Ronaldinho after Ravenna debut at 46: ‘It went by too fast, football most wonderful thing in my life’
RAVENNA, ITALY - NOVEMBER 15: Ronaldinho of Ravenna celebrates with teammates during the Serie C match between Ravenna and Forli at Stadio Comunale Bruno Benelli on November 15, 2026 in Ravenna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Ronaldinho confessed his return to football ‘went too fast’ for Ravenna, but today’s Serie C game might not be the last for the 46-year-old legend. ‘I told the President, if he needs me, I will be here.’
The former Milan, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star had retired in 2018, although his most recent professional match was for Fluminense in September 2015.
He signed for Serie C side Ravenna over the summer, the third tier of Italian football, and made his debut for the club in today’s match against local rivals Forlì.
Ronaldinho was in the starting XI and played the full 45 minutes before waving goodbye to the crowd at the Stadio Benelli during the half-time break, which turned into one big standing ovation.
Ronaldinho on return to the field
“It went by too fast, that has always been football for me,” the 46-year-old told Sky Sport Italia as he saluted the fans.
“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.”
How did he enjoy the experience of being back in a team, including against players who were toddlers when he played his last game 11 years ago?
“It was lovely to be here, playing, having the build-up in the dressing room. Football has always been the most wonderful thing in my life,” continued Ronaldinho.
He always played with a smile on his face, and that kind of relish has somewhat been lost in modern football.
“There are many players who have the same joy I did, in football sometimes things don’t go well, we know this in Brazil, and you Italians too. I hope that Italy and Brazil can get back to winning World Cups and playing great football,” said the former Milan man.
It remains to be seen if this will be his only appearance in the Ravenna jersey, considering he flew in yesterday, had one training session, and stayed at a different hotel to the rest of the team.
“It was fun to be with so many young players, some of whom grew up watching me, it was great. Now if the President calls me, I’ll be back!”
Although he did not provide the assist, Ronaldinho was involved in the build-up to the opening goal from Ravenna teammate Giulio Donati.
Curiously, Donati had once played against his Milan for Lecce at San Siro in Serie A.
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
RAVENNA STRIKE FIRST WITH AN ABSOLUTE BANGER FROM GIULIO DONATI 😤
Great hold-up play by Ronaldino to find the open man ➡️ https://t.co/pXDt8qMpBT
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 15, 2026
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