Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has made a surprise return to competitive football at the age of 46, featuring for Italian third-tier club Ravenna in their 2-0 victory over Forlì on Sunday.
Key Highlights
- Ronaldinho, 46, starts for Serie C side Ravenna in a 2-0 derby win over Forlì.
- He played the first half and helped set up Giulio Donati’s opening goal.
- It was his first competitive match since leaving Fluminense in 2015.
- A temporary “R10” stand was built at the sold-out Stadio Bruno Benelli.
- Ronaldinho says: “If the president calls me, I’ll be back.”
The former Barcelona and AC Milan superstar came out of retirement for the Serie C side, which he joined as an investor in August, having last played professionally for Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015.
Ronaldinho started the derby encounter and played the first 45 minutes, displaying flashes of the skill and creativity that made him one of the greatest footballers of his generation.
He also played a role in Ravenna’s opening goal, holding off a defender before releasing a pass that led to the move finished by Giulio Donati with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area.
Earlier, the Brazilian had created another opportunity for Donati from a corner kick, but the defender’s header was saved by the opposition goalkeeper.
Ronaldinho was substituted at half-time with Ravenna leading 1-0, while his appearance attracted significant attention from supporters and the media.
R10 stand at a sold-out Stadio Bruno Benelli
The sold-out fixture at Stadio Bruno Benelli featured a temporary stand named R10, in honour of the Brazilian legend and his famous shirt number. The match was also streamed in several countries.
Interestingly, Ronaldinho trained with the team only once, on Saturday, ahead of his return to action the following day.
Read also:
- Ronaldinho Comes Out of Retirement At 46, Joins Italian Serie C Side Ravenna
- Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé lead 30-man Ballon d’Or 2026 shortlist
- Thierry Henry Defends Ballon d’Or Hosting After Backlash Over Yamal, Kane Jokes
A decorated career
The former Brazil international enjoyed an illustrious career, winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 2006 UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, and domestic league titles with Barcelona and AC Milan.
He also won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2005.
Throughout his professional career, Ronaldinho scored 299 goals and had hoped to reach the 300-goal milestone during his appearance for Ravenna. He was also prepared to take a penalty had the opportunity arisen.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldinho expressed his delight at returning to the pitch.
“It was lovely to be here, playing, having the build-up in the dressing room,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
Asked whether he would feature for Ravenna again, the Brazilian replied: “If the president calls me, I’ll be back.”
Ravenna currently occupy second position in their Serie C group.
For more football news, follow us on X.
