Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to make his first competitive start in over ten years when Ravenna takes on local rivals Forli in Italy's third division on Sunday. The 46-year-old former Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker joined the Serie C club in August and is now poised to don his boots for a professional match once again.
A Decade-Long Wait
Ronaldinho's last competitive appearance came in September 2015 for Brazilian side Fluminense. Since then, fans have only seen glimpses of his trademark skills in exhibition matches and charity events. His return to competitive football has generated significant excitement, with supporters eager to witness the magic of the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner one more time.
Manager Confirms Starting Role
Ravenna manager Andrea Mandorlini confirmed on Friday that Ronaldinho will start the match as part of a three-man forward line. "He will play from the start, there's no doubt," Mandorlini told reporters. "Then together we will decide how long he plays. He is one of the greatest players of the modern era. And we have to get a result. We always play with three forwards. He will be one of the three."
The Brazilian arrived in Italy on Friday and will have just one training session with his new teammates before Sunday's derby. Despite the limited preparation, expectations are high that Ronaldinho can still produce moments of brilliance.
Chasing a Personal Milestone
Ronaldinho's objective is clear: to score one final goal and reach a career tally of 300. Club owner Ignazio Cipriani emphasized that the move is not a publicity stunt. "His objective is romantic, to try to score his last goal," Cipriani said earlier this year. "His involvement is not a token gesture or a marketing stunt to get people talking about us."
The forward, Simone Rabbi, has also confirmed that Ronaldinho will take any penalties awarded to Ravenna, who currently sit second in the table after 13 matches. The team's push for promotion could be boosted by the presence of a player of Ronaldinho's caliber, even at 46.
A Temporary Stand and a Hopeful Crowd
Ravenna's Stadio Bruno Benelli has added a temporary stand to accommodate the expected surge in attendance. Supporters are flocking to catch a glimpse of the World Cup winner, possibly for the final time in a competitive setting. The atmosphere is sure to be electric as Ronaldinho steps onto the pitch, evoking memories of his glory days with Barcelona, Milan, and the Brazilian national team.
While Father Time may have slowed him down, Ronaldinho's vision, technique, and joy for the game remain. His comeback is a heartwarming story of passion and perseverance, reminding us that some legends never truly fade. For Ravenna and football fans worldwide, Sunday's match is more than just a game; it's a celebration of a player who brought smiles to millions.
