Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game

BARCELONA legend Ronaldinho turned back the years by scoring a stunning free-kick in an El Clasico friendly.

The 44-year-old shared the pitch with Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, former Arsenal striker Julio Baptista and Rivaldo in Qatar on Thursday.

Barcelona took an early 1-0 lead through Juan Pablo Sorin before winning a free-kick from about 22 yards out.

Naturally, Ronaldinho stepped up and curled a beautiful right-footed effort into the top left corner past ex-keeper Francisco Buyo.

The former Real Madrid stopper – who, it must be said, is 66 years old – had no hope of reaching the goal.

The Brazilian World Cup winner doubled Barcelona's lead within fifteen minutes.

But the Catalans could not repeat the 4-0 defeat imposed on Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid last month.

The Madrid Legends eventually found a way back into the match, which ultimately ended 2-2 in Qatar.

Former Portugal winger and Ballon d'Or winner Figo, who played for both sides in his prime, pulled one back for Madrid in the second half.

And Edwin Congo's low finish in the 63rd minute leveled the score.

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It was Jose Mourinho's old enemy Frank De Boer who fumbled the pass and put Congo in a one-on-one situation with the keeper.

Barca had a late chance to win the match from the penalty spot, but Kluivert's effort was saved by substitute Pedro Contreras.

But Ronaldinho then scored in the penalty shootout.

As did Figo, Congo and Sorin, as the Catalan won the shootout 4-2.

Ronaldinho's most famous free-kick was the effort he floated over England's David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup.

Ronaldinho's son Joao Mendes joined Burnley's under-21 squad this summer.

The 19-year-old midfielder was previously in the youth academy of Barça La Masia.

Mendes last played in Burnley's 5-0 win over Luton Town's under-21s last Friday.

His father won the World Cup in 2002 and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006, and was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2005.

The legends will play in another El Clasico before the end of the year, with the halves each lasting a slightly shortened 40 minutes.