- Star-studded rosters faced off in an exhibition match at the CommBank Stadium
- Kevin-Prince Boateng bagged an superb brace as Ronaldinho’s outfit won 6-3Â
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Kevin-Prince Boateng rolled back the years with a stunning brace in a Sydney exhibition match, which brought together squads led by Ronaldinho and Tim Cahill.Â
Friday’s clash at the CommBank Stadium featured a host of international football talent, part of INCASA.DM’s ‘Joga Bonito Tour,’ a series of exclusive events and appearances presented in partnership with Ultra Football.
In recent weeks, Ronaldinho has been in the spotlight after making appearances at various charity events and fan meet-and-greets across Europe, further cementing his legacy as a beloved figure in the world of football.
But it was the former Portsmouth and AC Milan star Boateng who grabbed the attention with a sumptuous half-volley from the edge of the area in the second half after a Paolo Di-Canio-esque finish in the ninth minute.Â
The 37-year-old retired in August 2023 following a two-year spell at Hertha Berlin, where his 19-year professional career began.Â
Kevin-Prince Boateng rolled back the years with a stunning strike in a Sydney exhibition match
The former Portsmouth and AC Milan star played for the Ronaldinho XI , who took on the Tim Cahill XI in front of a packed CommBank Stadium
Boateng’s effort, which put Ronaldinho’s roster 4-2 up, wowed supporters packed into the Sydney arena and stupefied the game’s commentators who marvelled at the former midfielder’s technique.Â
The goal was Boateng’s second of the game and only marginally his finest. He had opened the scoring in the eighth minute with an acrobat scissor-kick that found its way into the top corner.Â
Friday’s fixture marked Ronaldinho’s first visit to Australia in several years, and the former Barcelona and Brazil insisted he was excited to take the field again ahead of the game.Â
Former Everton star Tim Cahill netted for his squad, who were soundly beaten on Friday night
‘It’s always an honour to play in front of fans who love the game as much as I do. I’m looking forward to the match and facing Tim’s team in Sydney.’
In addition to Boateng, Shane Smeltz and Jean Narde were on the scoresheet for Ronaldinho’s roster, with the former grabbing a brace. Aaron Mooy, Sasa Ognenovski and Cahill netted for the former Everton’s striker’s XI, who were soundly beaten 6-3.
