Brazil legend Ronaldinho has made a shock return to professional football at the age of 46, signing for Serie C side Ravenna FC, the club confirmed. The former Ballon d’Or winner had retired from the game in 2015 after a spell with Fluminense, but will now come out of retirement to play for a club he also part-owns.
Ronaldinho enjoyed a glittering career at the highest level, captivating audiences with his skill and flair for clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and AC Milan. He was widely regarded as the world’s best player during the early 2000s, winning the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006 and the Ballon d’Or in 2005. However, injuries and off-field distractions hampered the latter stages of his career.
He will be formally presented as a Ravenna player at an event in Miami on June 23rd. “New colours, same smile. I cannot wait to dance with the ball and write a beautiful new story with Ignazio Cipriani and the Cipriani family,” Ronaldinho stated. “Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!”
Ravenna are owned by businessman Ignazio Cipriani, who expressed his delight at securing the services of his childhood idol. “Bringing Ronaldinho to Ravenna FC by Cipriani is an extraordinary moment for the club,” Cipriani said. “He was my idol growing up, and his impact on the game extends far beyond football. Beyond what he brings to the club, I hope his involvement inspires a new generation of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna FC and become part of what we’re building for the future.”
Ronaldinho’s peak years came at Barcelona, where his dazzling dribbling and creativity made him a global superstar before the emergence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He turned down Manchester City to join AC Milan in 2008, but struggled to recapture his best form, eventually returning to Brazil with Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro, Queretaro, and Fluminense. Ravenna, who last played in Serie B in 2008, have previously featured Italian stars such as Christian Vieri, Fabio Cannavaro, Alberto Gilardino, and Vincenzo Montella. Ronaldinho's arrival is expected to generate significant interest in the club and the Serie C league.
