After the departure of Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero, the A-League has fallen behind the likes of the MLS and the Asian Leagues when it comes to star international players.
However, one player looks finally set to bring global attention back to the game in Australia.
His name is, of course, Ronaldinho.
The former world footballer of the year has been linked with a move to Australia on several occasions, but thanks to a rather unlikely bidder this transfer finally looks a legitimate possibility.
It remains to be seen which A-League club tickles the Brazilian’s fancy, but for the time being he is reportedly set to feature for the Wollongong Wolves in their FFA Cup clash against Sydney FC on August 10.
Ronaldinho has won almost everything there is to win as a footballer, both in regards to team honours and individual accolades, but apparently the former World Cup and Champions League winner wants to add an FFA Cup, A-League trophy or a perhaps a Johnny Warren Medal to his list of honours.
His agent, who is also his brother, has already received an offer from the Wolves, who are undoubtedly undertaking this audacious transfer in an attempt to further prove to the FFA that they are worthy of a spot in the A-League.
Wollongong have long desired a return to Australia’s top-flight competition, and signing Ronaldinho – even for a guest stint – would surely aid their attempt.
Ronaldinho gracing pitches Down Under would potentially be the greatest thing to ever happen to Australian football, as few active players can rival the Brazilian’s resume.
There is one significant obstacle impeding this deal from being finalised: his wage demands, which have up until now proven too expensive for any Aussie football club.
Be it a one-off FFA Cup appearance or a season-long stint in the A-League, it would be a pleasure to see Ronaldinho dazzle the Australian public with his skills and that ever-present smile.
And what a way this would be for Wollongong to announce themselves to the world of professional football!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
"lazier than Del Piero". You sure know your football :(
Mark
Guest
If Victory signed him I would hand back my membership. I'm not joking. These days he walks around waiting for teammates to earn free kicks or penalties. I'm showing him as much respect as he is showing us. Zero. The A-League is nothing but a potential pay cheque to him. He would be a leech on the league.
Nicholas De Pasquale
Roar Pro
"This guy"... You need roshes more respect towards Ronaldinho as I'm sure if we're signed by an Australian club you would get amongst the hype like everyone else. Signing him would be great in every sense both in regards to marketing and football as he plays with flair through pure natural talent something that is hard to find here
Nicholas De Pasquale
Roar Pro
I seriously think they do have a chance with or without Ronaldinho. If he was to play his presence could have a real impact on how the wolves play and may unnerve Sydney fc
haha
Guest
LOL, he's going to be even lazier than Del Piero. When is Maradona coming? ')
Mark
Guest
Since the Chinese Super League has enough money to afford Brazilian players in their prime, they have absolutely no use whatsoever for this guy.
JR Salazar
Guest
I would have rather seen this guy in the Chinese Super League, but good for the Wolves I reckon.
Lionheart
Guest
He's more suited to the Indian Premier League. But please, oh please, do not bring him to the A League. NPL? sure, if you want, but not the A League. Please.
Josh
Guest
This will get all of Wollongong talking, the FFA has to give them the next spot in the A League it just has to happen.
MatthewSkellett
Guest
Well if Ronaldihno helps the Wollongong Wolves beat Syd FC then I'm all for it ;-)
pauly
Guest
Now come on, I'm sure Ronaldinho would be a VALUABLE addition to domestic football..... helping Wolves achieve glory in the NPLNSW!
Mark
Guest
"Ronaldinho gracing pitches Down Under would potentially be the greatest thing to ever happen to Australian football, as few active players can rival the Brazilian’s resume." I could not disagree more strongly. It would make our league a laughing stock, a retirement league for washed up, late 30's players looking for a pay day wherever they can find one. Of course, the people who would attend matches because of him could not care less. They don't care about the A-League. They are the shameless eurosnobs who would stop watching once he flies home. Describing him as 'active' is a stretch. It would have to be close to five years since he got up to a sprint on a football pitch. These days he waddles around playing futsal or one-off matches where there is zero expectation that he will break a sweat. He would be a total liability for any A-League club that signed him, they would effectively be playing with 10 men on the pitch. As a football nation, we should learnt the folly of thinking that we need to sign players like him, whatever the cost, to make us relevant. I hope we don't waste one cent on him. If someone does, then hopefully it's only a one-off. If an A-League club signs him up for the season, the best thing for the credibility of the league would be for him to be a total flop and leave early. If Wollongong think that they need to sign him to drum up interest for their FFA Cup game, there isn't enough genuine interest there to deserve an A-League team.
Vance Abreu
Roar Rookie
Good article mate. Do you think Wollongong will have a great chance to beat Sydney if they were able to pull this off?