Ballon d’Or winning Brazilian superstar Ronaldhino takes tour of Quebec City

Brazilian superstar soccer player Ronaldinho took a tour of Quebec City, chatting with players and coaches at Laval University and meeting fans and the mayor.

World Cup, Champions League, FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldhinho Gaúcho was in Quebec City on the weekend to take in a couple of games at the University of Laval, visit gyms and meet with dignitaries.

The former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Brazil international soccer star took in a pair of Rouge-et-Or indoor games at the university’s sports complex (PEPS) on Sunday, in addition to visiting a number of gyms in the area.

Rouge-et-Or head coach David Desloges said that about 2,500 youth attended the event at the university.

“We tried to liven up the crowd a bit before Ronaldinho arrived. There was a lot of excitement. Then, in the stands, people were getting a little impatient to see Ronaldinho,” Desloges said in an interview.

“We played a futsal match, then during our match, he arrived and came onto the pitch. He greeted everyone. All the Rouge-et-Or athletes and coaches. He greeted the crowd. People were emotional.”

Ronaldinho was in the provincial capital on a two-day tour of the area set up by an independent promoter Groupe Performance.

Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand also met the Brazilian superstar, and hinted at the coming announcement of a “beautiful futsal project” in the city.

“I took advantage of his presence to give him the arrow belt from the Quebec Carnival,” said Marchand on X. “Later in the evening, I also had the chance to give him a Rouge et Or kit. He will proudly leave with two precious gifts from our city.”

Ronaldhino starred in an iconic Nike futsal ad in 2005 that showed both his skills at the indoor game as an adult and as a child.