Club career
Ronaldinho joined Paris Saint-Germain on 15 February 2001, signing a five-year contract and wearing the number 21 shirt. He made his debut on 4 August in a 1–1 draw against Auxerre. He fluctuated between starting and coming off the bench throughout the season, scoring his first goal on 13 October against Lyon from the penalty spot. After the winter break, Ronaldinho went on a goal-scoring spree, scoring in successive matches against Monaco, Rennes, Lens and Lorient. He scored his first brace of the season on 16 March 2002 in a 3–1 win against Troyes, and his final goal in a 2–0 win against Metz on 27 April.
Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho moved to number 10 and became a key player. Despite receiving mixed reviews from fans, he was named PSG's best player of the season. He scored two goals in a 3–1 win over Marseille on 26 October 2002, and repeated his performance in the return leg, which Paris Saint-Germain won 3–0. He also played a major role in the semi-final of the French Cup, scoring two goals in a 2–0 win over Bordeaux, despite Paris Saint-Germain losing the final 2–1 to Auxerre. Despite his efforts, Paris Saint-Germain finished 11th, and Ronaldinho expressed his willingness to leave due to a lack of European opportunities.