Former Brazil and Barcelona star Ronaldinho is set to make a remarkable return to football at the age of 46 after reportedly agreeing to join Italian third-tier club Ravenna FC.
According to reports from Spanish newspaper AS, the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner will officially announce his comeback during a special event in Miami on June 23 before linking up with the club ahead of the new season.
Ravenna, who compete in Italy’s Serie C, have described the move as a major statement of intent as they seek to raise the club’s profile both on and off the pitch.
Club president Ignazio Cipriani and vice-president Ariedo Braida confirmed that Ronaldinho will not only serve as a global ambassador but will also be available to feature for the first team during the upcoming campaign.
The Brazilian icon retired from professional football in 2018, although his last competitive appearance came during a spell with Fluminense in 2015. His expected return has already generated excitement among football fans eager to see one of the game’s most entertaining players back in action.
Speaking about the move, Ronaldinho said he was looking forward to starting a new chapter with the club.
“I am eager to return to the pitch and write a new chapter alongside Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family,” he said. “Football has always been a source of pure joy for me, and I want to bring that same passion to Ravenna FC.”
The deal is also expected to provide significant commercial benefits for the Italian side. Ronaldinho’s global appeal is expected to attract new sponsorship opportunities and increase international attention on the club.
As part of the partnership, Ravenna will reportedly unveil a special club logo combining its traditional “R” with Ronaldinho’s famous “R10” brand.
Few players have left a greater mark on modern football than Ronaldinho. Renowned for his dazzling dribbling, creativity and infectious smile, he won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, lifted the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006 and secured league titles in Spain and Italy during an illustrious career.
His list of honours also includes the 2005 Ballon d’Or, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of his generation.
Should the move be completed as expected, Ronaldinho’s return would give Ravenna unprecedented global exposure and offer supporters a rare opportunity to watch one of football’s most beloved stars back on the field once again.
