Netflix Set to Premiere ‘Ronaldinho: The One and Only’ as Part of Brazilian Soccer Trilogy

The world of football is preparing for a deep dive into the life of one of its most charismatic figures. Netflix is gearing up to launch Ronaldinho: The One and Only, a limited documentary series that traces the trajectory of the Brazilian icon from his beginnings as a young prodigy to his status as a global sports icon.

Scheduled to bow on April 16, the series arrives as the first installment of a curated trio of Brazilian soccer documentaries designed to premiere in the months leading up to this year’s World Cup. For fans who remember the sheer joy Ronaldinho brought to the pitch, this production promises a blend of never-before-seen archive footage and exclusive access to the legend’s present-day life.

From Porto Alegre to Global Dominance

The documentary, produced by Canal Azul and Trailer Films, frames the story as a journey of a boy from Porto Alegre who conquered the world. It explores the rise of a player whose technical brilliance and infectious smile redefined the role of the playmaker in the modern era.

Central to the narrative is Ronaldinho’s tenure at the mega-club FC Barcelona, where he reached the pinnacle of the sport. The series highlights his crowning achievement: winning the coveted Ballon d’Or, cementing his place among the most decorated players in the history of the game.

To give readers a bit of perspective on his impact, it isn’t just the trophies that define his legacy, but the influence he had on his peers. For instance, current managers who played alongside him, such as Mikel Arteta, have previously reflected on the surreal experience of rooming with Ronaldinho during their time at PSG, questioning how such a talent was even possible.

A Broader Celebration of Brazilian Football

While Ronaldinho: The One and Only takes center stage in April, it is part of a larger strategic rollout by Netflix to celebrate the “Samba” style of play. The streaming giant is pairing the Ronaldinho series with two other distinct projects that explore different eras of Brazil’s footballing dominance.

Following the April premiere, Netflix will release USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory on May 7. This documentary focuses on the 1994 World Cup victory, detailing how Brazil secured its fourth title and returned to the elite level of soccer after a period of struggle. The production features interviews with players from that triumphant side and their rivals, supplemented by behind-the-scenes footage recorded by the athletes themselves during the tournament.

The trilogy concludes on June 8 with the release of The Root of the Game, a previously unannounced project that rounds out the celebration of Brazilian soccer culture just as the World Cup fever reaches its peak.

Production and Format

The Ronaldinho series is structured as a three-part documentary. By combining historical archives with contemporary interviews, the filmmakers aim to provide a comprehensive look at both the professional milestones and the personal evolution of the star.

The series is rated TV-14 and is categorized under biographical documentaries and sports, ensuring it reaches a broad global audience. For those looking to catch the action, the series will be available on Netflix, which offers various tiers including a standard plan with ads starting at $8.99 per month.

As the April 16 premiere approaches, the anticipation builds for a look at the man who made the world fall in love with soccer all over again. Whether it is the archival clips of his mesmerizing dribbling or the insights into his life after the professional game, the series aims to capture the essence of a player who played the game with a smile.

The next confirmed checkpoint for fans is the official release of Ronaldinho: The One and Only on April 16. We desire to hear from you—what is your favorite Ronaldinho memory? Let us know in the comments or share this story with a fellow football fan.