August 25 – Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho has been released from house arrest in Paraguay after his detention for holding a forged passport after a local court accepted a plea deal.
In March, the Brazilian and his brother Roberto de Assis Moreira were arrested for entering the country with false passports. Ronaldinho had travelled to Paraguay to promote a campaign for underprivileged children.
They spent a month in jail, where Ronaldinho played in kickabouts and celebrated his 40th anniversary with a BBQ, before a four-month period of house arrest at a luxury hotel in the Paraguayan capital Asuncion. The pair each paid bail of $800,000.
“The precautionary measure of arrest is lifted. There are no more restrictions placed by Paraguayan justice,” said judge Gustavo Amarilla.
The duo were released, but will have to pay $200,000 in damages. Ronaldinho and his brother, who also operates as his manager, always maintained their innocence, but prosecutors did believe Roberto had knowledge the passports were fake.
Ronaldinho now has a criminal record in Paraguay and won’t be allowed to leave Brazil for two years.
Ronaldinho and his brother will return home today, bringing to an end a bizarre five-month ordeal. Brazilians can travel to Paraguay without a passport; an identity card suffices to gain entry.
The episode marks the further demise of a player who once was the world’s best. Ronaldinho retired in 2015 when his career had long been sliding, but in his heyday he helped Brazil win a fifth World Cup in 2002, the country’s last global crown to date. He also lifted the Champions League with FC Barcelona. In 2005, he won the Ballon d’Or.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1734940556labto1734940556ofdlr1734940556owedi1734940556sni@o1734940556fni1734940556