Golden balls! Ronaldo stars in shimmering Carnival parade in Sao Paulo.

                    

Proving he's still the golden child of Brazilian football years after retirement Ronaldo was the focal point of Carnival celebrations in his home country on Saturday.
In a nod to the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, a major samba-school founded by fans of Corinthians made the legendary striker the theme of their elaborate parade in Sao Paulo.

Dressed in an all-gold suit, shirt and tie the 2002 World Cup winner was the star attraction as he stood atop a float with scantily-clad female bodyguards, as well as his mother Sonia and father Nelio.

Icon: Ronaldo is the theme of an elaborate Carnival parade through the streets of Sao Paulo

                    

Superstar: The Brazil legend was the star attraction on his own float amid hundreds of dancers

                    

Golden balls: The Ronaldo parade was the creation of the Gavioes da Fiel samba school

              

               

 Celebration: Gold-clad dancers from the samba school, which was founded by fans of Corinthians, perform

                             

Taking flight: The elaborate costume of a dancer in the Sambadrome includes stuffed toys holding a football

 

 

The Gavioes da Fiel samba school chose to honour the Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan sensation - who played the last two years of his career at Corinthians from 2009 to 2011 - as an icon of their nation's football exploits.
His career was represented from his childhood through to his global achievements, as a little bird ready to take flight to a fully-fledged superstar, while hundreds of colourfully attired performers danced their way through Sao Paulo's business district.
Ronaldo holds the record for most goals scored in World Cups with 15, including eight in the 2002 tournament when Brazil won the last of its five titles.

                         

Fans: 75,000 revellers pack into the Sambadrome, the same number that will see the World Cup final live

                         

Honoured: A winged representation of Ronaldo features on this large football-themed float

                  

                  

Festivities: Millions of revellers take part in Carnival, the event dubbed  'the greatest show on Earth'

                   

Proud son: Ronaldo gives his mother Sonia a kiss as they take part in the annual Carnival parade

                  

Legend's dad: Ronaldo's father Nelio Nazario waves to the crowd as his son Ronaldo is honoured

The 37-year-old is one of six ambassadors for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, alongside Amarildo, Bebeto, Carlos Alberto Torres, Marta and Mario Zagallo.
The Cup kicks off in Sao Paulo on June 12 when the hosts take on Croatia at the Arena Corinthians.

                  

Host: Performers in the Sambadrome in Sao Paulo, which will host the first game of the World Cup on June 12

                  

Stadium show: The Gavioes da Fiel samba school's hard work gets the plaudits of the crowd

 

posted by Emanto Ngaloru  March 5, 2014.