Former Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho Gaucho has denied allegations of involvement in a cryptocurrency scam that has garnered national attention in Brazil. Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, commonly known as Ronaldinho, made his statement during a congressional hearing, asserting that he has no association with the company named 18k Ronaldinho Comércio e Participações Ltda.
Ronaldinho claimed that his name was misused to create the corporate identity of the company in question. He explained that in 2016, he signed a contract with the U.S. company 18k Watch Corporation to develop a line of watches featuring his image. It was not mentioned in the statement whether these two companies are connected in any way.
In 2020, Ronaldinho became a defendant in a class action lawsuit filed by Brazil’s consumer relations institute. The lawsuit sought 300 million reais (approximately $60.66 million) in damages for clients of 18k who were allegedly harmed.
Additionally, in the same year, Ronaldinho and his brother were detained in Paraguay for 171 days for using falsified passports.
Ronaldinho is renowned for his achievements in soccer, including being named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005, winning the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, and securing the Champions League title with Barcelona in 2006.
During the congressional enquiry, the rapporteur Ricardo Silva inquired whether Ronaldinho had taken legal action against the company for the unauthorized use of his image. Ronaldinho responded that his brother was responsible for handling such matters.
