Ronaldinho Returns at 46, Starts for Ravenna in First Game Since 2015

Ronaldinho returned to professional soccer at 46, starting for Italian third-tier club Ravenna in his first match since 2015. He played the first half and helped set up the opening goal. The Brazilian legend, now part of Ravenna’s ownership group, says his goal is to score one final career goal.

• 46 years old
• More than 11 years since his previous professional match
• 97 caps and 33 goals for Brazil
• 1 World Cup title, won in 2002

Ravenna’s ownership group says Ronaldinho’s return is more than a marketing move: he is also a shareholder. But it’s unclear whether he’ll play again to pursue his final-goal ambition.

• Ronaldinho started against rival Forli and was substituted at halftime.
• He helped build the move that led to Giulio Donati’s 36th-minute opener.
• Ravenna began the day second in Serie C’s Group B.

Whether Ronaldinho takes the field again for Ravenna—and gets the final goal he hopes for—remains uncertain.

Ronaldinho’s return was brief but competitive, adding a new chapter to a career that already includes a World Cup, a Ballon d’Or and major club honors.