**‘Ronaldinho of Snooker’ Flies by Private Jet to Crucible Despite Losing Millions**
Luca Brecel, the man who captured the world’s imagination with his fearless snooker and infectious charisma, is once again making headlines for his flashy lifestyle choices. The 2023 World Snooker Champion has confirmed he’s travelling to this year’s World Championship at the Crucible in a private jet—a display of extravagance made all the more astonishing by his recent admission that he’s no longer a millionaire after plunging his winnings into a series of luxury purchases.
The 30-year-old Belgian, nicknamed the ‘Ronaldinho of Snooker’ for his audacious, entertainment-first approach to the sport, is as well known for his off-table exploits as for his exploits with cue in hand. Having pocketed a staggering £500,000 for his World Championship victory two years ago, Brecel’s subsequent lifestyle choices and social media updates have offered fans and critics alike plenty to talk about.
Brecel kicked off his 2025 campaign with a resilient first-round win against Ryan Day, a result which initially took him back to Belgium. There, he sparked a social media frenzy by announcing on Instagram that he was hopping back to Sheffield—home of the Crucible—via private jet. In a particularly unconventional twist, Brecel even extended an open invitation to his Belgian fans, posting, “I’ve got a private jet booked to Sheffield tomorrow at 15:00, anyone from Belgium wants to join? DM me.”
His 2023 World Championship run will live long in memory, not merely for his defeat of icons like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Selby, but also for the cavalier spirit that saw him become the first mainland European to lift snooker’s most coveted trophy. Brecel’s comeback against Si Jiahui, in which he won 11 consecutive frames, remains one of the sport’s great stories.
However, just as striking has been his penchant for high-octane living away from the baize. In the immediate aftermath of his world triumph, Brecel went on a remarkable spending spree. Among his purchases: a Ferrari 488, a BMW M4, a Range Rover Sport, and a Porsche Taycan gifted to his partner Laura Vanoverberghe. “I bought two more cars this week, so I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire,” Brecel admitted last year—openly acknowledging that he missed the hunger that came with chasing his first big success.
Not surprisingly, such a whirlwind few months took a toll on Brecel’s form. He exited the 2024 World Championship in the opening round and, as a result, plummeted to No. 58 in the global rankings. This loss of form raised concerns that he could even lose his tour card, vital for maintaining a professional snooker career.
Legendary players have not been shy in voicing their concerns. Stephen Hendry, one of snooker’s most successful figures, questioned Brecel’s focus and direction. “I honestly don’t know what he is doing with his career,” Hendry told assembled media, expressing concern about the world champion’s future.
Despite this criticism, Brecel has steadfastly stuck to his own playbook. Drawing parallels between his approach and that of the football maestro Ronaldinho, he remarked in a recent interview with Midnite, “I just like playing the game. I’ve not really thought about winning a second world title. I’m not that interested in it.” Indeed, his delight in the game and disdain for conventional expectations is part of what endears him to so many fans.
With his second-round match against Ding Jinhui on the horizon, Brecel has aimed to redress the balance by embracing a healthier lifestyle, reportedly losing over a stone in recent months thanks to an improved diet and increased fitness. “I feel like now the sky’s the limit,” he said—suggesting that his best days could yet be ahead, should his focus sharpen to match his natural flair.
Whatever the outcome in this year’s World Championship, it’s clear Brecel intends to live life, and play snooker, on his own terms—a point made clear with every headline-grabbing pot, post, and private flight. Snooker enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike will be watching closely to see whether Luca Brecel can recapture the brilliance of 2023—or if the Belgian Bullet’s most spectacular moments remain away from the table.