Ronaldinho made his first official appearance in more than 11 years as Ravenna beat Forli 1-0 in the Italian third division on Sunday, producing a moment that attracted worldwide attention.
The match became the most-watched in the competition’s history, with the fixture shown on a giant screen in New York’s Times Square. The occasion was driven less by the local derby than by the return of the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, who lined up for Ravenna at the age of 46.
Ronaldinho had not played competitively since his final appearance for Fluminense on 26 September 2015. Opta recorded his return as coming 11 years and 50 days later, with the Brazilian aged 46 years and 239 days.
Ravenna’s team announcement before the game confirmed Ronaldinho would start at Stadio Bruno Benelli, delighting supporters who had come to see the former Brazil and AC Milan forward back on the pitch.
The initial plan was for him to play only 30 minutes, but he remained on the field until half-time. Operating in a left-sided false-winger role within Andrea Mandorlini’s 4-3-3 formation, he moved between the lines and occupied advanced positions behind the striker.
His opening minutes were quiet and he did not touch the ball until taking a corner in the sixth minute. Ravenna also faced defensive difficulties because Ronaldinho was not given significant defensive responsibilities, allowing Forli to find space during some attacks.
But he made a decisive contribution in the 36th minute. Ronaldinho helped construct the move that ended with Donati receiving the ball and striking a powerful low shot from outside the penalty area. The Forli goalkeeper could not keep it out, giving Ravenna a 1-0 lead.
Donati, who has previously played for Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Monza and Lecce, became the scorer of the goal that secured victory on an extraordinary night.
Ronaldinho celebrated enthusiastically with his team-mates and the crowd. His movement map showed him largely operating between the lines in a playmaking position, with most of his activity in the attacking third and around the edges of the penalty area. He also delivered three corners, one of which led to a dangerous headed opportunity for Donati.
He left the pitch at the end of the first half to a standing ovation from the supporters.
Among those watching at Stadio Bruno Benelli were Dida and Serginho, his former AC Milan and Brazil team-mates. Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, former Milan goalkeeper Dida said: “The atmosphere is fantastic. He deserves all of this because he was an amazing player who was able to entertain 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.”
The game was played on 22 November 2026, with Ronaldinho’s 45-minute return marking the revival of a career remembered for turning football into pure entertainment.
