Ronaldinho’s return: Best moments and key stats from the Brazilian legend’s game in Ravenna

Brazilian legend Ronaldinho came back from retirement on Sunday, playing 45 minutes for Ravenna in a Serie C match against Forlì, where he made 28 touches and helped score his side’s opening goal.

It was a historic day for Ravenna, as the local side, playing in Italy’s third division, Serie C, saw Brazilian legend Ronaldinho return to action wearing their shirt.

Football Italia was among the accredited media at the Stadio Benelli.

The 12,000-seat stadium sold out despite protests over high prices and the blocking of season ticket holders, who still had to buy tickets for the game despite their presale rights.

Ronaldinho’s return to action, more than ten years after his last competitive appearance, was part of a wider partnership with Ravenna President Ignazio Cipriani.

Ravenna formally signed Ronaldinho this past June, when the ex-Milan and Barcelona star also became a brand ambassador for the Emilia-Romagna-based club and a minority shareholder.

His deal with Ravenna was announced at an event in Miami this past June, during the 2026 World Cup.

As expected, the legendary No.10 started today’s game against local rivals Forlì. The gap between the two teams was considerable coming into the game: Ravenna are fighting for promotion to Serie B, sitting second, while Forlì sit 15th and hope to avoid finishing in a relegation play-off place.

Ronaldinho, 46, was the most advanced Ravenna player when the home side was forced to track back to defend, but operated as an attacking midfielder in possession.

He made his first touch around five minutes in, taking a right-sided corner kick. His cross was pushed out of the box by the Forlì defence.

Overall, Ronaldinho made 28 touches, including one key pass. His second corner kick, also taken from the right, found a teammate inside the box and forced Forlì goalkeeper Luca Martelli to a diving save.

Every time Ronaldinho had the ball, the fans—including those in the away end—held their breath. Defenders weren’t too aggressive, except when, around the 30th minute, Luigi Palomba pounced on a dead ball and pushed the Brazilian with his shoulder. The home crowd briefly protested, and Ronaldinho did the same a few seconds later when he asked for a handball, claiming it had blocked his through ball.

At minute 35, Ronaldinho was involved in Ravenna’s opening goal, scored by ex-Monza and Inter defender Giulio Donati. The Brazilian received the ball through the middle and passed it to Lorenzo Lonardi, who assisted Donati for the opening goal.

Ronaldinho joined his teammates in celebration and played out the remaining ten minutes of the first half.

At the half-time whistle, both teams headed to the dressing rooms, but Ronaldinho remained on the pitch with fellow Brazilians and former Milan players Dida and Serginho.

He spent several minutes waving to supporters in the curva and the stands as they applauded him.

Having trained with his Ravenna teammates just once, on the eve of the match, Ronaldinho left the stadium during the second half. The hosts added another goal to seal a 2-0 win over their local rivals.

“It went by too fast; that has always been football for me,” the Brazilian told Sky Sports at half-time.

!Is this my last one? I don’t know, if the President keeps calling me, I will come back! It is always a pleasure. I told the President, if he needs me, then I will be here.”