Ronaldinho, one of football’s greatest talents, was known for his dazzling dribbles, infectious smile, and incredible career at clubs like Barcelona, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite earning millions during his playing days, the Brazilian icon faced severe financial struggles, leading to reports of bankruptcy. So, how did a player who once dominated world football end up in financial trouble?
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During his peak years, he was one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, earning millions from club contracts, endorsements, and sponsorships from brands like Nike, Pepsi, and Coca-Cola.
His career highlights include:
Winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil
Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year (2004, 2005)
Winning the UEFA Champions League (2005-06) with Barcelona
Becoming a footballing icon at clubs like PSG, Barcelona, and AC Milan
Despite earning an estimated $100 million throughout his career, Ronaldinho still went bankrupt after retiring from football and these factors contributed to it:
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Lavish Lifestyle - Ronaldinho was known for his extravagant lifestyle, spending heavily on luxury cars, mansions, and parties. Reports suggested he lived like a superstar even after his playing career declined, failing to manage his finances wisely.
Bad Investments and Business Failures - After retiring from football, Ronaldinho invested in various businesses, including nightclubs and a cryptocurrency project. However, many of these ventures failed, draining his wealth instead of increasing it.
Legal Issues and Fines - One of the biggest blows to his finances came in 2018, when he was fined $2.3 million for illegal construction in a protected area in Brazil. Unable to pay, authorities confiscated his passport, effectively restricting his ability to travel.
Loss of Endorsements In 2014 - Ronaldinho lost a lucrative $750,000-a-year Coca-Cola sponsorship after he was seen publicly drinking Pepsi. As his career faded, so did his commercial value, leading to a significant drop in income.
Arrest in Paraguay - In 2020, Ronaldinho and his brother were arrested in Paraguay for using fake passports. They spent over a month in prison before being placed under house arrest, further damaging his reputation and finances.
Fortunately, Ronaldinho has since bounced back with social media promotions, ambassadorial roles, and exhibition matches. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $90 million. Ronaldinho alongside his brother Assis, became part of the ownership group of Greenville Triumph, a club in the USL League One in the United States.
Additionally, he serves as an ambassador for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. On the personal front, Ronaldinho's son, João Mendes, has been making strides in his football career.
So all is well that ends well, however his financial downfall now serves as a cautionary tale for athletes on the importance of money management, long-term financial planning, the dangers of unchecked spending and poor investment choices.
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