What Happened to Ronaldo de Assis Moreira?

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, globally known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho, carved out a legendary career as an attacking midfielder and winger, celebrated for his unparalleled dribbling, creativity, and joy for the game. His professional journey began with Grêmio in 1998, quickly establishing him as a prodigious talent. A move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2001 preceded his most iconic period at FC Barcelona, which he joined in 2003. At Barcelona, Ronaldinho became the catalyst for a new era of success, winning two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2006. His individual brilliance was recognized with two FIFA World Player of the Year awards (2004, 2005) and the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2005.

After leaving Barcelona for AC Milan in 2008, and subsequent spells with Brazilian clubs like Flamengo and Atlético Mineiro—where he notably won the Copa Libertadores in 2013—Ronaldinho officially announced his retirement from professional football in January 2018. However, his post-playing career has been marked by significant challenges. In March 2020, Ronaldinho and his brother, Roberto de Assis Moreira, were arrested in Paraguay for allegedly entering the country with falsified passports. He spent 32 days in a maximum-security prison before being moved to house arrest in a hotel, eventually being released after paying fines. This incident brought to light previous financial and legal troubles, including frozen assets in Brazil due to unpaid environmental fines.

Despite these setbacks, Ronaldinho has actively worked to rebuild his public image and financial standing. He has re-engaged with the football world through various initiatives. In October 2023, he inaugurated the R10 Academy in Kolkata, India, as part of a global effort to provide quality football training to children. His enduring appeal has also led to numerous brand partnerships. In June 2024, he was announced as a global ambassador for Chip2Go, launching a personalized travel SIM card and eSIM. More recently, in January 2026, Ronaldinho was named an official brand ambassador for MyStake Casino, engaging in public-facing initiatives and charity work.

As of April 2026, Ronaldinho's life and career are the subject of a new three-part Netflix documentary series, "Ronaldinho: The One and Only," which premiered on April 16, 2026. This documentary provides an intimate look into his journey, including his triumphs and personal struggles. Furthermore, in August 2026, he is set to take on the role of Head of Innovation and ambassador for the electronics company Amvox, with plans for international brand expansion. Ronaldinho continues to leverage his global icon status, participating in legends fixtures and maintaining a significant social media presence, showcasing a lavish lifestyle while actively pursuing diverse business and philanthropic endeavors.