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Ronaldinho Gaúcho is back on the pitch. At 46 years old, the world champion player for the Brazilian national team came out of retirement to play for Ravenna, a club in Serie C, the third division of the Italian championship, this Sunday (15/11)
The Brazilian's team ended up winning 2-0 against Forli. The last time Ronaldinho played professionally was in 2015, for Fluminense.
In August, the player had joined Ravenna as an investor and was invited to play on the field this Sunday.
He started the game, made some good moves and participated in the first goal.
The former Barcelona star broke away from a defender before making the pass that resulted in Giulio Donati's shot from outside the box.
He had previously created an opportunity for Donati from a corner, but the defender's header was saved.
At half-time, Ronaldinho formed a true media circus, with journalists surrounding him, and his former Brazilian and Milan teammate, goalkeeper Dida, joining him on the field.
Ronaldinho was substituted at half-time, when the score was 1-0.
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A temporary stand, called R10 in reference to Ronaldinho and his shirt number, was built for the sold-out match at the Bruno Benelli Stadium in Ravenna.
The game was broadcast live in several countries around the world.
Ronaldinho trained once with the team, on Saturday (14/11), before his debut on Sunday.
A previously released team graphic showed him on the left side of the field, but he primarily played in the middle.
At his peak, Ronaldinho was one of the best players in the world, as well as one of the most popular for his cheerful demeanor and exuberant skill.
He won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, the 2006 Champions League with Barcelona and titles with Milan, as well as the Golden Ball and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2005.
He also played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), as well as Grêmio, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro and Fluminense in Brazil, and for Mexican team Querétaro.
Ronaldinho scored 299 goals in his professional career and was hoping to get the chance to score his 300th for Ravenna. He would have taken a penalty if the penalty had been awarded.
"It was great to be here, playing, experiencing the expectations in the dressing room," Ronaldinho told Sky Sport Italia.
And when asked if he would return to play for Ravenna, who are second in their Serie C group, he said: "If the president calls me, I'll come back."
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