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Philippe Senderos has shared with GOAL what it was like to play and train alongside Ronaldinho, describing the Brazilian legend as an “artist” whose natural talent could rival the very best, including Lionel Messi. Ronaldinho’s extraordinary skills were displayed across Europe and South America, with one memorable chapter of his career seeing him join forces with David Beckham and other global icons at AC Milan.

The Ballon d’Or winner, who also claimed the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice, arrived at San Siro in 2008 after a glorious five-year spell with Barcelona. His move came shortly after witnessing Lionel Messi’s rise to prominence in the first team at Camp Nou.

In Italy, Ronaldinho rediscovered his creative spark, adding a Serie A title to an already glittering collection that included La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA World Cup. Later, back in Brazil with Atletico Mineiro, he tasted Copa Libertadores success, further cementing his legacy.

Ronaldinho’s extraordinary journey—both on and off the pitch—is now being celebrated in a Netflix documentary series, which chronicles his path to footballing greatness and his ever-present smile that defined his approach to the game.

When asked whether Ronaldinho was more naturally gifted than Messi, former Arsenal defender Senderos, who had the privilege of sharing a dressing room with the Brazilian, reflected on that unforgettable experience. Speaking in collaboration with Spreadex Sports, he told GOAL: “It’s difficult to compare him with Messi or anyone else. He was certainly one of the most, if not the most, naturally talented footballers I’ve ever seen, whether as a teammate or as an opponent.”

Senderos continued, “What he used to do in training every day was absolutely unbelievable. It was pure joy to watch. There were many special players in that team. Andrea Pirlo, for example, was remarkable—he could place the ball wherever he wanted. But Ronaldinho was truly an artist. What a joy and privilege it was to watch him play.”

During his time at AC Milan, Senderos also shared the pitch with an array of footballing greats including Pirlo, Beckham, Paolo Maldini, Kaka, Alessandro Nesta, Andriy Shevchenko, and Filippo Inzaghi. Reflecting on those training sessions, he said, “Yes, it was incredible.”

He added, “Carlo Ancelotti was a fantastic manager—he knew how to get the best out of such big personalities and make them play as one cohesive unit. That unity is what made that team truly special.”

Senderos recalled his first day at Milan vividly: “I remember arriving and a couple of players were leaving—Cristian Brocchi was heading to Lazio and Massimo Oddo was moving to Bayern Munich. People were actually crying that day because they were losing members of their family. It struck me deeply; these players weren’t just colleagues—they were part of something much bigger, a close-knit family. When I joined, everyone welcomed me warmly, and I immediately felt that bond.”

Ronaldinho, who first made his mark in Europe with Paris Saint-Germain, spent three years at Milan before returning to South America. He officially retired in 2015 but continues to grace the pitch in legends matches across the globe.

Regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Ronaldinho’s name sits comfortably alongside Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He remains a symbol of joy and creativity in the sport—a true entertainer whose flair and genius continue to inspire generations of fans and players alike.