Brazilian footballers are widely admired for their skill and dedication on the field, but their lives off the pitch reveal interests that go far beyond football.
Away from the game, these athletes engage in activities that bring them fulfillment, offering a glimpse into their personalities and values.
This article explores the unique hobbies that bring balance and joy to their lives, uncovering a side of them that fans rarely see.
Neymar Jr.
| Full Name | Neymar da Silva Santos Jรบnior |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1992 |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Al Hilal (Saudi Pro League) |
Neymar Jr. brings as much energy to his off-field activities as he does to football. His interests in gaming, poker, and music add variety to his life and offer him a break.
Gaming and Streaming
Gaming has become a major hobby for Neymar. Known for playing “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” he often streams these sessions, letting fans see a different side of him. Gaming is a space where he competes without the pressures of football, keeping things light but still interactive.
Fans engage with him directly in these sessions, making it a unique point of connection.
Poker
Poker is one of Neymarโs most significant off-field interests. Beyond casual games, he has taken it seriously, competing in tournaments and even securing brand partnerships in the poker world.
He participates in events that blend his fame with charity, showing that this interest is about more than just the game. Poker gives him a way to sharpen his strategic skills in a new environment, appealing to his competitive nature in a different way.
You can find his streams online, it’s quite entertaining watching him showing outstanding skills just as he does on a football field. Also, you can try your luck in the same games.
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Music and Celebration
Music holds a big place in Neymarโs life. He shares songs and dances openly, whether celebrating a goal or a personal milestone. For Neymar, music is a natural part of celebrating life, and it resonates with his Brazilian roots.
Fans often see him enjoy music as a way to unwind, making it clear how much joy he finds in these moments.
Ronaldo Nazรกrio (The “Real” One)
| Full Name | Ronaldo Luรญs Nazรกrio de Lima |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1976 |
| Current Role | Owner of Real Valladolid (Spanish club) |
| Position (Former) | Striker |
The famous โO Fenรดmenoโ has taken on a new chapter in life after retiring from professional football. His interests now focus on business, philanthropy, and his lifelong love for sports in different ways.
Club Ownership at Real Valladolid
In 2018, Ronaldo became the majority owner of Real Valladolid, a La Liga club in Spain. His investment was around $30 million. Ronaldoโs goal with Valladolid has been to improve the clubโs infrastructure, bring in promising young players, and establish it as a stable presence in Spanish football.
Under his ownership, the club has also focused on digital engagement to grow its fanbase globally.
Philanthropic Efforts in Brazil
Ronaldoโs foundation, named Fundaรงรฃo Fenรดmenos, focuses on improving living conditions for children in Brazil. The organization prioritizes health and educational projects, aiming to support children in disadvantaged areas.
Recent initiatives include providing digital learning resources to schools in Sรฃo Paulo, a project that has reached over 10,000 students.
Personal Passions
Outside of football and business, Ronaldo enjoys golf and is a regular participant in charity golf tournaments. He often spends time in Ibiza, where he enjoys water sports and the quiet lifestyle away from the public eye.
He also had a notable association with PokerStars. In 2013, he joined Team PokerStars SportStar, marking his initial foray into the poker world.
During this period, Ronaldo participated in several high-profile tournaments, including a deep run in the 2015 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event, where he finished 26th, earning $42,180.
Ronaldinho
| Full Name | Ronaldo de Assis Moreira |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 21, 1980 |
| Current Role | Retired Footballer, Musician, and Cultural Ambassador |
| Position (Former) | Attacking Midfielder |
Ronaldinho, known for his joyful style of play, has a rich life beyond football that centers on music, social connections, and global ambassador roles.
Music Career
After retiring, Ronaldinho pursued his passion for music. He released singles in Brazilian funk and samba, which showcase his love for the sounds of his country. Heโs collaborated with popular Brazilian artists, producing music videos and performing live at events.
Music gives Ronaldinho a new stage to express his love for life and Brazilian culture, and his releases have garnered millions of views online.
Social Media and Public Appearances
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Ronaldinho is highly active on social media, where he engages with fans around the world. His posts often capture moments from his travels, performances, and personal celebrations. In addition, he frequently attends events as a guest and celebrity, especially in Latin America and Europe.
Ronaldinhoโs ongoing public presence keeps him connected with fans long after his football career.
Ambassador for Brazilian Tourism and Culture
Ronaldinho serves as an ambassador for Brazilian tourism, promoting the countryโs culture and destinations. Through various campaigns, he has represented Brazil in events aimed at boosting international tourism, particularly in Europe and Asia.
Kakรก
| Full Name | Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 22, 1982 |
| Current Role | Retired Footballer, Philanthropist |
| Position (Former) | Midfielder |
Kakรก is known for his strong Christian faith. Throughout his career, he openly credited his faith as a guiding force in his life, often celebrating with expressions of gratitude after matches.
In his post-football years, he has taken on speaking roles at faith-based events. His commitment to spirituality continues to shape his personal life, with a focus on values he considers essential.
Family and Private Life
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After retiring, Kakรก spends significant time with his family. His social media often includes moments with his children, showing a focus on quality family time.
He has remained grounded and prefers a low-profile lifestyle, staying away from intense media attention.
Philanthropy and Social Work
Kakรก is also active in charitable work. He has been involved with projects that support education, health, and community services, particularly through initiatives in Brazil.
