Juninho marked his final appearance at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium by scoring a penalty in a special match celebrating the club’s 150th anniversary. The 53-year-old Brazilian World Cup winner returned to Teesside for the legacy event, thrilling a sold-out crowd with a moment of nostalgia.

The veteran midfielder, affectionately known as "The Little Fella," has had three separate spells as a player for Middlesbrough. His penalty was a highlight of the occasion, providing fans with a memorable glimpse of his enduring skill.

Joining Juninho in town was another former Middlesbrough star, Fabrizio Ravanelli. The 57-year-old Italian striker, nicknamed the "White Feather," played alongside Juninho during the 1996-97 season when the club reached both domestic cup finals for the first time in its history. That campaign, though marked by cup success, concluded with Middlesbrough’s relegation. Ravanelli, who scored 31 goals during that season, was unable to participate in the commemorative game but was present to support former teammates.

Ravanelli joked about Juninho taking the penalty, saying it was fortunate he wasn’t on the pitch himself, as he would have claimed the spot-kick. Juninho reflected on the challenges of playing football at his age, noting that scoring this penalty would likely be his last. He also expressed a desire to return to the Riverside Stadium in the future to celebrate Middlesbrough’s next promotion.

The event served as a tribute not only to the club’s storied history but also to the contributions of players from some of its most memorable eras.