GOALS typically relies on generated avatars and avoids expensive licenses. However, there are a few exceptions: the “Originals,” a group that will now include Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.
Step-overs, delicate passes, powerful long-range shots—and always that smile: Ronaldinho is undoubtedly one of the most famous and iconic faces of “Joga Bonito,” the beautiful game. The Brazilian’s dribbling is just as legendary as some of his goals and his charisma.
Players will be able to experience these in GOALS in the future. As the developer studio of the same name announced on Friday, the South American magician is the second “Original” in the new soccer simulation. These “Originals” are the game’s few authentic avatars; with the exception of YouTuber “KSI,” the game has so far featured only generic pros.
“One of the most talented players in the beautiful game”
Ronaldinho is now the first lifelike player to join the game who once laced up his soccer cleats as a professional himself. This is a real highlight for GOALS and the studio, which sees the former Barça pro as the perfect partner: “GOALS was developed to reward gameplay based purely on skill, and no one embodies this spirit better than one of the most famous and talented players in the history of the beautiful game,” CEO Andreas Thorstensson is quoted as saying.
Ronaldinho, meanwhile, said he was “happy to be a part of GOALS” and is already looking forward to “seeing everyone play with me.” For him, the free-to-play title is “a special project, made for everyone, that brings back the joy of soccer. Just as it should be.” A joy he has always embodied: “The smile, the flair—that’s something I’ve always carried with me.”
Furthermore, Ronaldinho is fulfilling a self-declared wish of Thorstensson’s, which he revealed to us in an interview following the announcement. The former Counter-Strike pro wanted to integrate into GOALS “both creators with strong ties to soccer, like ‘KSI,’ and legendary former soccer players.” He has now taken the first step, which is by no means the last: “We plan to introduce new Originals on a regular basis.”