Why Was Ronaldinho Sent To Prison? Exploring The Brazilian Icon's Legal Case And How He Walked Free

Ronaldinho has built a big fan base with his football skills over the years. He has played for various teams in his career, including Barcelona, AC Milan, Fluminense, and more. Ronaldinho received the FIFA World Player of the Year Award in 2003. He won the title for the second time in 2005. Also known as Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, he has represented Brazil twice at the FIFA World Cup. His name was even included in the list of the World Player of the Decade 2000s by World Soccer magazine in 2009.

Notably, Ronaldinho’s life has been covered in the latest Netflix documentary, The One and Only. Released on April 16, 2026, the limited series includes three episodes. While the show has started streaming, netizens have started searching more about Ronaldinho, including his legal issues. Keep reading to know more!

Ronaldinho was involved in a legal problem a few years ago

While he has pursued a successful career in football for a long time, Ronaldinho was involved in a legal issue in March 2020. The problem happened in the capital of Paraguay, Asuncion, where he was accused of reportedly displaying a false passport to enter the country. Notably, Ronaldinho was arrested. He was accompanied by his brother, Roberto Assis, who was also detained at the same time.

The news was first revealed by the Ministry of Interior of Paraguay. They said in a statement that an arrest warrant was issued, adding that Ronaldinho was charged with using a public document with false details. The warrant also sought a preventative detention. Ronaldino was arrested at the Sheraton hotel. However, the footballer and his brother dismissed the allegations against them. 

Ronaldinho was in prison for more than a month and was later released

Ronaldinho initially responded to the allegations by saying that he received the passport to enter Paraguay from a local sponsor. He claimed that it was a gift from the sponsor, adding that he was not aware of the fact that he was doing something wrong. Former Paraguayan footballer, Nelson Cuevas, later opened up on Ronaldinho’s condition while speaking to CNN Radio, and said:

“Ronaldinho is not happy at all. What distinguishes him is his smile, his good energy, his way of being but today, due to the situation he is going through, that smile is lost because he is in prison which is a place he is not accustomed to.”

Although Ronaldinho and his brother, Roberto, were released in April, Judge Gustavo Amarilla ordered them to be put under house arrest. The duo’s legal team previously attempted to get them bailed, which was dismissed since they were believed to be a flight risk. Ronaldinho was playing many football matches inside prison, and the moments were captured in multiple photos and videos.

Ronaldinho recalls the time when he was in prison

The new Netflix documentary featured Ronaldinho opening up about the time when he was in prison. He described the arrest as the worst moment of his life, adding that it was a situation that he could not escape, even though he had not done anything wrong. Roberto also reacted by saying that he and his brother never expected something like that to happen. Ronaldinho revealed what happened inside prison and said:

“I did make friends. It was a way to forget what I was going through.”

What are your thoughts about Ronaldinho’s legal issue in the past? Let us know your opinion about it.

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