Ronaldinho once lost £500,000-a-year contract in a matter of seconds after costly error

As he spoke to reporters on that day in July 2012, then Coca-Cola ambassador Ronaldinho made a decision that would cost him a six-figure sum.

The former Barcelona forward was only days into his spell at Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro when he was plonked in front of the media for a question and answer session.

At the time, Ronaldinho was sponsored by Coca-Cola and according to reports, he was earning $760,000 [£500,000] per-year from a deal that was set to expire in 2014.

With all that in mind, his decision to sit beside two cans of Pepsi – one of Coca-Cola's main competitors – during the press conference was a defining moment in his journey with the drinks brand.

It was seen by many as harsh considering Mineiro were sponsored by Pepsi at the time, and the cans were thought to be put on tables during press conferences as procedure.

But rumours soon emerged that Ronaldinho took a sip from one of the cans during the infamous Q&A session.

Days later and Coca-Cola's marketing chief, Marcelo Pontes, told Brazilian newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo: “The fact that the player has appeared with a can of Pepsi was the straw that broke the camel’s back."

He added: “The sponsorship had become embarrassing.”

Coca-Cola also released a statement on the incident, saying: “Coca-Cola recognises the career and value of Ronaldinho. However due to recent developments it has become impossible to continue the partnership.”

Image credit: Getty

At the time, Dinho' had just left Flamengo after suing the club for unpaid wages and bonuses but the Brazilian side hit back with claims that he was unprofessional and showed a lack of commitment during his time at the Maracanã.

He was also accused of drinking too much, being lazy in training sessions and going out to nightclubs too often.

The 2002 World Cup winner went on to make over 50 appearances for Mineiro during a two-year stint at the club. He then then joined Mexican side Querétaro before finishing his career at Fluminense.