By Songu Michael.
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho emerged from retirement on Sunday to participate in a charity match aimed at raising funds for those impacted by the catastrophic flooding in the southern part of the country.
Ronaldinho scored two goals and provided an assist in the 5-5 draw that took place at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium. Hailing from the Rio Grande do Sul state in Brazil, Ronaldinho witnessed the aftermath of the unprecedented floods that resulted in the death of over 160 individuals and the submersion of 90 percent of the region’s towns.
Several prominent Brazilian football figures, including coach Dorival Junior and former right-back Cafu, joined forces for the charitable event on Sunday. Ronaldinho expressed his gratitude by stating, “It is heartwarming to witness the collective effort to aid my fellow citizens.”Meanwhile, Junior remarked, “In the wake of this indescribable tragedy, we observe the Brazilian populace coming together once more.”
Ronaldinho, aged 44, contributed greatly to his team’s performance by scoring the fourth and fifth goals, while Cafu also showcased his skills with a goal and an assist. The spectators honored Ronaldinho with a standing ovation as he exited the field with 15 minutes remaining.
The match featured female athletes as well, including Formiga. Both urban and rural areas in the Rio Grande do Sul have been severely affected by the ongoing climate catastrophe characterized by heavy rains and fatal flooding. With over half a million individuals displaced from their residences, authorities struggle to comprehend the full extent of the destruction. In Porto Alegre, the state capital, floodwaters surged once again due to recent rainfall.
The recent floods represent the fourth extreme weather occurrence in the region within a year, a trend attributed to climate change and rampant deforestation by scientists. Governor Eduardo Leite disclosed to TV Globo on Saturday evening that the reconstruction process could endure “several months, or even more than a year.”
