Ronaldinho’s Rollercoaster Journey: Triumphs, Troubles, and a Football Legacy
In the mid-2000s, Ronaldinho was unquestionably the king of football. His mesmerizing skills, infectious smile, and joyful style of play made him an icon in the world of the beautiful game.
However, when Pep Guardiola arrived at Barcelona, the Brazilian superstar’s world began to crumble. What followed was an utterly mental tale of late-career Ronaldinho, filled with controversies and unexpected twists.
The story unfolds in 2008, as Pep Guardiola steps into the Nou Camp dressing room packed with superstars.
Legends like Ronaldinho and Deco, however, make a shocking entrance to training drunk. Guardiola, furious with their lack of professionalism, demands that the club sell them immediately.
Ronaldinho finds himself joining AC Milan, hoping for a fresh start. However, off the pitch, he becomes known for his relentless partying in Milan.
The forward’s carefree lifestyle begins to overshadow his performances, and when young striker Pato’s marriage falls apart due to their constant boozing together, it becomes a breaking point for Milan fans.
In a bizarre turn of events, angry Milan supporters corner Ronaldinho in a sweaty nightclub at 3 am, just hours before a crucial game.
The final straw comes when angry Milan fans corner Ronnie in a sweaty nightclub at 3am the night before a big game.
The club are fuming, and Ronnie is soon on his way. pic.twitter.com/2CM4oMSdUU
— The Upshot (@UpshotTowers) July 3, 2023
The club is left fuming, and soon Ronaldinho finds himself out the door. European giants are reluctant to take a chance on him, and he ultimately ends up playing for clubs in Brazil and Mexico.
Throughout his journeys, Ronaldinho’s streetwise agent negotiates a clause in his contracts that allows him two nights out a week.
True to form, Ronaldinho would often jet off to Cancun on Fridays, returning only on Tuesdays. His party-loving ways leave a lasting impression on the fans, even as his football career hits turbulent waters.
Disaster strikes in Mexico when Ronaldinho’s brother and personal assistant, Roberto, go on vacation, leaving the forward in a financial predicament.
Confused, he shows up to training, asking for money. The club secretary is forced to guide him to a bank, which Ronaldinho himself sponsors, and explain the workings of an ATM.
In 2015, Ronaldinho hangs up his boots, but his post-football escapades become increasingly bizarre.
He stars in a kickboxing film with Mike Tyson and even showcases his musical talents by playing the bongos in the World Cup closing ceremony. Weeks later, he unexpectedly appears at an Arab summit on responsible policing.
Thanks to lucrative paydays, Ronaldinho can finally live the life of his dreams. He moves into a luxurious mansion adorned with marble floors, palm trees, and leopard print sofas.
And he certainly makes an impression with the fans… pic.twitter.com/ezjlLsJqvN
— The Upshot (@UpshotTowers) July 3, 2023
Embracing an unconventional lifestyle, he enters a three-way relationship, proudly proclaiming his adeptness at polygamy. His engagement to both partners with matching rings causes a stir, but Ronaldinho remains unfazed.
However, this sultan-like existence takes a dramatic turn when Ronaldinho is charged with illegal construction at his lakeside home.
Refusing to pay the hefty fine, he has dozens of properties seized, and his Brazilian passport is confiscated.
Ironically, he has a trip to Paraguay planned, and with the help of a shady individual, he secures a fake passport. But the scheme fails, and he is arrested at the border.
The courtroom drama unfolds in Paraguay, with Ronaldinho’s lawyer attempting various legal arguments. When all else fails, the defense takes an unconventional route, describing Ronaldinho as “stupid.” Unfortunately, this defense falls flat, and Ronaldinho finds himself behind bars.
Yet, even in prison, Ronaldinho’s star power shines. Prison wardens organize “Ronaldinho tours,” where he greets locals on the prison patio.
Kickabouts become a regular occurrence, and he even captains his team to a resounding 11-2 victory against a side containing a corrupt politician. A 16kg suckling pig serves as their reward.
After serving a five-month sentence, Ronaldinho is finally released, vowing never to return to Paraguay. However, upon his return home, he is hit with another bombshell.
His girlfriends discover that he has been involved with a third woman, leading to legal troubles and the end of their throuple.
Returning to his beloved son Joao, Ronaldinho focuses on imparting his football wisdom. Little did he know that this year, his dreams would come true as Joao signed for Barcelona, following in his father’s footsteps.