Ronaldinho makes comeback aged 46 for Serie C side Ravenna

Brazil legend Ronaldinho made his comeback aged 46 for Ravenna in their 2-0 win over Forli in an Italian third-tier derby, playing 45 minutes on his return to professional football in Italy.

The 46-year-old came out of retirement for the Serie C club he joined as an investor in August, having last played in 2015 for Fluminense, 11 years after he appeared to have brought his illustrious career to a close. Five months after his signing was announced in June, he was in the starting lineup as Ravenna took on their local rivals. He started Sunday’s game wearing the No 10 shirt, entered the stadium to great fanfare, and showed some bright touches before being involved in the opening goal.

The former Barcelona superstar held 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. Ronaldinho himself was unable to create a sight of goal for himself.

A temporary stand, named the R10 in reference to Ronaldinho and his familiar shirt number, was built for the sold-out fixture at the Stadio Bruno Benelli. The 5,000-capacity ground added a 1,800-capacity stand for the occasion. Flares and smoke bombs were let off in the stands while Andrea Bocelli’s “Con Te Partiro” blasted out of the stadium’s speakers. The game was streamed in several countries around the world.

At half-time there was a media circus around Ronaldinho, with journalists surrounding him, and former Brazil and AC Milan team-mate Dida joined him on the pitch. Ronaldinho acknowledged the fans at the end of the first half and was substituted at the break with the score at 1-0, replaced by Matteo Maggio.

Ronaldinho trained once with the team, on Saturday, before Sunday’s debut. A team graphic beforehand showed him on the left side, but he mostly played centrally.

In his peak playing years, Ronaldinho was one of the best players in the world, as well as one of the most popular for his joyful demeanour and exuberant skill. 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 scored 94 goals in 207 matches for Barcelona and 33 times in 97 games for Brazil. He also played for Paris St-Germain as well as Gremio, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro and Fluminense in his homeland, plus Mexican side Queretaro. This is his second spell in Italy, albeit at a much lower level, after three seasons with Milan from 2008 to 2011, where he won one Serie A title.

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, but his 300th will have to wait.

“It was lovely to be here, playing, having the build-up in the dressing room,” Ronaldinho told Sky Sport Italia. “It went by too fast, that has always been football for me. Football has always been the most wonderful thing in my life.”

Asked if he might play again for Ravenna, who are second in their Serie C group and came into the weekend six points behind leaders Spezia, he hinted there could be more appearances to come. “Is this my last one? I don’t know. If the president calls me, I’ll be back. It is always a pleasure. I told the president, if he needs me, then I will be here.” Ravenna, who have not played in Serie B since 2008, now have a shareholder who clearly isn’t done yet.