Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, aged 46, made his return to professional football on Sunday, playing the first half for Italian third-tier club Ravenna against Forlì. This marks his first competitive match in over a decade, having last played professionally in 2015.
Ronaldinho, who officially announced his signing with Ravenna in June, played approximately 45 minutes, exceeding the initial expectation of half an hour. He received a standing ovation upon leaving the pitch, signaling a special moment in his career after an 11-year hiatus. The former Ballon d'Or winner expressed that returning to the pitch after such a long time felt "truly beautiful."
Ronaldinho, 46, Returns to Professional Football with Italian Club Ravenna
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Sources
- Ronaldinho makes debut for Italian side Ravenna after 11-year hiatus in playing career — The Guardian Sports,
- 🎙️If they call, I'll return: Ronaldinho dazzled at Ravenna — Yahoo Sports,
- Ronaldinho, 46, makes comeback for Ravenna — BBC Sport,
- 🔝Dinho returns: at 46, he will make his first start for Ravenna — Yahoo Sports,
- Live: Ronaldinho returns to playing with Ravenna — Yahoo Sports,
- Why is 46-year-old Ronaldinho returning to soccer with Ravenna, an Italian third division club? — CBS Sports,
- 'Truly beautiful' to make football return, says Ronaldinho — Yahoo Sports,
- Ronaldinho, 46, to play first game since 2015 — BBC Sport,
- Ronaldinho arrives in Italy: All you need to know about his Ravenna job — Yahoo Sports,
- Ronaldinho day: En route to Italy to re-start playing career at 46 — Yahoo Sports,