Ronaldinho marks extraordinary return with assist in Italian third-tier cameo

Ronaldinho returned to competitive football after more than 11 years on Sunday, starting for Ravenna against Forli and contributing to the winning goal during a memorable 45-minute appearance.

The Italian third-tier fixture, played on 22 November 2026, attracted unprecedented attention for the competition. Interest extended beyond the Bruno Benelli Stadium, with the match also shown on a giant screen in New York’s Times Square.

The spotlight was on Ronaldinho rather than the traditional local rivalry. The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, now 46, came out of retirement to play for Ravenna, in what was his first competitive appearance since representing Fluminense on 26 September 2015.

According to Opta, the Brazilian had been away from official football for 11 years and 50 days. He was aged 46 years and 239 days when he returned.

There had initially been some scepticism over whether the announcement was simply a marketing exercise, but Ronaldinho was named in Ravenna’s starting XI and received a rapturous welcome from the crowd.

He operated as a false left winger in Andrea Mandorlini’s 4-3-3 formation, occupying an advanced position behind the striker and looking to find space between the lines. Mandorlini is a former Inter Milan manager.

Ronaldinho’s planned involvement was limited to 30 minutes, but he stayed on until half-time. He took time to settle into the game and did not touch the ball until the sixth minute, when he delivered a corner.

Ravenna experienced some defensive difficulties, partly because Ronaldinho was not given significant defensive responsibilities, allowing Forli to find space during several attacks.

However, he played a key role in the opening goal in the 36th minute. Ronaldinho helped build the move and supplied a pass before the ball reached Donati, who struck a powerful low shot from outside the area. The Forli goalkeeper could not keep it out and Ravenna took a 1-0 lead.

Donati has previously played for Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Monza and Lecce. Ronaldinho celebrated the goal enthusiastically alongside his team-mates, appearing to relish his return to match football.

His movement data showed him spending most of the game between the lines in a playmaking role behind the striker. He was particularly active in the attacking third and tended to work around the edges of the penalty area rather than repeatedly moving into it. He also took three corners, with one creating a dangerous chance that Donati headed towards goal.

At half-time, Ronaldinho left the pitch to a standing ovation.

Former Milan and Brazil team-mates Dida and Serginho watched from the stands. Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, Dida said: “The atmosphere is wonderful. He deserves all of this because he was an extraordinary player who was able to entertain us. Through his passion for life, he was also an inspiration to us, his team-mates.”

Asked about Neymar’s description of Ronaldinho as the greatest entertainer in football history, Dida added: “He is right. I think exactly the same.”