Ronaldinho returns from retirement to start for Ravenna at 46

Ronaldinho came out of retirement at 46 to play for Ravenna on Sunday, starting their Italian third-tier derby against Forli and helping create the move for the opening goal.

The former Brazil, Barcelona and AC Milan star played the first half at Ravenna’s Stadio Bruno Benelli, then was substituted at the break. He held off a defender before passing the ball that led to Giulio Donati’s assist and long-range strike, and earlier supplied a corner from which Donati had a header saved.

Ronaldinho had last played competitively for Fluminense in 2015. He joined Ravenna as an investor in August and trained with the team once, on Saturday, before making his debut. It is not clear whether he intends to play for the club again.

The match was sold out, with a temporary stand named the R10 after Ronaldinho’s familiar shirt number. The 2002 World Cup winner had scored 299 goals in his regular career and had hoped to reach 300 with Ravenna; he would have taken a penalty if one had been awarded.

Ravenna are second in their Serie C group. Ronaldinho’s return followed his announcement as a Ravenna investor and plans for a first competitive start since 2015.