the Copa Libertadores but also earned Ronaldinho the coveted Bola de Ouro award as Brazil's best player.

Surrounding him was an air of excellence. Bernard, a promising talent, was honored as the breakthrough player of the season in Brazil, while Jo, a former forward for Manchester City, showcased his goal-scoring prowess in the club's Copa Libertadores campaign. Notably, a strong bond formed between Jo and Ronaldinho. In fact, Jo shared that Ronaldinho had such belief in his abilities as a playmaker that he promised to treat him to a crate of beer if he failed to set him up for a scoring chance at least three times in every game. Their partnership proved fruitful both on and off the field.

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Ronaldinho takes off with the ball during the Copa Libertadores final against Olimpia.

The remaining midfielders were present to support Ronaldinho. According to his teammate Leandro Donizete: "I constantly aim to give him a break as he has the ability to sway matches in our favor." It's effortless to support him when Ronaldinho effortlessly turns the situation in our favor.

Content flowed just like the alcohol, with barbecues and beer becoming a regular weekend tradition. However, there was also a determination to succeed, a strong bond with a club that made him feel valued. Fans expressed their support by displaying banners in the stands after his mother was diagnosed with cancer, a gesture that meant a lot to him.

On the field, Ronaldinho showcased his skills. Although his speed had declined, he still possessed an extraordinary flair. His mesmerizing performance in the 4-1 victory against Sao Paulo included impressive flicks, chest passes, nutmegs, and a remarkable no-look assist to Jo, leading his team to the quarter-finals.

In their historic journey to the Copa Libertadores final, he showcased his prowess by contributing four goals and seven assists for Atletico Mineiro. Their first-ever appearance in the final was a monumental feat, particularly after being two goals behind Paraguay's Olimpia in the initial leg. This remarkable achievement unfolded in the enchanting city of Belo Horizonte.

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Leonardo Silva celebrates with Ronaldinho Gaucho after his equaliser in the final

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Leonardo Silva's last-minute equalizer brought the game into extra time and penalty shootouts, where goalkeeper Victor emerged as the hero. Ronaldinho didn't even have to take the final kick in the 4-3 shootout victory. He later revealed that he had intended to execute a Panenka style shot. No surprises there.

"In that very moment, I understood why I returned to Brazil," he declared. Amidst the jubilation, there was a clear message for his critics. "Not too long ago, they claimed that I was finished, but we have proven today that this is not the case. Let them talk now."

The talking never ceased, even after retirement. Ronaldinho's arrest in Paraguay in 2020 for possessing a counterfeit passport further reinforced the perception of him being lost. It's possible that he is like a child who never matured, unready to face life without the constant presence of the ball.

However, in Belo Horizonte, sadness is not the predominant feeling. Ronaldinho recently made a comeback to commemorate the inauguration of Atletico's new stadium. A sequence of matches involving past legends was held as part of the festivities, and nobody's participation generated more excitement.

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Later, he expressed on social media, "This wonderful afternoon brings back memories of my time in Belo Horizonte. Words cannot express the love and respect shown to me and my family. It is truly an honor to be part of Roosters' history."

Ronaldinho Gaucho, the charismatic footballer known for his style and infectious smile, faced an intriguing paradox. Despite his brilliance shining brightly and fading rapidly, he persevered and accomplished a feat unparalleled in the history of football.