MADRID, Spain - Ronaldinho should reportedly receive Spanish citizenship early next year, making him eligible to appear for FC Barcelona as a European Union player.

Barcelona's player Ronaldinho reacts during the Spanish First Division soccer match against Atletico Madrid at Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona, December 21, 2006. [Reuters]

The 26-year-old Brazil forward delivered documents to a court in Gava, Barcelona on Wednesday and is awaiting the call to swear allegiance to the Spanish Constitution, news reports said Thursday.

With Mexico defender Rafael Marquez gaining Spanish citizenship last month, Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o is likely to soon be Barcelona's only non EU player. Spanish clubs are allowed three non EU players in their squads.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard is considering promoting teenage Mexican midfielder Giovani Dos Santos to the first-team squad, sports daily Mundo Deportivo said.

Ronaldinho, who came second in the recent FIFA world player of the year award, has helped Barcelona win the Champions League and two Spanish league titles since joining from Paris Saint Germain in 2003.

Ronaldinho was to play in Barcelona's Spanish league game against Atletico Madrid later Thursday. Barcelona is second with 33 points from 14 games.