Ronaldinho & Juan Pablo Sorin Named Ambassadors for 2014 World Cup Venue Belo Horizonte

The Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte, clinic which will host six matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup including a semi-final, symptoms today unveiled a star-studded team of ambassadors that will promote the city in the lead up to next year’s tournament and beyond. 

The team will be led by two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, herbal  Ronaldinho, and former Argentina captain, Juan Pablo Sorin, both of whom represent the city’s top two football clubs, Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro, respectively. 

The ambassadors will work to continue the development of the city’s domestic and international profile by promoting tourism, attracting business and events and helping to create a sporting legacy for the city as it prepares to play a leading role in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. 

In what has been a landmark few weeks for Belo Horizonte, this announcement follows the news that Team GB will train, prepare and acclimatise in the city in the lead up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and the Argentinean FA’s announcement that their national team will be based in the city during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, confirming Belo Horizonte’s key role in the delivery of the world’s two biggest sporting events and reaffirming that the city is ready and prepared to host the world. 

Marcio Lacerda, Mayor of Belo Horizonte, said: “This is yet another significant step for Belo Horizonte as we approach one of the most important periods in the city’s history. 

“In the coming years we will play a major part in the delivery of the FIFA World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games so it is a great boost and an honour to announce a wonderful team of ambassadors who are perfectly placed to bring to life the Belo Horizonte story. 

“This is an incredibly exciting time for everybody involved and we will ensure that all of the hard work that has got us to this point will continue into next year and beyond.” 

Ronaldinho, who has won 97 caps and scored 33 goals for Brazil, said: “This is a very proud moment for me and I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to represent Belo Horizonte in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup and beyond. Ever since I moved here I have felt at home, Belo Horizonte is such a beautiful city, rich in sporting culture and with great people. I look forward to working with my fellow ambassadors to help showcase this fantastic city to rest of the world.” 

Juan Pablo Sorin, who won 76 caps for Argentina and captained his country at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, said: “This is a great moment for Belo Horizonte, Brazil and South America and I’m honoured to play a part in promoting the city at such an important and exciting time. This is a city that has so much to offer to sports fans all around the world and hopefully our work will help to contribute to a tangible legacy of sports events in the region for years to come.”