Ronaldinho to stand for parliament in Brazil as legendary Barcelona forward aims to bring 'joy and health to the entire population'

  • Documents approving Ronaldinho's candidacy were signed in Brasilia  
  • Former Brazil star looking at position in Senate or Chamber of Deputies
  • He said: 'I'm happy to participate in a project aimed at improving our country'

Legendary Brazil forward Ronaldinho is to run for parliament in his homeland. 

The former Barcelona and AC Milan star has submitted his candidacy to stand for office having first signalled his intent last year.

Ronaldinho will run for either the Senate or a position in the Chamber of Deputies in the general election this October.

Ronaldinho signed documents approving his candidacy to run for parliament 

Ronaldinho signed documents approving his candidacy to run for parliament 

The former Brazil legend wants to improve health care and conditions in his homeland

The former Brazil legend wants to improve health care and conditions in his homeland

He will be running for the Brazil Rebublican Party (PRB) and documents approving the 38-year-old's candidacy were signed in Brasilia before party members.   


During the ceremony Ronaldinho said: 'I am happy to be able to participate in a project aimed at improving our country and bringing modernity, joy and health to the entire population.' 

PRB President, Senator Eduardo Lopes welcomed Ronaldinho by saying: 'This a historic moment like so many other moments in Ronaldinho's life.

'He gave Brazil his talent and ability and now with his wonderful life story he will contribute to (the country through) the PRB.'

He will follow in the footsteps of fellow Brazilian legend Romario who was elected to the Senate in 2014 and plans to run for governer of Rio de Janeiro at the general election. 

Ronaldinho is no stranger to prominent roles in the public eye off the football pitch, having become ambassador to UNICEF in 2006.

Ronaldinho is now part of the Republican Party and wants to become a senator

Ronaldinho is now part of the Republican Party and wants to become a senator

But his foray into the political sphere initally caused concern as spoke of his intention to align himself with far-right presidential candidate, Jair Bolsonaro and the Patriots Party (PEN) last year. 

Bolsonaro based his campaign on anti-gay, xenophobic, racist and pro-gun agenda and has since joined another party. 

As a result the PRB approached Ronaldinho, though many were dismayed by the extreme-right political leanings of their former fan favourite. 

The ex-Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder and his collegues signalled his former number ten

The ex-Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder and his collegues signalled his former number ten

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.