Brazil legend Ronaldinho made his comeback aged 46 for Ravenna in their Italian third-tier derby against Forli.
The 46-year-old came out of retirement for the Serie C club he joined as an investor in August, having last played in 2015 for Fluminense.
He started Sunday’s game and showed some bright touches, and he was involved in the opening goal.
The former Barcelona superstar held off a defender before playing the pass that came before the assist for Giulio Donati’s drive from outside the box.
He had earlier set up a chance for Donati from a corner, with the defender having his header saved.
At half-time there was a media circus around Ronaldinho, with journalists surrounding him, and former Brazil and AC Milan team-mate Dida joined him on the pitch.
Ronaldinho was substituted at the break.
A temporary stand, named the R10 in reference to Ronaldinho and his familiar shirt number, was built for the sold-out fixture at the Stadio Bruno Benelli.
The game was streamed in several countries around the world.
Ronaldinho trained once with the team, on Saturday, before Sunday’s debut.
A team graphic beforehand showed him on the left side, but he mostly played centrally.
In his peak playing years, Ronaldinho was one of the best players in the world – as well as one of the most popular for his joyful demeanour and exuberant skill.
He won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, the 2006 Champions League with Barcelona, and league titles with Barca and AC Milan – plus the Ballon d’Or and Fifa World Player of the Year awards in 2005.
He also played for Paris St-Germain as well as Gremio, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro and Fluminense in his homeland, plus Mexican side Queretaro.
Ronaldinho scored 299 goals in his regular career and had been hoping to have a chance for number 300 for Ravenna. He would have taken a penalty had they been awarded one.
It is not clear if he plans to play again for Ravenna, who are second in their Serie C group.
