Ronaldinho (foto: Getty Images)
Ronaldinho accepted Serbian President Vučić’s invitation to Expo 2027 in Belgrade, but many Serbs criticized his appearance, calling it a sellout move.
Ronaldinho, one of the most iconic footballers of all time, has officially accepted an invitation from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to attend Expo 2027, which will be held in Belgrade. The Brazilian legend sent a video message confirming his participation, but the announcement was met with heavy backlash from Serbian citizens.
“Greetings, President Vučić, thank you very much for the invitation to Expo 2027. Soon we will be together. I send a big hug,” said Ronaldinho in a short video published by Serbian media and widely shared on social networks.
The Expo 2027 in Belgrade is a special edition event, scheduled between the full-scale expos in Japan (2025) and Saudi Arabia (2030). Vučić’s government is promoting the exhibition heavily, including through international celebrities, which has sparked controversy within the country.
Ronaldinho’s participation, reportedly for a fee of €10,000, was labeled by critics as a case of him “selling his name”—a reference to his post-career financial struggles involving debts, gambling, and court issues. Outraged Serbs took to social media, comparing the move to NBA star Nikola Jokić, who was also previously criticized for cooperating with Vučić’s administration.
“Ronaldinho was a top footballer, one of the greatest ever. But because of gambling, cocaine, and bacchanalia, he went bankrupt. Now he lives by selling his name. That’s how Vučić buys our failed stars,” read one of the many viral comments online.
Ronaldinho is best known for his time at Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles and the Champions League. He also played for Gremio, PSG, Milan, Flamengo and Atlético Mineiro, where he lifted the Copa Libertadores in 2013. He was part of Brazil’s World Cup-winning squad in 2002 and won the Ballon d'Or in 2005.
Despite his legendary status, Ronaldinho’s acceptance of Vučić’s invitation has struck a nerve in Serbia, where public sentiment toward Expo 2027 is mixed due to its high costs and perceived political motives.
Written by Barbara Cerar, Editor-in-Chief at en.nogomania.com. Follow us for more stories from international football.