Ronald Araújo is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as a centre-back for FC Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. He was born on August 22, 1997, in São Paulo, Brazil. Araújo began his career with Santos FC before moving to Europe to play for Atletico Madrid.
Araújo made his debut for Atletico Madrid in 2016 and quickly established himself as a key player for the club. In his first season with the team, he played in all but one of their league games, helping them win the La Liga title and reach the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. The following season, he continued to perform well, playing in every game and contributing to the team's success, which included winning the Europa League.
In January 2018, Araújo joined FC Barcelona for a transfer fee that was then the second-highest ever paid by a South American player. He has since become a regular starter for the Catalan giants, making over 50 appearances in his first two seasons with the club.
Araújo is known for his defensive prowess and aerial ability. He is often praised for his work rate,Bundesliga Tracking tackling skills, and leadership qualities. He has been instrumental in helping Barcelona defend against some of the best strikers in world football, such as Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr.
His tackle numbers at Barcelona have also been impressive. According to Transfermarkt, he has made over 400 tackles in his three seasons with the club, including many crucial clearances and interceptions. His defensive impact has not gone unnoticed, as he has been named into the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season twice during his time at Barcelona.
Overall, Ronald Araújo's performance at Barcelona has been nothing short of exceptional. His defensive abilities, combined with his leadership qualities and aerial ability, have helped him establish himself as one of the top defenders in world football. With his contract set to expire this summer, it will be interesting to see how he performs for the rest of his career at the highest level.