Brazil international and former Barcelona forward Ronaldo de Assis Moreira simply called Ronaldinho has concluded arrangements to officially wed two of his heartthrobs in August.
The former PSG ace will tie the knots with Priscilla Coelho and Beatriz Souza, having ‘harmoniously’ lived with both since December in his Rio de Janeiro home.
Ronaldinho began dating Beatriz in 2016 while continuing his long-term relationship with existing partner Priscilla.
The 38-year-old will unofficially marry the two in a ceremony at his Santa Monica mansion, as it is illegal to commit bigamy in Brazil.
According to columnist Leo Dias in Brazilian newspaper O Dia, Beatriz and Priscilla are given an allowance of £1,500 (about N800, 000) every month to spend how they wish.
Ronaldinho also gives both of them the same gifts, too and never forgets their birthdays and other special dates. Dias confirmed that music supply for the occasion is already in place as Brazilian singer and Ronaldinho’s neighbour Jorge Vercillo is set to dish out the tunes
The two fiancees travelled with the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner to Brazil’s capital of Brasilia in March, when he joined the centre-right Brazilian Republican Party (PRB).
The 38 year old known for his generous smiles and thrilling dribbles it will be recalled was in the Brazilian squad that took on Super Eagles at the opening of the Abuja National Stadium on June 11 2003.
Ronldinho on that occasion was the toast of many female football fans that had turned out in their numbers to watch the match.
Although former Super Eagles Captain Jay Jay Okocha was voted man of the match on the Nigerian side and thrilled fans with his impressive dribbles, it however did not stop Eagles from losing the match 3-0.
In what could be a reminder to the popular adage that one man’s meat is another’s poison, Ronaldinho’s sister has however hinted that she will not be attending the wedding insisting ‘it is not normal’ The ceremony, will take place at the player’s £5m home in Rio Janeiro.
Tributes are pouring in torrents following the announced retirement of Barcelona and Brazil international Ronaldo de Assis Moreira popularly called Ronaldinho.
Leading the pack is football great Edson Arantes do Nascimento otherwise called Pele. The 77 year old Brazilian legend offered special prayer for his younger compatriot recalling how he put smiles on the faces of Brazilian and football lovers all over the world while his pitch career lasted. Taking to twitter, Pele expressed hope that the former PSG ace who made over 97 appearances for the Brazilian national team scoring 33 goals in the bargain would enjoy a wonderful post retirement life.
“You brought a smile to everyone’s face, @10Ronaldinho. I hope you glide through life, like you glided through tackles” he said
Pele is widely regarded as the greatest football player of all time.
Pelé began playing for Santos at age 15 and the Brazil national football team at 16. During his international career, he won three FIFA World Cups: 1958, 1962 and 1970, being the only player ever to do so. Pelé is the all-time leading goal scorer for Brazil with 77 goals in 92 games.
Flamboyant Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar crossed over from Barcelona for a record €222million equally paid a touching tribute to his former colleague.
“What an honour to be part of your history,” Neymar wrote on Instagram. “I’ll always remember your joy on the field. You’ve left a legacy that will hardly be beaten in the art of football. Thank you for everything that you did for football lovers.”
Flash back June 11 2003, when the Abuja National Stadium was opened. A friendly match was organised between Nigeria and Brazil.
One of the players that thrilled on that occasion was Barcelona ace Ronaldinho, who incidentally was the toast of many female soccer fans who graced the event.
He did not only woo them with his unending smiles but also with his dribbling skills. It was apparently he was enjoying himself as he played with so much fun. Brazil won the match 3-0 scoring in the 34th, 38th 83rd minutes of the game.
It is said that there is time for everything under the sun, and so the ever smiling Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho has retired from football, his brother and agent has confirmed.
Ronaldinho, 37, has not played for a professional team since leaving Fluminense in 2015.
The former Barcelona star, part of the triumphant Brazil 2002 World Cup squad, won the Champions League in 2006 – a year after having collected the Ballon d’Or.
Roberto Assis confirmed the news of his brother’s decision in a column for Brazil media outlet O Globo and revealed plans for farewell tribute events following the 2018 World Cup.
“He has stopped, it is ended,” Assis said. “Let’s do something pretty big and nice (for his farewell) after the Russia World Cup, probably in August.
“We will do various events in Brazil, Europe and Asia and, of course, we are arranging something with the Brazilian team as well.”
Assis, who confirmed sponsors Nike would also be involved in Ronaldinho’s farewell events, added: “The fact that he has been Barcelona’s ambassador for 10 years makes it a lot easier out there. He is wanted there and here (back in Brazil).”
Ronaldinho started his career with Gremio before moving to Paris St Germain in 2001. After leaving Barcelona, the Brazilian also had a spell at AC Milan where he won the Serie A title in 2010/11.
Ronaldinho shot to stardom with his silky skills and joyful approach to the game after joining Barcelona in 2003.
The virtuoso forward was the defining figure under Frank Rijkaard, helping to lay the foundations for one of the most successful eras in the Catalan club’s history.
A two-time FIFA World Player of the Year during his time at Barca, Ronaldinho claimed two LaLiga titles and Champions League crown when at the peak of his powers.
He produced a host of memorable moments in the famous shirt, from a standing ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu to a dancing toe-poke against Chelsea among others. Some individual laurels he won include:
2 – FIFA World Player of the Year
1 – Ballon d’Or
1 – South American Footballer of the Year
1 – 1999 Confederations Cup Golden Ball
Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame
AC Milan Hall of Fame
Former Barcelona star Ronaldinho has encouraged Neymar to “follow his heart” amid speculation over a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The latest reports in France suggest the Brazil star could finalise a move to the Ligue 1 side as early as Monday of next week after agreeing terms over a world-record €222million transfer.
Barca players including captain Andres Iniesta, striker Luis Suarez and defender Gerard Pique have publicly urged Neymar to stay at Camp Nou, but the 25-year-old’s future became further clouded in doubt following a training-ground bust-up with Nelson Semedo on Friday.
Ronaldinho left PSG to join Barca in 2003 and went on to win two LaLiga titles and the Champions League, among a host of individual honours, during a superb five-year spell in Spain.
And the 2002 World Cup-winner has advised his compatriot to follow his instincts when it comes to his own career.
“I can only tell him to follow his heart and be happy, to do things that his heart tells him,” Ronaldinho told a media conference.
Neymar is said to be interested in the move to PSG after growing unsettled in Catalonia and eager to escape the shadow of illustrious team-mate Lionel Messi.
Messi and Suarez are reported to have spoken directly to the player to persuade him to stay but Barca President Josep Maria Bartomeu admitted this week that Neymar’s future would be out of the club’s hands if his buy-out clause were met.
Atlético Minerio star Bernard has praised the role Ronaldinho has played in his development this year and revealed that it is a ‘joy’ to play with the former Barcelona legend.
Bernard, 20, has been one of the breakthrough stars of this year’s Brasileirão and looks destined for a big future in the game. However, in an interview with Lancenet on Sunday, the playmaker spoke of his admiration for his teammate.
He said: “He has helped me a lot, talked to me and asked to me to have joy in time to play football.
He has great handling of the ball, speed and better touch. Whether in practice or in the game, I try to observe everything he does. Ronaldinho has been instrumental in my growth.”
The youngster also gave an insight into his life off this pitch and showed that he has his feet firmly on the ground.
He said: “I learned from a child to be humble and have a level head. My father lived on the farm and struggled to grow in life. I follow this example and try to be focused on football rather than to earn as much money as possible. I was always on my own, quietly. I have sensational girlfriend and a family, so I prefer to stay home and enjoy it all.”