Even Brazilian soccer legends cannot resist a good shawarma when visiting the Greater Toronto Area. Ronaldinho, the two-time FIFA Player of the Year and World Cup winner, was spotted in Mississauga on Thursday evening enjoying the popular Middle Eastern dish.
The 46-year-old pulled up to Sumaq Shawarma in Ridgeway Plaza, located at Eglinton Avenue West and Ninth Line, where a large crowd gathered to greet him. He graciously met fans with handshakes and a few hugs.
In a video posted on TikTok by torontofoodguide, Ronaldinho is seen eating shawarma and giving his approval. “Very good,” he said between bites.
Ronaldinho in Toronto for Living Legends Match
Ronaldinho is in Toronto to participate in the Living Legends Match at BMO Field on Friday night. Earlier in the day, he spoke to the media at Lamport Stadium, expressing his excitement about playing in the city for the first time.
“It’s a pleasure to be here,” Ronaldinho said. “It will be good to play with the Brazilian jersey again and to play in the stadium where the World Cup is going to be held.”
He added, “I’ve played in many cities around the world, but this will be my first time playing in Toronto. I’ve heard a lot about the passion for football here, especially with the World Cup coming soon, so I’m excited to experience the energy of the fans and to share a special night of football with them.”
Match Details and Participants
Friday’s game will feature Ronaldinho alongside teammates including Adriano, Emerson, and Maicon. The opposing team will consist of former Toronto FC stars such as Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore, Dwayne De Rosario, and Julian de Guzman.
Ronaldinho’s Legacy
Ronaldinho is widely regarded as one of the most skilled players in soccer history. He began his professional career with Gremio in Brazil in 1998 before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2001. He rose to superstardom at Barcelona, scoring 94 goals in 207 games over five seasons, then moved to AC Milan. He returned to Brazil in 2011 and played five more years, including a brief stint in Mexico, before retiring.
