Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho has ignited speculation about an official meme coin after warning fans against fraudulent tokens. On February 28, the star tweeted, “Stay tuned for big news,” while cautioning followers about unauthorised coins using his name. His post arrives as meme coins face declining popularity yet remain a dominant crypto sector.
Meanwhile, crypto analyst Michael van de Poppe criticised the move, urging Ronaldinho to prioritise investor safety over profit. “Protect retail users instead of launching a coin,” he tweeted. Despite scepticism, excitement brews among fans awaiting details.
Risks of Celebrity Meme Coins
Celebrity-backed tokens frequently face accusations of scams and market manipulation. For instance, Donald Trump’s $TRUMP coin plummeted 77% after peaking at $75, while Javier Milei’s $LIBRA collapsed 89%. Research reveals 97% of meme coins fail, with 76% losing 90% of their value within three months.
Additionally, hackers recently impersonated Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince to promote fake coins. Such incidents highlight rampant risks in the sector. The U.S. SEC clarified that meme coins aren’t securities, offering limited regulatory relief.
Historical Data Shows Celebrity Tokens Often Fail
Data underscores the perilous track record of influencer-driven projects. Of 1.7 million meme coins, only 15 survived long-term. Tokens tied to Iggy Azalea and Andrew Tate also crashed spectacularly. Pump.fun traders report over 60% losses, reinforcing their volatility
Moreover, fake “Ronaldinho” coins like $ELASTICO and $R10 on Solana exhibit red flags: fewer than five holders and 79% developer-controlled supply. These mimic patterns of past scams, urging extreme caution.
Crypto Community Reacts With Skepticism
Industry leaders echo doubts about celebrity coins. Binance’s ex-CEO Changpeng Zhao condemned them as “lacking utility,” while users on X label such projects “cash grabs.” One commenter warned Ronaldinho’s partners might exploit his fame, leaving investors bankrupt.
Nevertheless, defenders argue meme coins reflect crypto culture, driving engagement. Despite this, Van de Poppe’s retort resonates: “Buy Bitcoin instead of launching a token.”
How to Spot Fake Ronaldinho Meme Coins
Ronaldinho’s warning highlights key markers of fraudulent tokens. Unauthorised coins like $R10 show 100% supply held by top wallets, minimal holders, and no official social media links. Always verify announcements via his verified X account (@10Ronaldinho).
Furthermore, avoid tokens launched without whitepapers or audits. Rug pulls often target impatient investors, so cross-check claims across multiple platforms. Until Ronaldinho shares a “meme ID,” assume all existing coins are scams.
What’s Next for Ronaldinho’s Crypto Plans?
The footballer’s “big news” teaser suggests an official coin may drop soon. If launched, it will likely debut on Solana-based platforms like Raydium or Pump.fun, following trends set by $TRUMP. However, presale details and tokenomics remain undisclosed.
Meanwhile, enthusiasts must monitor Ronaldinho’s X account for updates. Analysts advise waiting for verified contract addresses before investing. Given market fatigue post-Milei and Trump crashes, skepticism will shadow any launch.
Proceed With Caution
Ronaldinho’s crypto venture straddles hype and hazard. While legitimate projects could leverage his global fame, history warns of probable pitfalls. Until official channels confirm specifics, treat all “Ronaldinho coins” as high-risk. As the SEC watches silently, the burden falls on investors to navigate this speculative arena wisely.
Written By Fazal Ul Vahab C H
