Former World Footballer of the Year, Ronaldinho has set his sights on a new career after announcing his intentions to stand in the Brazilian general elections scheduled to hold in October this year.

The ex-Barcelona and Brazilian playmaker who turned 38 on Wednesday, will contest under the platform of the Brazilian Republican Party (PRB), a political group with strong right-leaning tendencies.

This is the second time that Ronaldinho, who first stunned the world while playing for French Ligue 1 side, Paris Saint Germain has been linked with a right-wing group, having previously aligned himself with populist presidential candidate, Jair Bolsonaro.

The PRB says bringing on board a name that carries such weight and wide acceptance as Ronaldinho’s which resonates in the hearts of many Brazilians would strengthen their position ahead of the October polls.

During Ronaldinho’s unveiling ceremony, the Federal Deputy of the PRB, Carlos Gomes highlighted the arrival of the soccer icon as a possible turning point since the existence of the party.

“I want to mention the happiness of being here at this historic moment for the PRB. This PRB number 10 shirt will fit you like a glove,” Gomes said.

Ronaldinho’s journey into the political terrain is coming barely days after another Brazilian World Cup winner, Romario announced his intention to contest the position of the Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro this year during an event held at the Clube Municipal in the northern Rio neighbourhood of Tijuca.

The first round of voting in Brazil’s election is set to be held on October 7 with a second round slated for October 28 if necessary.

This will be one of the most crucial votes in Brazil’s democratic history, after the country was plunged into economic and political turmoil, aided by the financial strains of hosting the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics which are widely believed to have taken the country’s finances close to breaking points.