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Coca-Cola decided to terminate the contract signed with the soccer star in November 2011, while he was still playing for Flamengo. His new club is Atlético MG

The brief relationship between Coca-Cola and Ronaldinho Gaúcho came to an end after eight months. The leading cola brand decided to terminate the contract signed with the soccer star in November 2011, while he was still playing for Flamengo. As a result of the termination, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, who was on the 2002 FIFA World Cup winning squad, will no longer receive about US$750,000 per month. The agreement was valid until the 2014 World Cup.

In a statement, Coca-Cola, which does not disclose any amounts, said that it recognized the career and the value of Ronaldinho. However, it has become “impossible to continue the partnership” due to “a significant alteration in the conditions under which the partnership was established.”

The “significant alteration” mentioned by the company is related to the fact that the player has recently changed clubs. In fact, his new club, Atlético MG is sponsored by Coca-Cola’s main competitor, Pepsi. During an introductory news conference with Atlético MG, Ronaldinho Gaúcho was sitting at a table on which there were Pepsi cans.
Ronaldinho left Flamengo in late May and sued the club for unpaid wages and amounts connected to image rights.