Netflix Documentary to Revisit Ronaldinho's PSG Exit Ahead of Barcelona Move
A new Netflix documentary series will revisit the acrimonious departure of Ronaldinho from Paris Saint-Germain, a move that paved the way for his legendary spell at FC Barcelona. The series, titled 'RONALDINHO: THE ONE AND ONLY,' is set to premiere on the streaming platform and will cover the Brazilian's storied career, including his turbulent final season in Paris. According to reports, the documentary will feature the 2002-03 season under then-manager Luis Fernandez, a period marked by a significant and public breakdown in their relationship.
Sources close to the production indicate the series will not shy away from the conflict, which was a major factor in the club's decision to sell the player. Ronaldinho himself has made his feelings clear in the past, once stating of his former coach, "L'Autre, je n’ai rien à dire" ("The other, I have nothing to say"). The documentary is expected to detail the late-night lifestyle that reportedly caused friction, with Fernandez having previously claimed the player would return from nights out as late as 6 or 7 a.m. before match days.
The fallout from this relationship was a key driver behind the 2003 transfer, which saw Ronaldinho move to Barcelona for a fee of approximately €32.5 million. The move to Catalonia proved to be a career-defining one, as Ronaldinho went on to win the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and led Barcelona to a UEFA Champions League title, cementing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. The move is now considered one of the most significant and successful transfers in the modern era, transforming Barcelona's fortunes and ushering in a new period of dominance.
For Paris Saint-Germain, the sale of their star player in 2003 was a significant moment, capping a two-season spell in France that was as brilliant as it was brief and controversial. The documentary will reportedly offer a new perspective on the internal tensions, painting a fuller picture of the events that forced a world-class talent out of the club and set him on the path to becoming a global icon at the Camp Nou. The series, set for release, promises to shed new light on a pivotal, yet fractious, chapter in the career of the Brazilian magician.
