Ronaldinho returns at 46 as Ravenna win his first competitive game in 11 years

Ronaldinho played his first competitive match in 11 years as the 46-year-old helped Ravenna beat Forlì 2-0 in Italy’s third tier on Sunday.

The former Barcelona and Brazil forward wore the No 10 shirt and played the first half at the Stadio Bruno Benelli. He was involved in the build-up to Giulio Donati’s opener before Simone Rabbi added the second after the break.

It was his first professional appearance since playing for Fluminense in 2015.

Ronaldinho’s Ravenna debut ends in victory

A local derby provided the setting for a return that had drawn attention far beyond Serie C.

Ronaldinho started against Forlì and helped Ravenna establish a first-half lead, although his involvement in Donati’s goal was in the build-up rather than the final assist.

His afternoon ended at the interval, with the Brazilian bowing towards supporters as they applauded him off. Ravenna then completed the win through Rabbi, giving their most recognisable signing a winning debut.

Will Ronaldinho play for Ravenna again?

Ronaldinho left open the possibility of another appearance.

“Now if the President calls me, I’ll be back,” he told Sky Sport Italia, according to Reuters.

Why Ronaldinho joined Ravenna

Club president Ignazio Cipriani helped bring his childhood hero to Ravenna, with the move involving more than a return to the pitch.

According to The Sun’s report on the agreement, Ronaldinho received shares in the club as part of an arrangement involving merchandise sales and image rights. His R10 brand also features in the project.

That gives the Brazilian a connection to Ravenna beyond Sunday’s appearance. For the club, his arrival brings international attention to a team competing in the third tier.

A familiar name back in Italian football

Ronaldinho previously played in Italy for AC Milan between 2008 and 2011, following his celebrated spell at Barcelona.

A World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, he won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 and the Champions League with Barcelona the following year. His later career also brought a Copa Libertadores triumph with Atlético Mineiro.

Sunday offered a very different stage, but another competitive appearance for a player whose career had appeared to be finished. Whether it becomes more than a single afternoon remains open.

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