Ronaldinho & his bro wander into Paraguayan trouble
What happened? This week the legendary forward known as Ronaldinho, formerly of Brazil, Barcelona and a host of other clubs, got snatched up by the Paraguayan police for trying to sneak into the country with a doctored passport. His brother, Roberto Assis—who doubles as his business manager—was cuffed along with him.
Why the whole passport fiasco?
- They slipped into Asunción on Wednesday, thinking they could pass as locals by swapping passports at the airport.
- At the same time, a local casino owner had asked them to stay for a football clinic and a book launch.
- Shortly after, the Paraguay Federal Police’s head of investigations, Gilberto Fleitas, confirmed the arrests.
Legal drama after the initial plan to set them free
- The prosecutor, Federico Delfino, tried to negotiate an alternative punishment, hoping the duo would cooperate.
- A judge turned down that compromise on Friday, and the prosecution withdrew the offer almost immediately.
- Now the brothers are facing a judge on Saturday who will decide whether to keep them in custody while the investigations proceed.
Some quick facts about Ronaldinho
- Officially 39 years old, although he stopped playing professionally in 2015.
- Had a glittering resume: FIFA World Player of the Year (2004, 2005), World Cup champion with Brazil (2002), Champions League title with Barcelona (2006).
- His flair on the pitch is still adored by fans worldwide.
What’s coming next?
Hands will be turned over to the organised‑crime and economic‑crime units, and the two must appear before a judge. If they’ll be let loose depends on how the judge decides to handle their passport trouble. Who knows? Maybe the judge will let them walk out with a new pair of gloves.
