Brazil football icon Ronaldinho has returned to professional play, making his debut for Italian Serie C club Ravenna at the age of 46. The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner played 45 minutes in a match against local rivals Forlì, marking his first professional appearance in 11 years.
Ronaldinho, who signed with Ravenna in June, was part of the starting line-up. He wore the No 10 shirt and was greeted by a large crowd at the Stadio Bruno Benelli, which had a temporary 1,800-capacity stand added for the occasion.
During his time on the pitch, Ronaldinho contributed to Ravenna's opening goal, scored by Giulio Donati. He was substituted at half-time by Matteo Maggio. The former Barcelona and Milan star, who is also a shareholder in Ravenna, suggested he might play again, telling Sky Italia, "If the president keeps calling me, I will come back."
Ravenna currently sits second in their regional Serie C group, six points behind leaders Spezia.