Ronaldinho returns after 11 years to light up Italian third-tier match

Ronaldinho made an extraordinary return to competitive football at the age of 46, playing 45 minutes for Ravenna in their Italian third-tier derby against Forli on Sunday.

The match became the most-watched fixture in the competition’s history, attracting attention far beyond Italy. The game was shown on a giant screen in New York’s Times Square, with supporters around the world tuning in to see the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner back on the pitch.

Ravenna’s decision to name Ronaldinho in their starting line-up at the Bruno Benelli stadium delighted the crowd, although some had initially questioned whether his involvement was simply a marketing exercise.

Ronaldinho had not played a competitive match since representing Fluminense on 26 September 2015. According to Opta, his return came after 11 years and 50 days, with the Brazilian aged 46 years and 239 days.

He was used in a 4-3-3 formation by former Inter Milan manager Andrea Mandorlini, operating as a nominal left winger but often moving into the space behind the striker. His role allowed him to use his movement between the lines and his ability to create chances, while he was not given significant defensive responsibilities.

That approach left Ravenna vulnerable at times, with Forli able to exploit space during several attacks. Ronaldinho also took time to settle, making his first contact with the ball in the sixth minute when he delivered a corner.

Ronaldinho provides assist before standing ovation

The Brazilian was originally expected to play for only 30 minutes but remained on the field until half-time, producing several reminders of the skill that defined his career.

His most notable contribution came in the 36th minute when he helped build the move that produced the opening goal. After Ronaldinho’s pass, the ball eventually reached Donati, who struck a powerful low shot from outside the penalty area which the Forli goalkeeper could not stop.

The goal gave Ravenna a 1-0 lead. Donati has previously played for Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Monza and Lecce.

Ronaldinho celebrated enthusiastically with his team-mates and the supporters. His movement data showed him operating mainly between the lines in an advanced playmaking position, with much of his activity concentrated in the attacking third and around the edge of the penalty area.

He delivered three corners, including one which created a dangerous opportunity when Donati headed towards goal.

At the interval, Ronaldinho left to a sustained ovation from the Bruno Benelli crowd.

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

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