Can Ronaldinho make it to SA?

The FIFA World Player of the Year 2004 & 2005, Ronaldinho, is out of favour with Brazil manager Dunga, but a renaissance in the Brazilian attacking midfielders form might mean we could still see his trademark smile next summer in South Africa.

Ronaldinho's last cap for the five-times World Champions is from April 2009. The player, who once was the biggest star of the star-studded team, has fallen out of favour due to his form in these few past years, but since his fellow countryman Leonardo took over at his club, AC Milan, his form has started to improve. This has lead to believe his could still make the plane for the World Cup.

Lately in Brazil there's always been controversial characters in the team. Ronaldo and Adriano are both wonderful football players, but have found that partying and such are more important at times. Ronaldo hasn't played for Brazil ever since Dunga took over. Adriano, after even the country's president plead for him to be selected, finally made his come-back this September. Ronaldo has expressed his desire to be part of what would be his 5th World Cup, but also admitted that he's basically too fat for that to happen. “I will confess, I’m fat. Television adds three kilos to your waistline. Here I have five cameras on me. Imagine, three kilos per camera”, he's joked. Adriano, since joining Flamengo this season, has started to improve his form, his goals speak for himself (19 in 28 games), and while he still looks out of shape, he's certainly in the frame for the finals squad.

I feel a lot of Ronaldinho's future for Brazil will depend on how AC Milan fares this season in all competitions. After Kaká left for Real Madrid, his senior countryman has come to life, but there's still a long road to go to regain Dunga's trust. Ronaldinho really let down the whole country by getting mixed in the finer things of life and Dunga, who himself was a very intelligent and modest player, might feel that Ronaldinho's past success isn't important anymore. Dunga has gone on record saying: "The national team is not only about skill anymore, it's about competitiveness and commitment."

There might even be a big role to play for Leonardo. The two were part of the USA 1994 success and no doubt been through thick and thin, so maybe there's chance Leonardo could convince his 6 years senior countryman, to take the one time untouchable player to the World Cup 2010. Ronaldinho's recent from has shown that he certainly would be worthy of the place.

Here's a reminder of how wonderful player he can be: