Brazil is famous for many things: long stretches of sandy beaches, sexy women in thongs, sporty beach volleyball players and most of all, football (or soccer). Brazil is almost synonymous to football – having won the World Cup several times in history. And let’s not forget, Brazil is home to some of the most famous footballers in the world.

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, more commonly known as Ronaldinho, is one of the popular Brazilian football players of all time. He’s been awarded FIFA World Player of the Year twice in a row (2004 and 2005) and he’s played for several outstanding football clubs such as FC Barcelona and AC Milan. He was also named in the FIFA 100, a list of the greatest footballers compiled by fellow countryman Pelé.

Originally from Porto Alegre, Ronaldinho was born in a family of soccer addicts who lived in a wooden house in a favela. Under the influence of his father, he played a lot of football as a a kid and at a young age, he showed plenty of talent. He soon signed a contract with FCC Gremio, and at the age of 13, he made a name for himself when he scored all 23 goals in a 23-0 victory against a local team. As he said in an interview, ““Football for me is pleasure, joy, my life. The happiest moment of my day is when I am with the ball, training. Being a footballer is still the best job in the world.”

After several years of playing in Europe, Ronaldinho is now back in his home turf, playing for Flamengo and the Brazilian national team. The world-famous football player loves nothing more than being around his family. It’s obvious that this humble player stays true to his roots and the beauty of Brazil probably has something to do with it.

Photo | JanS0L0

When you visit one of the Iberostar Hotel’s in Bazil; You’ll never know who you might run into.