Shubman Gill Meets Ronaldinho Amid FIFA World Cup Excitement

A Memorable Encounter

In New York on June 27, Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill had the opportunity to meet Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Ronaldinho, who famously won the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and is a former star of FC Barcelona, has been a familiar face at the tournament, particularly at matches featuring his home nation.

Gill shared a photo on social media, showcasing his moment with the iconic footballer.

Gill's Recent Achievements

Recently, Gill led India to a 3-0 victory in a home ODI series against Afghanistan, marking his first series win as captain. He was honored as the 'Player of the Series' after scoring 232 runs across two innings, including a remarkable 154.

This series also saw Gill surpass the 3,000-run milestone in ODIs and reach 7,000 runs in international cricket.

Ronaldinho's Surprising Comeback

In an unexpected turn, Ronaldinho has reportedly come out of retirement to join Ravenna, a club in Italy's Serie C, more than ten years after his last professional match.

Initially, club officials indicated that Ronaldinho's involvement would be primarily for marketing, but they have since left the possibility open for him to play.

According to reports, he is set to be officially introduced as a new member of Ravenna during a special event in Miami on June 23. This marks his return to Italy, where he previously played for AC Milan from 2008 to 2011.

Future Prospects

Questions arose regarding Ronaldinho's role beyond promotional activities, with the club's vice-president initially stating he would not participate in Serie C matches due to his age.

However, he later acknowledged Ronaldinho's legendary status and hinted at the possibility of him playing, stating, "Ronaldinho is a timeless champion. He has signed with Ravenna, and it’s an extraordinary coup for our club."

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his role, Ronaldinho expressed enthusiasm about joining Ravenna, eager to share his 'Joga Bonito' philosophy with the team.

He remarked, "New colours, same smile. I cannot wait to dance on the ball again and create a new story with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family. Football has always brought me joy, and I want to share that spirit at Ravenna."