Ronaldinho’s Return to Crypto

Football legend Ronaldinho‘s recent call for crypto to “go mainstream” has sparked heated debate. While some see it as a positive sign for adoption, others remain wary due to his controversial crypto past.

A Tarnished Image
On-chain investigator ZachXBT questioned Ronaldinho’s motives, citing his promotion of multiple projects (World Cup Inu, Atari Chain, Lord Society NFT, Baby Doge) which some consider pump-and-dump schemes.
The biggest red flag, however, is the “18kRonaldinho” scandal. This alleged $61 million pyramid scheme falsely promised daily crypto returns using Ronaldinho’s image. Though he denied involvement in court, the incident left a mark on his crypto credibility.

Celebrities & Crypto: A Double-Edged Sword
Ronaldinho isn’t the only celebrity dabbling in crypto. Musicians like Eminem and Snoop Dogg have explored NFTs, while athletes like Conor McGregor have partnered with crypto platforms. Stars like Maria Sharapova are also showing interest.
However, the recent meme coin craze where celebrities like Caitlyn Jenner and Davido promoted volatile tokens that crashed quickly highlights the potential pitfalls.

The Road Ahead
While Ronaldinho’s intentions remain unclear, his return to the crypto space warns of the delicate relationship between celebrity endorsements and a nascent industry. As crypto seeks mainstream adoption, responsible endorsements and robust safeguards will be crucial to ensure investor protection and long-term success.