This is the end of an era. Ronaldinho, the last remaining active player not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to have won the Ballon d'Or, one of the most joyous and fun footballers of all time, has officially hung up his cleats.
Dinho hasn't actually played competitive football since 2015, but his retirement rules out any chance of a return. Unless, of course, he returns.
Legendary Ronaldinho is officially hanging up his boots. pic.twitter.com/hnU85Kpa5E
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 16, 2018
During his career, Ronaldinho won everything there was to win and had a great time doing it. He played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including PSG, Barcelona and AC Milan. He was a key member of the Brazil squad that won the 2002 World Cup, one of the most lethal collections of attacking talent ever assembled. He did it all with a giant smile on his face and a very carefree attitude. No one enjoyed playing soccer more, or spent more time gleefully humiliating defenders just because he felt like it, than Ronaldinho.
Of course, Ronaldinho could come back any time he wants. His brother's announcement doesn't mean he won't change his mind, and given his history Dinho will probably try to give it at least one more go. Heck, Landon Donovan has come out of retirement twice now.
For now, though, it's over. That makes us sad.
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