Masters of Joga Bonito: Shubman Gill poses for a picture with Brazil legend Ronaldinho at FIFA World Cup 2026
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Masters of Joga Bonito: Shubman Gill poses for a picture with Brazil legend Ronaldinho at FIFA World Cup 2026 originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- India's ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill met Brazil football legend Ronaldinho on the sidelines of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Gill shared a photo of the duo on social media with the caption 'Masters of Joga Bonito.'
- It came with Gill in red-hot form and Ronaldinho plotting a surprise return to professional football.
Shubman Gill poses for a picture with Brazil legend Ronaldinho
Cricket and football collided in the most stylish way imaginable this week. India captain Shubman Gill, in the United States during the FIFA World Cup, crossed paths with one of football's greatest entertainers in Brazilian icon Ronaldinho, sparking joy among fans of both sports.
Gill marked the encounter with a photograph shared on social media, the two stars beaming side by side amid the tournament atmosphere. The India skipper captioned the image "Masters of Joga Bonito," a fitting nod to two artists who have lit up their respective games with flair.
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The phrase, Portuguese for the beautiful game, has long been associated with Brazilian football and with Ronaldinho in particular. Applying it to himself, Gill drew a playful parallel between Ronaldinho's mesmerising footwork and his own elegant, eye-catching strokeplay at the crease.
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Two artists of their sports
Few footballers have ever embodied the beautiful game like Ronaldinho. The 2002 World Cup winner and former Barcelona genius dazzled the world with his trickery, no-look passes, and infectious smile, becoming one of the most beloved entertainers the sport has ever produced. This eventually led to him winning the coveted Ballon d'Or in 2005 while leading Barcelona to the 2006 Champions League.
Gill, meanwhile, has earned a reputation as one of cricket's most aesthetically pleasing batters. His effortless timing and graceful drives have made him a modern favourite, so the comparison to a footballing magician felt entirely natural to supporters who admire his work.
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Ronaldinho plots a comeback
Ronaldinho has been a familiar face throughout the World Cup, regularly turning up to cheer on Brazil. The meeting came amid stunning news of his return to the game, with the 46-year-old signing for Italian Serie C side Ravenna, more than a decade after his last professional appearance.
The Brazilian could not hide his excitement. "New colours, same smile. I cannot wait to be able to dance on the ball again," Ronaldinho said, adding, "Football has always been a source of joy for me, I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna."
Gill arrived at the tournament riding a wave of personal success. He recently led India to a 3-0 ODI series sweep of Afghanistan, his first series win as a one-day captain, and was named Player of the Series after piling up 232 runs in just two innings.
That run included a brilliant top score of 154 and saw him surge past both 3,000 ODI runs and 7,000 international runs. With the bat flowing and a footballing legend by his side, Gill's American trip has delivered a memorable off-field highlight to savour.
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