This is nothing new for the legends. After retiring, many of them participate in friendly matches—not just because of their love for the game or for the fans, but also because it brings in a good income. Ronaldinho, a perfect example of this, still makes more money from playing friendly matches than many active players in Europe.
Having retired seven years ago, this Brazilian legend continues to earn substantial amounts from friendly matches. In his prime, during 2006, he earned €23 million a year. According to French magazine France Football, he was one of the highest-paid footballers globally. Since retiring in 2018, his earnings have mostly come from sponsorships and endorsements, along with hefty sums from friendly matches. For instance, last November, Ronaldinho played in a friendly in Angers, France, and reports from French media outlet Le Parisien revealed how much he earned for his participation.
The match, which took place at the Raymond Kopa stadium, featured former footballers from Brazil and France. Ronaldinho’s team won 5-4, with the likes of former strikers Sonny Anderson and former Brazilian midfielder Vampeta playing alongside him. The French side included stars like Claude Makélélé and Senegalese forward Mamadou Niang. However, it was the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldinho, who stole the show and became the main attraction for the fans.
Organized by French company Jogo Dos Famosos (Game of the Stars), the match attracted sponsorships ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 per advertisement. Le Parisien reported that Ronaldinho received €220,000 (around 2.74 crore Bangladeshi Taka) for his participation, while the rest of the players received between €2,000 and €15,000. His huge earnings were not just due to his immense popularity, but also because he attracts the attention of major global sponsors. For example, Lamborghini, a famous Italian sports car manufacturer, was one of the sponsors at this friendly match, along with several large companies from Brazil and China.
Last August, Ronaldinho also played in a friendly against former Portuguese players. Sources from Le Parisien reveal that in the new year, he plans to play friendly matches in Eastern Europe and Cameroon. His brother, Roberto Assis, manages his deals, which begin at €300,000 per match.
This income model from friendly matches is particularly important for Ronaldinho, especially since he faced financial difficulties in 2018, almost going bankrupt. Despite his retirement, he still boasts a massive following of nearly 150 million on social media, and many top brands still seek him as an ambassador. For example, in November, he played a match against former Real Madrid players, organized by Barcelona. In that game, he scored a brilliant free-kick, which quickly went viral, reminding fans of his magical skills.
In November, Ronaldinho also attended the UN’s COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, flying in a private jet. However, his career hasn’t been without controversy. In 2020, he was arrested in Paraguay for attempting to enter with fake documents, and he was released on bail for $1.6 million. Despite such controversies, Ronaldinho remains as popular as ever, whether in Europe, Africa, or Asia. His mere presence in a friendly match guarantees packed stadiums.
