Former Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho arrested in Paraguay over fake passport claims

The Brazilian football player Ronaldinho and his brother arrested in Paraguay for using fake passports

The Brazilian football great Ronaldinho and his brother were arrested on Friday, March 6 for allegedly using fake passports to enter in the South American country, Paraguay.

As per the reports, the prosecutors said they had provided false documents when the former Barcelona legend and his brother landed in the capital Asuncion on Wednesday, March 4.

Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho Reuters

While Ronaldinho and his brother had been taken for further questioning by the Paraguayan authority, the duo denied any wrongdoing and said that they thought the passports were just for the courtesy.

It should be noted that last year in July, Ronaldinho who represented the five-time FIFA World Cup-winning football team, reportedly had his Brazilian and Spanish passports seized over unpaid taxes as well as non-payment of fines for illegally building on a nature reserve in the South American country, Brazil.

Fake passport claims against the football great

Paraguay's interior minister, Euclides Acevedo told the media that "I respect his sporting popularity but the law must also be respected. No matter who you are, the law still applies."

However, it should be noted that the 39-year-old football legend, nicknamed as Ronnie and Dinho, had travelled to Paraguay to promote a book and a campaign for underprivileged children.

Ronaldinho was the 2004 and 2005 World Player of the Year as well as a Ballon d'Or winner who reached the prime of his career at Barcelona. He won the FIFA World Cup in 2002 alongside fellow Brazilian superstar forwards Ronaldo and Rivaldo. Ronaldinho, who mostly played as an attacking midfielder during his football career, was also deployed as a forward or a winger. He played for other European clubs like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AC Milan.

Often considered one of the best players of his generation, Ronaldinho's net worth is estimated at £80-100 million and he is reported to charge around £150,000 for a single promotional post on Instagram.

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