REVIEW: ‘Ronaldinho: The One and Only’ Is An In-Depth And Fair Exploration

Ronaldinho: The One and Only is a Portuguese-language sports documentary written and directed by Luis Ara. The three-episode series focuses on Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, famed worldwide as one of the most skillful and dazzling footballers ever to play.

The show is mostly linear, beginning from Ronaldinho’s upbringing and ending with the conclusion of his playing career and very public legal troubles and arrests. Within these three chapters, almost everything is invoiced. Episode one of Ronaldinho: The One and Only shows how he was brought into the world of football and the importance of his family. Most importantly, his brother Roberto, who serves as both a father figure and, later, Ronaldinho’s agent.

These early scenes are important for showcasing the documentary’s subject’s personality and for explaining why he’s so beloved. There are glimpses of his phenomenal talent, and it’s great to see Ronaldinho’s very early videos as a child. It highlights that the skills and abilities are truly natural. The pacing is mostly smooth, alternating between Ronaldinho’s sporting career, family life, and his rather extensive partying. But there are also some moments where the camera follows Ronaldinho, not really doing anything, and it feels like filler.

The attempt at honesty is very impressive in Ronaldinho: The One and Only.

The second episode of Ronaldinho: The One and Only emphasizes Ronaldinho’s performance in the World Cup and superstardom at Barcelona. The first half of the episode has a clear focus, detailing the man’s stratospheric rise. He truly reaches the peak. In the background, there are comments about his party lifestyle and some of the discontent towards him. But the euphoria and unfathomable achievements on the pitch are driving the enthusiasm.

It’s not until he reaches the peak and is over the other side that things get darker and sadder. There’s a noticeable change in Ronaldinho’s career after he wins the Ballon d’Or, an award given to suggest the best player in the world. Ronaldinho: The One and Only reflects that. It gets darker quickly, glossing over the details of the 2006 World Cup and only using it to generate a talking point. It’s here that the Brazilian public opinion of Ronaldinho begins to change, thanks to his performance for the national team.

It’s surprising how, for the next episode and a half, the mood darkens so much, and it talks about his downfall. Every club he transfers to seems to go sour, even his nation. The last episode is a mixture of triumphant return, age, and a fusion of positivity and negativity. There are many scandals, arrests, and rumors that need clearing up. Sometimes the answers to prying questions can feel avoidant, but the attempt at honesty is very impressive.

Interviews inside Ronaldinho: The One and Only are centered on the brilliant Brazilian and his family.

The interviews inside Ronaldinho: The One and Only are very much centered on the brilliant Brazilian and his family. Many facets of his personality emerge during the conversations. One is just how tight the family is. Ronaldinho, his brother, and his sister are all included in the interviews. They’re extremely close and loving; it is so clear from how they talk about each other. Roberto is clearly the one who negotiated Ronaldinho’s contracts and transfers, but he was also a player himself.

At first, Ronaldinho shrugs off the harder questions. He laughs them off, making jokes and appearing uncomfortable with such an intimate conversation. But later, he gets more emotional. When he talks about lies they have been told about him, particularly in the late stages of his Barcelona days, he looks genuinely angry and upset. The jovial, enthusiastic footballer suddenly looks vulnerable. There are even times when he comes across as subdued or shy.

The other individuals included in Ronaldinho: The One and Only represent an incredibly star-studded set of connections. Many of Ronaldinho’s former teammates and friends appear, including the Brazilian Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and more.

Ronaldinho: The One and Only offers interviews from people who usually shy away from the camera.

These figures rarely appear in media interviews, so it’s fascinating to see them share their opinions about their time with the magician. The players are all incredibly complimentary and fond of the man, even those who were his rivals on the pitch. He lifts their mood with his superb ability and his smile.

Other interview subjects include journalists, former managers, and the presidents of the clubs he played for. Whilst they also talk glowingly about Ronaldinho, they can be more critical, too. There is actually a scene where the former president of Ronaldinho’s childhood club, Gremio, is in conflict with Roberto. They’re shown side by side to create tension. It’s a really interesting approach because it undermines the authenticity of Roberto‘s account and shapes how he’s viewed.

The tone in Ronaldinho: The One and Only creates a flurry of various emotions, from criticism to awe.

The production tried to bring both the legendary football and the Brazilian party atmosphere back with Ronaldinho: The One and Only. It’s delightful fun, injecting energy into the limited series at times. The smaller aspect ratio in these clips is terrific for capturing the period, but it also sharpens the focus. When talking about partying, the clips look like late-90s rave music videos. The Brazilian shirts, in their iconic yellow-and-green livery, truly pop on screen.

Ronaldinho: The One and Only is an in-depth and fair exploration of the football magician’s complicated career. The difference in tone creates a flurry of various emotions, from criticism to awe. The aura of the man is undeniable, as it’s his unmatched capabilities with a ball.

He’s charismatic and charming. But there’s also been a lot of pain, problems, and fallouts. Offering views from both sides helps to craft a rounded story, not letting Ronaldinho and Roberto bask in their glory too much. It’s more than just a clip show; it’s got grit and substance, too.

Ronaldinho: The One and Only is streaming now on Netflix.