Electronic Arts announced today that FIFA Soccer 08 cover athlete Ronaldinho will become the first professional soccer player to appear as a customized character exclusively for the Wii.

EA has created a unique character of the celebrated Brazilian International soccer star that will be playable in FIFA Soccer 08 on Wii. The Wii-exclusive Ronaldinho will host a game mode designed and created exclusively for Wii called Footii Party with Ronaldinho. With this mode, EA introduces unique party games - including Table Soccer and Shoot Off - where you can play as your self-created Mii character to unlock Ronaldinho and take on the champ. Each Footii Party game is created as a multiplayer, social experience designed to engage and entertain fans of all ages.

Ronaldinho commented on the character, "My character looks like he enjoys playing soccer and shares my passion for the game. This is important to me. Whether you are playing soccer on the pitch or my party games in FIFA Soccer 08 on the Wii, it should be a fun and enjoyable experience."

FIFA Soccer 08 is developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. It is scheduled for worldwide release this fall on the Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3, the PlayStation 2, Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP, PC and mobile. FIFA Soccer 08 is not yet rated by the ESRB and PEGI.