Ronaldinho, 46, plays 45 minutes in Ravenna comeback
Ronaldinho came out of retirement at 46 to play the first half for Ravenna in a 2-0 Serie C win over Forli, but did not get his 300th career goal.
Livefeed News DeskUpdated · 2 min read
Quick answer
Ronaldinho, 46, came out of retirement on Sunday to start for Serie C club Ravenna against local rivals Forli. He played the first 45 minutes and was substituted at half-time with Ravenna 1-0 up. They won 2-0. He did not score, so his career total stays at 299 goals.
Key facts
- Ronaldinho started for Ravenna against Forli and was substituted at half-time with the score 1-0.
- Ravenna won the Serie C derby 2-0.
- He last played competitively for Fluminense in September 2015 and retired on 299 career goals.
- He joined Ravenna as an investor in August and trained with the team only once before the game.
- A temporary stand named the R10 was built at the Stadio Bruno Benelli for the sold-out match.
What happened in Ronaldinho's Ravenna debut
Former Barcelona and AC Milan forward Ronaldinho made his comeback at 46 on Sunday, starting for Ravenna in an Italian third-tier derby against Forli. He played the first half only and was taken off at the break with Ravenna leading 1-0.
He showed some bright touches and was involved in the opening goal. He held off a defender before playing the pass that led to the assist for Giulio Donati's drive from outside the box. Earlier, a corner from Ronaldinho found Donati's head, but the defender's header was saved.
Ronaldinho did not score. He had retired on 299 career goals and had hoped to reach 300 for Ravenna. BBC Sport reported he would have taken a penalty had one been awarded.
Why is Ronaldinho playing for Ravenna?
Ronaldinho joined the Serie C club as an investor in August. He last played competitively in September 2015, for Fluminense.
Club owner Ignazio Cipriani said earlier this year: "His objective is romantic, to try to score his last goal." He added that the involvement was not a token gesture or a marketing stunt.
Ravenna manager Andrea Mandorlini said before the game that Ronaldinho would start as one of three forwards. "He will play from the start, there's no doubt," Mandorlini said, adding that the club would decide together how long he played.
The occasion at the Stadio Bruno Benelli
A temporary stand, named the R10 after Ronaldinho and his shirt number, was built for the sold-out fixture. Every Ravenna player, not just the starting XI, posed with him in the pre-match team photo.
Ronaldinho had trained with the team once, on Saturday, before the game. A team graphic showed him on the left, but he mostly played centrally. At half-time journalists crowded round him, and former Brazil and AC Milan team-mate Dida joined him on the pitch.
Will Ronaldinho play again for Ravenna?
That is unclear. BBC Sport said it is not known whether he plans to play again for Ravenna, who are second in their Serie C group.
Ronaldinho's career record
At his peak Ronaldinho was one of the best players in the world and among the most popular for his joyful style. He won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, the 2006 Champions League with Barcelona, and league titles with Barcelona and AC Milan. In 2005 he won the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Frequently asked questions
Did Ronaldinho score on his Ravenna debut?
No. He played 45 minutes and was substituted at half-time, so he stayed on 299 career goals.
What was the score in Ravenna vs Forli?
Ravenna won 2-0, with Ronaldinho substituted at half-time with the score at 1-0.
When did Ronaldinho last play before this?
His last competitive appearance was for Fluminense in September 2015.
How old is Ronaldinho?
He is 46.
