Barcelona icon Ronaldinho is the basis of a new documentary charting the highs and lows of his action-packed life, which debuts on Thursday
Brazil icon Ronaldinho is the subject of a new documentary set to release on Thursday(Image: Getty Images)
A new documentary examining the extravagant life of Brazil and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho releases on Thursday. Just as was the theme of his on-field persona, there’s really been a dull moment off it for one of the most entertaining footballers ever to play the sport.
At the peak of his powers, the 2002 World Cup-winner had the ability to turn a game on its head. Sadly, there were more than a few topsy turvy moments in the South American superstar’s personal world, too.
From amassing a mountain of riches to being locked up in a Paraguayan prison, Ronaldinho has lived life life at 100 miles per hour for more than 20 years. Even at the age of 46, the man who promoted the ideals of ‘Joga Bonito’ continues to feature in legends matches and remains a beloved figure in the football sphere.
Not that every stop along the way has been beautiful for one of the most talented magicians to grace the pitch. Mirror Football delves into some of Ronaldinho’s most notable feats and chapters as the football world gets reacquainted with a giant of the sport.
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Ronaldinho’s riches
Getting a clear picture of Ronaldinho’s earnings and net worth today is difficult given his past financial issues. Speculation has suggested the flair icon has come close to bankruptcy on several occasions, with reports in 2018 suggesting he had just £5.24 in his bank account after being ordered to settle unpaid debts totalling £1.75million.
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Nevertheless, the 2005 Ballon d’Or-winner is adjudged to have recovered and supposedly sits on a £63m fortune today, per Celebrity Net Worth. The vast majority of that figure is estimated to have come through his many endorsements over the years, having held lucrative contracts with the likes of Nike, Pepsi and Coca-Cola over the years.
It was in 2006 that Ronaldinho supposedly replaced David Beckham as the highest-paid player in the world. Just prior to the emergence of then-Barcelona mentor Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, it was O Bruxo (The Wizard) who reigned as the most recognisable figure in the field for a time.
France Football reported at the time Ronaldinho was earning around £16m annually through his Barca salary and endorsements. He later joined AC Milan, where he earned roughly £6m in wages, which were again supplemented by his individual endorsements.
He has become reliant on personal investments since retiring in 2015 but still earns a lot by advertising digitally through social media. Ronaldinho boasts around 120million followers through Instagram, TikTok and X, using those channels to promote certain brands and products.
In 2019, Ronaldinho had 57 properties in Brazil seized and his Brazilian and Spanish passports confiscated over unpaid taxes and fines. He was fined close to £1m over the ordeal, though that wasn’t the most significant legal chapter of his life to date.
Paraguayan prison episode
Ronaldinho and his brother, Roberto, spent time in a Paraguayan prison in 2020(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
In March 2020, the football world was shocked to learn Ronaldinho and his brother, Roberto, had been arrested for trying to enter Paraguay using fake documents. The football great was coming to Paraguay to promote his book and attend a charity event but ended up staying in jail for 32 days instead.
After that period, Ronaldinho and his sibling were moved to a hotel in Asuncion while their case was ongoing. However, the pair weren’t officially released from custody in Paraguay until August 2020 and he in fact celebrated his 40th birthday behind bars.
“It was a hard blow, I never imagined that I would go through such a situation,” said the superstar during his time spent incarcerated. “All my life I have sought to reach the highest professional level and bring joy to people with my football.”
While in prison, Ronaldinho was alleged to have been a hit with his fellow inmates and would sign autographs for the football fans among the population. It was even reported he played in a futsal tournament against his fellow offenders and won the final 11-2.
Ronaldinho and his brother were ordered to pay fines totalling around £150,000 in today’s money upon their release.
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As aforementioned, Ronaldinho continues to be active on the legends circuit and is active promoting products online. He’s also involved in the music scene and has formed his own collective called ‘Tropa Do Druxo’, which translates to ‘Magic Squad’.
The Brazilian phenomenon’s ‘R10’ image remains one of the most recognisable in football and particularly his home country. And through his social media, it’s evident Ronaldinho continues to enjoy the high life of an international celebrity.
Through what is believed to be his only child, Joao Mendes, Ronaldinho is also understood to have become a grandfather in the last couple of years. The retired winger had Joao with former dancer Janaina Mendes during his time at Barcelona.
Mendes currently plays in Hull City’s reserve team and was formerly on the books at Burnley. The prodigal son announced in 2024 that he was expecting his first-born and is since understood to have welcomed a daughter.
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