Ronaldinho rolls back the years at F1 charity match ahead of Monaco GP

Ronaldinho rolled back the years at the Racing Stars Football Cup, a charity match held ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. The Brazilian legend joined F1 drivers Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, and Isack Hadjar on the pitch, turning the exhibition into a memorable blend of football flair and motorsport camaraderie. The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered every touch from the 2002 World Cup winner.

Why it matters:

The event highlights a long-standing tradition of F1 drivers using the Monaco weekend for charity football, now in its 12th edition. It bridges two global sports, leveraging star power to support children's causes. For fans, it's a chance to see drivers in a different light, humanizing the athletes before they tackle one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar. Ronaldinho's involvement amplified the visibility of the charitable cause.

The details:

• The Racing Stars Football Cup took place at a local Monaco stadium on Thursday, drawing a crowd of fans from both football and F1.
• Ronaldinho, now 46, showed he still has the magic, executing his signature elastico and nutmeg tricks that left drivers scrambling. He even set up a goal with a trademark no-look pass.
• Gasly played as a forward and scored, while Sainz, a known football enthusiast, showed off solid technique and defensive work. Hadjar, the youngest, added energy and scored a long-range effort.
• The match raised funds for children's charities, continuing a tradition started by Sebastian Vettel and other drivers.
• Other participants included former footballers like Ludovic Giuly and local celebrities, making it a true community event.
• Proceeds will support local sports programs and medical charities in Monaco and beyond.

What's next:

The drivers now switch focus to the Monaco Grand Prix, with practice starting on Friday. The charity match serves as a perfect palate cleanser, injecting fun into a tense championship. If Ronaldinho's performance is any indication, the weekend promises entertainment both on and off the track. For the drivers, the experience of playing alongside a football icon will be a lasting memory as they prepare for the unique challenge of the Monaco street circuit.