World Cup Winner Inks Deal With 888Poker

World-famous poker room 888Poker has signed a deal with World Cup winner Denilison in an attempt to further improve their marketing efforts targeting the Brazilian market.

The game of poker has seen a major increase in popularity in the South American country of late, with PokerStars making the first move by making world-famous footballers Ronaldo and Neymar their brand ambassadors.

Luis Suarez Gamble Backfires

888Poker attempted to do something similar when they struck a deal with Uruguay hotshot Luis Suarez in May 2014, ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

However, the gaming operator soon decided to sever their ties with the current Barcelona star after he had earned a four-month ban from all football activity.

888Poker decided to start the search for a new ambassador as cricket icon Shane Warne ended their cooperation with the gaming company, and they have finally found their man.

Denilson Succeeds Shane Warne

Former Brazilian footballer Denilson has now become their only celebrity ambassador, and while this may seem a strange choice for some, the reality is the former Real Betis winger is still very popular in his native country.

The 38-year-old was once the world’s most expensive footballer, joining los Verdiblancos after winning the 2002 World Cup, but he never managed to live up to the billing.

Nevertheless, despite his fall from grace, Denilson is still remembered throughout the world for his step over faints that drove opposition defenders mad, and his record of 8 goals in 61 Brazil caps is also worth the praise.

Denilson hopes the cooperation with 888Poker will help him improve his poker skills and ensure he can compete with his friends, who have been playing poker for quite a while.

The Brazilian also works as a pundit for a sports network in his native country, and it appears he is able to make a nice living from the entertainment industry.

888Poker Team Brazil also includes the likes of Nicolau Villa-Lobos, Bruno Kawauti and Bruno Foster, while the famous gaming operator also held a R$500,000 GTD tournament at the Stadium Mineirao in December 2015 in an attempt to profit from the country’s craze about football.