Ronaldinho returns after a decade, breaking his retirement
Collected Photo
One of football's most unexpected comebacks has happened quietly. Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has signed with Ravenna, a club in Italy's third division, more than a decade after his last professional match. Since his final professional game for Fluminense in 2015, the former Ballon d'Or winner had been confined to exhibition and legends matches.
According to Italian media outlet Gazzetta, Ronaldinho will be officially presented as a Ravenna player at a special event in Miami on June 23. He will join the preparations for the 2026–27 season under Ravenna's coach Andrea Mandorlini in Serie C.
However, it remains unclear whether Ronaldinho will actually step onto the pitch. Club Vice President Ariedo Braida first said Ronaldinho's role would be limited to marketing activities and that playing in Serie C was unlikely. But later, he changed his tone in an interview with the ANSA news agency: "Ronaldinho is an eternal champion. He has signed with Ravenna, which is an extraordinary achievement for a club like ours. Will he play? Let's see—the possibility cannot be ruled out."
Ronaldinho, who won the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, is thrilled about the deal: "New colors, same smile. I look forward to dancing with the ball again and writing a new story with Ravenna's supporters. Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same joy to Ravenna."
Whether the 46-year-old legend will actually take the field may become clear at the unveiling event on June 23. However, even if he doesn't play, the club authorities believe Ronaldinho's presence will take Ravenna's profile to a much higher level on the international stage in one fell swoop.
