Ronaldinho, 46, Returns to Professional Football After a Decade, to Debut for Ravenna on 15 November
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaucho is returning to professional football nearly a decade after retirement. At the age of 46, he will play his debut match for Ravenna in Italy's third-tier Serie C on 15 November.
The magician of dribbling had surprised everyone by signing for the club for the first time last June. Most recently, on Friday, Ronaldinho announced the date of his return to the field for his new club. His long wait will end in the derby match between Ravenna and Forli FC on 15 November.
Ronaldinho last played in his professional career in 2015, for Brazilian club Fluminense. In other words, after almost a decade, the 2002 World Cup-winning legend will be seen again on the field in a competitive professional match.
In a statement, Serie C club Ravenna said this is an event that will turn the world's attention towards the Stadio Bruno Benetti. In the club's words, the whole football world may have thought it too good to be true, yet now they can officially confirm a wonderful comeback.
The statement added that the magic, the smile and the return of a talent that has mesmerised fans generation after generation — whatever their favourite team or football allegiance — is now happening.
The club from the small town of Ravenna in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region is not usually a much-discussed name in world football. They play in Serie C with a stadium holding only 12,000 spectators. But with Ronaldinho's arrival, the club has instantly gained recognition around the world.
Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani bought the club in 2024 with the dream of taking it to Serie A. To him, Ronaldinho is not just a footballer, but the name of a childhood inspiration. Cipriani believes the Brazilian legend's presence will multiply the club's recognition and popularity.
Earlier, speaking to Reuters about joining Ravenna, Ronaldinho had said the opportunity came as a continuation of the relationship built over many years with the Cipriani family and other friends. He said he was very happy and hoped everything would go well and Ravenna would succeed.
Although this is a new chapter for Ronaldinho in Italian football, Italy is not unfamiliar to him. Earlier, from 2008 to 2011, he played in Italian football wearing the AC Milan jersey.
In a colourful career, Ronaldinho also wore the jerseys of Barcelona and PSG. The Brazilian forward, who won the 2002 World Cup, won the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2005.
Curiosity is at its peak in the football world over his return to a third-tier league at the age of 46. How long he will play on the field and in what role he will be seen — the answers to these questions will come in the derby on 15 November itself.
For now, a festive mood has been created in the small town around the Ravenna versus Forli FC match. Football lovers around the world are now looking towards that day to watch the legend's comeback on a small club's ground.