Kakรก has been involved in charitable activities, particularly through his support of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). He has served as a WFP Ambassador Against Hunger, advocating for global food security.
Dani Alves
| Full Name | Daniel Alves da Silva |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 6, 1983 |
| Current Status | In Custody |
| Position (Former) | Right-back |
In early 2023, Dani Alves was detained in Spain following allegations of sexual assault. The case involves accusations related to an incident at a nightclub in Barcelona. Alves has remained in custody while awaiting further legal proceedings.
This development has led to widespread media attention and significant repercussions for his career.
Off-Field Interests
Before this situation, Alves was known for his love of music, fashion, and social media engagement. These interests have defined much of his public persona and allowed him to connect with fans around the world.
Rivaldo
| Full Name | Rivaldo Vรญtor Borba Ferreira |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1972 |
| Current Role | Retired Footballer, Academy Owner |
| Position (Former) | Attacking Midfielder / Forward |
Rivaldo has remained connected to football, focusing his energy on youth development and family life since his retirement.
Rivaldo runs a football academy in Brazil that trains young players. His academy combines professional coaching with educational programs, providing kids a chance to pursue football careers. Rivaldo is involved in daily operations, working directly with players and staff.
Family and Private Life
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Rivaldo dedicates a lot of time to his family. His son, Rivaldinho, also plays professionally, and Rivaldo has been closely involved in his journey.
Roberto Carlos
| Full Name | Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1973 |
| Current Role | Retired Footballer, Coach, and Ambassador |
| Position (Former) | Left-back |
Roberto Carlos keeps a busy life even after football, staying active with coaching, business, and personal hobbies.
Coaching and Mentorship
After retiring, Roberto Carlos took on coaching roles, working with young players and sharing the skills that made him a legend. Heโs worked with clubs in Turkey and Russia, where heโs shown the same discipline that defined his playing career.
Business Ventures
Roberto Carlos has made specific business moves tied to football. He has a partnership with Real Madridโs ambassador program, which involves representing the club at global events and promoting youth programs.
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Additionally, he has invested in a sports management agency that supports young talent in South America, aiming to help players transition to European leagues. Carlos also worked on a digital media project that shares exclusive football content with fans, giving insights into both current games and his own career memories.
Personal Passions
Outside of his professional commitments, Carlos enjoys golf and values time with his family. His social media often features moments from his travels and gatherings, showing a focus on life experiences that he appreciates post-retirement.
Adriano
| Full Name | Adriano Leite Ribeiro |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1982 |
| Current Role | Retired Footballer |
| Position (Former) | Striker |
Adriano, once known for his powerful shots and strength on the field, has led a complex life after football, shaped by personal struggles and a retreat from fame.
Today, Adriano lives back in Vila Cruzeiro, the neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro where he grew up. After years in European football and struggles with maintaining a disciplined career, he ended up in the place he started, among family and childhood friends.
Adriano spends most of his time here, avoiding the public spotlight, often seen around local bars and gatherings. His return is less a planned choice and more the result of a difficult journey through professional highs and personal setbacks.
Personal Struggles
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Adrianoโs career was heavily impacted by the death of his father in 2004. Following this loss, he struggled with depression and alcohol addiction, which affected his performance and led to controversies that shortened his time in professional football.
These issues continued to shape his life post-retirement, and Adrianoโs struggle to adapt became a known part of his story.
He now leads a quiet life, keeping his distance from the media and focusing on coping in a way that feels manageable to him.
Thiago Silva
| Full Name | Thiago Emiliano da Silva |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 22, 1984 |
| Current Club | Chelsea FC (Premier League) |
| Position | Defender (Center-back) |
Thiago Silva is known for prioritizing family. He is married to Isabele da Silva, and they have two sons, Iago and Isago. Silva frequently shares family moments on social media, showing his commitment to a stable family life even amid a demanding football career.
His family is often seen supporting him at games and public appearances, reflecting his close bond with them.
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Philanthropy and Social Causes
Thiago Silva has been involved in various charitable activities, particularly focusing on providing clean water to communities in need. Since 2021, he has been a member of The Spring, an initiative by charity: water, which brings clean water to an estimated 45,400 new people every month.
Marcelo
| Full Name | Marcelo Vieira da Silva Jรบnior |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 12, 1988 |
| Current Status | Free Agent |
| Position | Left-back |
Marcelo Vieira da Silva Jรบnior, commonly known as Marcelo, is a Brazilian professional footballer who recently played as a left-back for Fluminense. On November 2, 2024, Fluminense announced the mutual termination of Marcelo’s contract following a disagreement with coach Mano Menezes during a match against Grรชmio.
As of November 3, 2024, Marcelo is without a club.
Social Initiatives
Marcelo has supported initiatives focused on social justice and equality, including partnerships with organizations that provide resources to underserved communities in Brazil. He has also spoken out on social issues in Brazil, using his platform to raise awareness on matters like poverty and education.
Media and Production Ventures
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Marcelo co-founded DOZE, a media production company, which works on content related to sports and entertainment. Through this venture, he has taken on projects that allow him to create content reflecting his interests in football and culture.
The company has produced several sports-related documentaries and other digital media projects.
Last Words
These Brazilian footballers have lives that reach far beyond football. Their stories show not only their skill on the field but the passions, challenges, and choices that make them human. Each one has found different ways to stay grounded, give back, or find joy.
Football may have brought them fame, but itโs their personal journeys that truly define them.
