Exciting Times in Greenville: Ronaldinho Joins Local Soccer Ownership Group
Greenville is buzzing with excitement as soccer legend Ronaldinho has officially joined the ownership group of the Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty. This announcement came on October 9, when the former professional player rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, a moment that aligned perfectly with International Day.
A New Chapter for Ronaldinho
For those who might not know, Ronaldinho, whose full name is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His journey kicked off in Brazil, and by the young age of 20, he transitioned to Europe to dazzle fans in Paris and Barcelona. It was there he won the coveted FIFA World Player of the Year award in both 2004 and 2005. After a rich international career that included lifting the 2002 FIFA World Cup trophy with Brazil, Ronaldinho hung up his boots in 2018.
Joining the Triumph Family
As he joins the Triumph family, chairman Joe Erwin expressed heartfelt enthusiasm. “We are honored to welcome Ronaldinho into the Triumph family,” Erwin said. “His influence in the sport is unmatched, and his presence within our ownership group speaks volumes about the direction we are heading as a club.”
Ronaldinho himself is quite impressed by the dedication the team shows towards fostering youth play and the competitive excellence of both the professional Triumph team and their pre-professional Liberty team. “For me and our group, this is an opportunity to support soccer’s growth at all ages and levels,” Ronaldinho stated. It’s evident that he sees joining the Triumph as a chance to connect with a community that values diversity and international culture.
Strengthening Community Ties
This initiative was made possible thanks to Wallace Cheves, a member of the six-year-old ownership group. Cheves highlighted the significance of Ronaldinho’s addition and how it’s a reflection of their commitment to advancing soccer in the Upstate region. With the upcoming 2026 World Cup set to take place partially in Atlanta, it can be expected that this will further enhance interest in soccer within the community.
Roberto de Assis, Ronaldinho’s brother and business partner, shared his delight about the Greenville area’s vibrant inclusivity, particularly its proximity to Atlanta, making it a key region for the sport’s expansion in the U.S.
Tree Planting Initiative in Greenville
In addition to the exciting soccer news, Greenville is also making strides in environmental efforts. TreesUpstate recently received a grant from TD Bank to plant 30 trees in the Dixie Estates area of the Gantt neighborhood. This initiative aims to enhance green spaces in neighborhoods that might lack resources. The program, which has helped plant over 18,000 trees since 2011, collaborates with the Arbor Day Foundation to create urban forests.
Evangeline Costa, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at TreesUpstate, mentioned how some communities along the White Horse Road could benefit from additional tree coverage, particularly to combat summer heat and reduce utility costs.
Investing in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Greenville isn’t stopping at environmental beautification; there is also a focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Flywheel Greenville is hosting an event on October 23 that will connect business owners with local funding resources and SBA partners. This “speed dating” format aims to help entrepreneurs pitch their ideas in a supportive environment, facilitating growth and expansion.
In line with supporting the community, there’s an upcoming Halloween event at Heritage Park on October 26, sponsored by Upstate Karate and the Simpsonville Chamber of Commerce. This fun-filled day promises inflatables, face painting, and plenty of free candy for kids.
With so much happening in Greenville, it’s clear that the city is not only embracing international sports icons like Ronaldinho but also committed to enriching its community through environmental efforts and supportive entrepreneurial initiatives. The future looks bright in the Upstate, and residents are sure to feel the positive energy of these developments for years to come.
