Charles Oliveira has shared the Brazilian football legends who inspired him on his path to becoming a UFC champion.
The former lightweight champion grew up in Sao Paulo, watching football as a child before fully committing to martial arts.
With his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 326 approaching, ‘Do Bronx’ reflected on the players he admired and how their achievements fueled his passion as an athlete.
Charles Oliveira cites Ronaldo and Ronaldinho as his inspirations
Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
In an interview with Daniel Cormier before UFC 326, Oliveira discussed the football stars who inspired him during his childhood.
The 36-year-old named several legends who were prominent on the national team at that time.
Oliveira stated, “Ronaldo, Ronaldinho… those were the players showcasing great football, representing Brazil when I was growing up. Kaka and Pele were also significant figures we admired.”
These athletes were part of a celebrated era for Brazilian football. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho were instrumental in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup win, while Kaka was a budding talent on the bench for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad.
Meanwhile, three-time World Cup winner Pele is often regarded as the greatest Brazilian athlete, and many consider him the real GOAT of football.
Charles Oliveira creates his ‘ultimate Brazilian footballer’
Oliveira recently participated in a challenge with TNT Sports, where he crafted his ‘Ultimate Brazilian Footballer’ by combining qualities from famous players.
He chose Ronaldo for the right foot, Ronaldinho for the left foot and overall skills, Neymar for first touch, and Marcelo for speed. Hulk was picked for strength, while Oliveira selected former Corinthians goalkeeper Ronaldo Giovanelli to represent passion.