Brazil legend Ronaldinho played the first half for Italian Serie C club Ravenna in a 2-0 victory over Forli, his first professional appearance since 2015.
Brazil legend Ronaldinho made his return to professional football at age 46, playing the first 45 minutes for Italian third-division club Ravenna in a 2-0 win over Forli at the Stadio Bruno Benelli.
Ronaldinho started the Serie C derby wearing his familiar number 10 shirt. He was involved in the opening goal, holding off a defender before playing the pass that came before the assist for Giulio Donati's drive from outside the box. He had earlier set up a chance for Donati from a corner, with the defender having his header saved. He was substituted at the break with the score at 1-0.
A temporary stand, named the R10 in reference to Ronaldinho and his familiar shirt number, was built for the sold-out fixture. The game was streamed in several countries around the world. Ronaldinho trained once with the team, on Saturday, before Sunday's debut.
The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner last played a professional football match in 2015 for Fluminense. He won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, the 2006 Champions League with Barcelona, and league titles with Barca and AC Milan - plus the Ballon d'Or and Fifa World Player of the Year awards in 2005. He also played for Paris St-Germain as well as Gremio, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro and Fluminense in his homeland, plus Mexican side Queretaro.
Ronaldinho scored 299 goals in his regular career and had been hoping to have a chance for number 300 for Ravenna. He would have taken a penalty had they been awarded one.
Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani, a businessman and hotel chain proprietor, has denied that Ronaldinho's signing is a publicity stunt. He joined in June but has only played now.
"It was lovely to be here, playing, having the build-up in the dressing room," Ronaldinho told Sky Sport Italia.
And asked if he might play again for Ravenna, he said: "If the president calls me, I'll be back."
He also told Sky Italia: "It went by too fast, that has always been football for me. Is this my last one? I don't know. If the president keeps calling me, I will come back. It is always a pleasure. I told the president, if he needs me, then I will be here."
Ronaldinho's comeback marks one of the most high-profile returns to professional football by a former world player of the year. His appearance for Ravenna, a Serie C club where he is an investor, drew global media attention and a sold-out stadium more than a decade after his last professional match.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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