Football superstar Ronaldinho has been detained by authorities in Paraguay for allegedly using fake passports. The famous Brazilian athlete arrived in the country to promote his book and take part in a charity event. He was detained together with his brother and another man, Wilmondes Sousa Liria.
"I respect his sporting popularity but the law must also be respected. No matter who you are, the law still applies", said Paraguay’s Interior Minister. He noted that Ronaldinho and his brother were not arrested and are under investigation.
The news shocked football fans, who couldn’t fathom why the superstar, which some consider the greatest player of all time would need to purchase a fake passport.
Dude, you’re THE RONALDINHO! WTF would u carry a fake passport?
— #ChitaluCM_ThatGeezer (@MuzM8) March 5, 2020
Why would he do that,he's rich enough to get 100s of them
— Ace (@Ace_the_savage1) March 5, 2020
Others wondered how the 39-year-old planned to go unnoticed given the fact that he is famous all over the world.
"I'm a world famous footballer. One of the most recognizable people on Earth. Here's an idea, let me just use this fake passport real quick." 🤦🏻♂️😂
— 𝓟𝓱𝓲𝓵 (@phjes11) March 5, 2020
"No one will notice" One of the most recognizable footballers in history
— 𝔏𝔯𝔯𝔯 (@coldplague) March 5, 2020
Some netizens noted that Ronaldinho is Brazil's Tourism Ambassador and that as a Brazilian citizen Ronaldinho didn’t need a passport to enter Paraguay.
The funny thing is Brazilians don’t even need a passport to enter Paraguay they just need a Brazilian ID card.
— Damien (@ClinicalChippy) March 5, 2020
Mind you Ronaldinho was appointed by Bolsonaro to be Brazil's tourism ambassador...
— Gabriel ⚫⚪🔥 (@Gabriel_Fonseca) March 5, 2020
A few social media users were disappointed at the news and said that great athletes can’t control their lives once they hang up their boots.
Don't know why so many footballers loose their head after being washed ashore, like Maradona who started doing drugs.
— Stress Free Living (@Reporte99959679) March 5, 2020
This guy is going down the gazza route. A legend that has turned into a complete loser. It hurts me so much to see my idols become liabilities.
— Atouchofklarsesport (@Atouchofklarse1) March 5, 2020
Others called on the authorities to release the football star and said they would support Ronaldinho no matter what.
Guilty or not we still love him
— ourhistory (@ourhistory20) March 5, 2020
They should leave this legend alone
— Jimmy (@jimmylfc_) March 5, 2020
Still others suggested that Paraguayan police officers simply wanted an autograph from the Barcelona and Milan star.
Paraguay police just want an autograph 🖊️
— Double H (@doublehthedj) March 5, 2020The 39-year-old and his brother claim they were tricked by Wilmondes Sousa Liria, who was arrested with them. Last year authorities seized his property and confiscated his Brazilian and Spanish passports over unpaid taxes.
