Luca Brecel Draws Inspiration from Football Icon Ronaldinho Ahead of World Snooker Championship
As the World Snooker Championship gets underway, Belgian player Luca Brecel has drawn comparisons between himself and football icon Ronaldinho, citing the Brazilian’s carefree approach to the beautiful game as an inspiration for his own approach to snooker.
According to a report by TNT Sports, Brecel, who won the world title two years ago, begins his latest attempt to claim the championship at the Crucible on Wednesday, starting with a first-round match against Ryan Day.
Brecel, known for his flamboyant character both on and off the table, has been open about his partying lifestyle during his 2023 run to Crucible glory. Despite some pundits questioning his commitment to the sport, the 30-year-old insists that he is not driven by a desire to win tournaments.
"I just don’t really think a lot about winning tournaments and stuff like that," Brecel told Midnite, as reported by TNT Sports. "I just like playing the game. I’m more of a Ronaldinho type of player in snooker, so it’s all about just entertaining and fun! And also having a nice life around it, that’s more important to me! So yeah, no pressure."
Ronaldinho, a modern great of football, played for several top clubs, including Barcelona, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, and helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup. Brecel, who has also been involved in triathlon training, produced a remarkable set of performances to claim World Championship glory two years ago, coming from behind to beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in the quarter-finals and recovering from 14-5 down to beat Si Jiahui in the semi-finals.
As TNT Sports reports, Brecel’s approach to the game has led some to question his chances of repeating his success this spring. However, the Belgian insists that he feels under no pressure heading into the tournament.
"I’ve not really thought about the possibility of winning a second world title," Brecel added. "I’m not that interested in it. If it happens it happens, but if it doesn’t, then it’s all good. I’m always going to be an outsider. If I play well, then anything can happen, you know, but I can also lose easily in the first round. That’s just my game because I play really attacking, but if it works then I can win it."
Brecel will look to build on his experience as a past winner, but he also believes that he has less pressure on his shoulders this time around. As TNT Sports notes, he will face a tough challenge in the tournament, but he is confident in his abilities.
The 2025 World Championship is being broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Fans can tune in to watch Brecel and other top players in action as they battle for the championship title.
In conclusion, Brecel’s unique approach to snooker, inspired by his idol Ronaldinho, will be on full display at the World Snooker Championship. As reported by TNT Sports, the Belgian player’s carefree attitude and attacking style of play make him a fascinating player to watch, and fans will be eagerly anticipating his first-round match against Ryan Day.
