4,068 days after retiring, Ronaldinho returns to the pitch

The Brazilian legend played 45 minutes for Ravenna and was involved in the build-up to the goal against Forlì

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4,068 days after retiring, Ronaldinho returns to the pitch

Football has welcomed back one of its artists! More than eleven years after hanging up his boots, Ronaldinho made an unexpected return to the pitch on Sunday.

At 46, the 2002 World Cup winner wore the shirt of Ravenna, an Italian Serie C club, in the derby against Forlì. His 45-minute appearance featured a few displays of skill and a contribution to the opening goal.

A welcome befitting his legend

Bruno Benelli Stadium had a special day in store to welcome the Brazilian. The excitement surrounding his appearance led the organisers to add 1,800 seats, taking the stadium’s capacity to 6,500 spectators. Ronaldinho emerged onto the pitch in a white and gold outfit designed especially for the occasion. Still smiling, he was soon back on the ball and receiving applause from the crowd.

Ronaldinho vs Forli 46 years old https://t.co/CiPo8Mwzfi
— c0mp (@c0mpmilano) November 15, 2026

The Brazilian had his first touches within the opening minutes. He tried several passes into space and took the corners, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. In the 36th minute, he was involved in the move for the opening goal, setting up Lorenzo Lonardi, who then found Giulio Donati to finish. Ravenna therefore took the lead (1-0).

Ravenna lead! 🤩 Ronaldinho was involved in the build-up and what a strike it was from Giulio Donati! https://t.co/BNSWjnEp31
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 15, 2026

Across his 45 minutes, statistics reported after the match credited him with, among other things, a 100% success rate on long passes and a 100% success rate in ground duels.

An 11-year, one-month and 20-day hiatus

The figure is striking: 4,068 days had passed since Ronaldinho’s last spell as a professional footballer. That is eleven years, one month and twenty days. A former player for FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner notably lifted the Champions League with the Catalan club and the Italian league title with the Rossoneri.

Ronaldinho makes his first professional appearance after 4,068 days in retirement. But I thought once a footballer retires, there's no coming back? 🤔 https://t.co/ozsC7Jga9I
— Sinachi (@Sinachi0424) November 15, 2026

His return with Ravenna will remain a special interlude in his career, but above all a day of celebration for the supporters who came to see one of his generation’s most spectacular players in action again.

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