Gaucho’s life in retirement an inspiration to upcoming footballers

What you need to know:

  • What is not up for debate - however - is his contribution to football, and especially when he was in his prime
  • Ronaldinho’s journey from a modest background Porto Alegre to one of the most skilful footballers of all time is in itself a great inspiration
  • Ronaldinho is one of only four Brazilians to have been named the world’s best footballer in the awards' 68-year history, the others being Kaka, Ronaldo and Rivaldo

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira still wears that signature smile he donned for most spells of what turned out to be a successful football career spanning 17 years.

But despite that infectious smile, this tall and medium built chap, commonly referred to as Ronaldinho Gaucho in football circles – thanks to a strange habit by Brazilian stars to switch names – is a shy and reserved man when you interact with him.

I arrived at this conclusion after recently accompanying him during his recent three-day working trip in Kenya.

What is not up for debate - however - is his contribution to football, and especially when he was in his prime.

So much that the 38-year-old is considered one of the most talented footballers to have played the game professionally.

Many a time, he has been mentioned in the same breath as compatriot Edson Arantes do Nascimento aka Pele and Argentina’s Diego Armando Maradona.

Ronaldinho was born in the city of Porto Alegre in his native Brazil to a ship worker and nurse.

He dribbled his way into Spanish football history when he became one of only two players to ever be applauded by opposing supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu, home of arch rivals Real Madrid, while playing for Barcelona. On the day, he inspired Barca to an easy 3-0 win. His display was quite something that even the biased Madridistas had to swallow their pride and appreciate the marvel they had been treated to.

Former Barcelona's Brazilian forward Ronaldinho (right) and former Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Rivaldo celebrate during a charity match between Barcelona Legends and Manchester United Legends at the Camp Nou in Barcelona on June 30, 2017. PHOTO | PAU BARRENA |

Fast forward, and it’s now three years since he quit competitive football, after turning out for some of the biggest clubs in the world including France's Paris Saint Germain (PSG), Barcelona and AC Milan.

That said, Ronaldinho’s journey from a modest background Porto Alegre to one of the most skilful footballers of all time is in itself a great inspiration.

Importantly, his lifetime lessons best highlight what most Kenyan footballers have so far failed to master.

That it’s very possible for a professional footballer to live a successful life after retirement.

"When I come here, I want to share what I have, what I experienced on the pitch and what I know about football to those who wish to learn and improve. From a small group or even a hundred players, hopefully, a few or even all can learn the game and become successful," he explained, in his first press conference.

And while at it, the attention Ronaldinho received during his visit to Kenya is worth a mention.

Put simply, the man remains a fan favourite in Kenya as he still is all over the world, with most of his fans all too keen to appreciate his contribution to the sport.

This could be why conservative estimates suggest he still rakes in up to Sh100 million annually from endorsement deals, advertisements and sale of his image rights.

Brazilian football star Ronaldinho Gaucho juggles the ball alongside Ivy Chepkirui, a student at Nyakach Girls High School at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on November 11, 2018. PHOTO | TONY OMONDI |

His visit to Kenya, for instance, coincided with his latest endorsement deal installing him as betting firm Betika brand ambassador alongside media personality Carol Radull.

This deal reportedly earns him tens of millions of shillings alongside what he already has with Coca-Cola, EA Sports, Gatorade and Danone who are among multinational brands he is associated with.

"He was super talented and his warm and flashy smile endeared many fans to adore him even if they didn't support his team at the time. His visit will certainly inspire upcoming footballers and allow them to dream big," explained media personality Carol Radull, who also is Betika's brand ambassador.

Reflecting back on his career, Ronaldinho makes a point to appreciate African talents, with special mention to Nigerian dribbler Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, former AC Milan star and current Liberia President George Weah, Cameroonian star Roger Milla plus former teammate Samuel Eto’o and of course Kenya captain Victor Wanyama.

“I can mention more players because Africa has lots of talents. These were very good players and have helped give Africa a name. How they performed is partly why I am interested in the talents at the grassroots here in Kenya. I want to try to give the players there a chance,” said Ronaldinho referring to the relationship between Betika and Extreme Sports, organisers of the successful Nairobi grassroots league - the Super 8 Premier League.

Ronaldinho is one of only four Brazilians to have been named the world’s best footballer in the awards' 68-year history, the others being Kaka, Ronaldo and Rivaldo. He, however, believes that list will soon increase by one, and tips PSG’s Neymar Junior as the heir apparent.

Brazil forward Neymar Jnr celebrates scoring during their 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier match against Paraguay in Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 28, 2017. PHOTO | MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL |

“I do not have to teach him anything. He just needs to continue what he is doing and things will fall into place. It could be very soon.”

Ronaldinho’s skills wowed the world. Once during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he scored from almost halfway through the pitch with a cheeky free-kick which not only embarrassed England keeper David Seaman, but also earned him retirement.

He also assisted Rivaldo with the second and winning goal of that game in the quarter-finals.

This assist came of a dribble and cheeky feints in which he covered half the pitch.

One of his standout goals was definitely the one against Chelsea a Uefa Champions League match at Stamford Bridge in 2005. There, with the ball at his feet, he afforded a dance for a couple of seconds, before planting the ball into the net in a somewhat lazy fashion - leaving the whole stadium amazed.

His Kenyan journey briefly led him to Kisumu - aboard a chartered flight - where he met thousands of exciting football fans lined up along the streets of the country’s third largest city to welcome him.

He opened a betting shop at the lakeside city and paid a courtesy call on Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang' Nyong’o at his office.

“Welcome to Kisumu. This County hosts several football talents and we are hoping that your visit here will inspire most of them,” said Kisumu Deputy Governor Matthew Owili.

Brazil legend Ronaldinho Gaucho (left) hands over the Super 8 Champions League trophy to Jericho All Stars FC captain Dismas Buggy (centre) as Betika CEO Rupen Samani looks on at Camp Toyoyo Grounds on November 11, 2018. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO |

He graced two football matches at the Camp Toyoyo and KCB Ruaraka grounds in Nairobi and also opened a Betika shop at Westlands, Nairobi before holding a 45-minute Q and A session with journalists at the Kempinski hotel.

At the Camp Toyoyo grounds, the 38-year-old awarded Jericho AllStars - who beat the Technical University of Kenya to win the 2018 Super 8 Champions League final match - with a glittering trophy and dummy cheque of Sh100, 000.

“Work hard. Nothing comes for free. Keep training hard,” he told the players.

Ronaldinho retired from football in 2015 aged 35 after a stellar career in which he scored 167 times in 441 games.