CELEBRITY BIRTHDAY; Ronaldinho SOCCER PLAYER

ABOUTAttacking midfielder who became a star for the Brazilian national team after debuting in 1999; played for FC Barcelona from 2003 to 2008 and was named the 2004-05 FIFA World Player of the Year.

BEFORE FAMEHe was nicknamed El Gaucho at the age of 8 because he was smaller than most of his peers. When he was 13, he scored 23 goals in a 23–0 match.

TRIVIA FACTIn 2005, he received international honors during the FIFA Confederations Cup and was also awarded with the Ballon d'Or.

FAMILY LIFEHe became a father on February 25, 2005 when Brazilian dancer Janaina Mendes gave birth to their son. He named the child Joao after his late father.

ASSOCIATED WITHSoccer legend Pele included him on the FIFA 100 list, a compilation of the world's greatest players.