Shubman Gill Meets Ronaldinho at FIFA World Cup 2026
A Memorable Encounter
During the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill had the opportunity to meet Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho. The 2002 World Cup champion and former FC Barcelona star has been a frequent attendee at matches, particularly those featuring his national team. A photo shared by Gill on social media captured the moment, showcasing the right-handed batsman alongside the iconic footballer.
Shubman Gill's Recent Achievements
Gill recently led India to a 3-0 victory in a home ODI series against Afghanistan, marking his first series win as captain. He was named 'Player of the Series' after scoring 232 runs across two innings, with a top score of 154. This series also saw him surpass the 3,000-run milestone in ODIs and reach 7,000 runs in international cricket.
Ronaldinho's Unexpected Comeback
In a surprising turn of events, Ronaldinho has reportedly come out of retirement to join Italy's third-tier club Ravenna in Serie C, over ten years after his last professional match. Initially, club officials indicated that his involvement would be primarily for marketing purposes. However, they have since left open the possibility of the 46-year-old Brazilian legend playing on the field again. According to reports, he is set to be officially introduced as a new member of the club during a special event in Miami on June 23. This move marks a return to Italy for the former AC Milan player, who last played professionally for Fluminense in 2015.
Questions Surrounding Ronaldinho's Role
Speculation arose regarding Ronaldinho's potential contributions beyond promotional activities. The club's vice-president, Ariedo Braida, initially stated that the Brazilian would not participate in Serie C matches due to his age. He remarked, "Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but will not play for Ravenna in Serie C next season. I wish he could still play." However, he later hinted at the possibility of Ronaldinho taking to the pitch, saying, "Ronaldinho is a timeless champion. He has signed with Ravenna, and it is an extraordinary coup for our club. We will see if he plays, but it's not ruled out."
Excitement for the Future
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his role, Ronaldinho expressed his enthusiasm about joining Ravenna. The UEFA Champions League winner and World Cup champion stated, "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 aim to share that spirit with Ravenna."