What Brazilian Footballers Do Off the Field
What Brazilian Footballers Do Off the Field

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 Júnior
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

Neymar and Piqué playing poker
Neymar and Piqué playing poker/YouTube Screenshot/PokerStars

Poker is one of Neymar’s 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.

Moreover, even though he is mostly known for spending time at the table, and playing games in “live”, Neymar, along with many other popular figures is using online platforms even more frequently.

That is especially common during the off-season when they enjoy their free time in popular places around the world. The main advantage is. for example, you can lay on a beautiful beach in Australia, and try your luck with pokies or some other game on a platform like ausscasinosanalyzer.com.

No need to wear fancy clothes and travel around too much when you can try your luck on a phone.

Music and Celebration

Music holds a big place in Neymar’s 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 Nazário (The “Real” One)

Full Name Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima
Date of Birth September 18, 1976
Current Role Owner of Real Valladolid (Spanish club)
Position (Former) Striker

The famous “O Fenômeno” 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

Ronaldo, owner of Real Valladolid
Ronaldo, owner of Real Valladolid/YouTube Screenshot/DAZN Canada

In 2018, Ronaldo became the majority owner of Real Valladolid, a La Liga club in Spain. His investment was around $30 million. Ronaldo’s goal with Valladolid has been to improve the club’s 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

Ronaldo’s foundation, named Fundação Fenômenos, 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 São Paulo, a project that has reached over 10,000 students.

Personal Passions

Ronaldo participating in a poker tournament
He is known for his bluffing/YouTube Screenshot/PokerStars

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

Ronaldinho at a photoshoot
Well-known smile/YouTube Screenshot/Unisport
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. He’s 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

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.

Ronaldinho’s 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 country’s culture and destinations. Through various campaigns, he has represented Brazil in events aimed at boosting international tourism, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Kaká

Full Name Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite
Date of Birth April 22, 1982
Current Role Retired Footballer, Philanthropist
Position (Former) Midfielder

Kaká 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, Kaká 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

Kaká is also active in charitable work. He has been involved with projects that support education, health, and community services, particularly through initiatives in Brazil.

Kaká 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

Dani Alves in the courtroom
Dani Alves on trial for sexual assault/YouTube Screenshot/INSIDE FOOTBALL
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

Rivaldo in a Milan jersey during a Champions League match
He won the Ballon d’Or in 1999/YouTube Screenshot/Lens on champions
Full Name Rivaldo Vítor 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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A post shared by Rivaldo Ferreira (@rivaldo)

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

Roberto Carlos as the coach on the bench of Delhi Dynamos
Roberto Carlos was the coach of Delhi Dynamos/YouTube Screenshot/Football24

After retiring, Roberto Carlos took on coaching roles, working with young players and sharing the skills that made him a legend. He’s worked with clubs in Turkey and Russia, where he’s 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 Madrid’s 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

Adriano in an interview
Adriano in an interview/YouTube Screenshot/Inter
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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A post shared by Adriano imperador (@adrianoimperador)

Adriano’s 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 Adriano’s 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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A post shared by Thiago Silva (@thiagosilva)

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

Marcelo during his time at Real Madrid
Marcelo during his time at Real Madrid/YouTube Screenshot/Real Madrid
Full Name Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior
Date of Birth May 12, 1988
Current Status Free Agent
Position Left-back

Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, 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 Grêmio.

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 it’s their personal journeys that truly define them.

Miloš Nikolovski
Driven by a curiosity to share the full essence of Brazil, I write to connect readers with practical travel advice, fascinating facts, and all the unique qualities that make Brazil what it is. My insights come from firsthand experiences and genuine conversations with locals, aiming to help people see the country for what it really is, whether they're planning to visit or just curious. Beyond travel basics, I dig into traditional Brazilian food, upcoming events, the latest news, and every other detail that reflects the soul of Brazil. Each piece of writing brings out something real—from classic dishes that define local cuisine to current events shaping life here, to celebrations that are woven into the culture. My goal is to offer a clear, unfiltered view of Brazil, helping people connect with its real story before they even arrive.