Ronaldinho in Serie C? Cruyff, Pele and more: The greats who came back from retirement
Preparations are underway for Ronaldinho's return to Serie C with Ravenna. Whether this is a genuine football comeback or a promotional stunt is in doubt, as such comebacks have been recorded in the past by legends such as Pele, Cruyff, Zico and Paul Scholes.
Ronaldinho could be back on the pitch, according to reports in Italy: the former Brazilian champion could soon make his debut in Serie C club Ravenna's jersey. But it's not entirely clear whether this is a direct decision to return to football or just a marketing ploy — as the campaign reports cite. However, there are a number of examples of big names hitting the heartstrings again after retirement.
Pele retired in 1974 but returned to the field for the New York Cosmos in 1975, taking a strategic step to promote not just the game but football in America.
Johan Cruyff retired from football in 1978, but returned in 1979 with the Los Angeles Aztecs in the NASL; Then there was the Washington Diplomats trip and back to Europe where Ajax, Feyenoord were on a winning streak.
While Zico had already hung up his boots, he took up the challenge in Japan in 1991 and the club later became Kashima Antlers.
Paul Scholes retired in 2011 but was recalled by Sir Alex Ferguson in January 2012 for a midfield crisis at Manchester United. He soon appeared in the FA Cup derby against City.
Jens Lehmann was called up from Arsenal in 2011 at the age of 41 for a goalkeeper crisis and played briefly again; That's a short-term but interesting return.
Arjen Robben retired in 2019 after Bayern Munich, but in 2020 attempted a romantic return to Groningen, where his career began.
Romario announced his retirement in 2008, but returned in 2009 with America-RJ, fulfilling his father's wish. Also in 2015 at the age of 43, Mogi came out of retirement to assist Mirinku and even scored a goal in the same match with his son. Reports also said: He is registered again to play some matches in 2024 at the age of 58.
Roberto Carlos retired in 2012, but resurfaced in 2015 as a player-coach with Deli Dynamos in India.
Juan Sebastián Veron returned to Estudiantes as president-player in 2016-17 and set his sights on still fighting for the Libertadores at the age of 41.
Socrates made a short-lived return for Garfarth Town in 2004 at the age of 50.
Compared to other classic returners, Ronaldinho's life-meets me. His return to the field with the Ravenna jersey will indeed be a big moment for football fans if it is for the shores of football; Otherwise, it becomes a big reason for discussion even if it is a brand or promotional activity.
(Image: Ronaldinho — stock photo available.)