AFCON 2025
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to embark on a new chapter in his remarkable career after agreeing to join Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC at the age of 46.
The former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan superstar officially retired from professional football in 2018, having spent the final years of his playing career featuring for clubs across Brazil and Mexico. However, nearly a decade after stepping away from the game, Ronaldinho is once again making headlines with an unexpected return to the football world.
Speaking after the announcement, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed his excitement about becoming part of the ambitious Italian club.
“I can hardly wait to dance with the ball again, to write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family,” Ronaldinho said. “Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that spirit to Ravenna.”
The move has generated significant buzz across Italy and beyond, with Ravenna honorary vice-president Ariedo Braida describing Ronaldinho’s arrival as an “extraordinary signing.”
“Ronaldinho is a champion without age. He will be signed by Ravenna, and for a club like ours, it’s an extraordinary signing,” Braida told Italian news agency Ansa. “Whether he’ll play, we’ll see, but it’s not out of the question. A champion is ageless.”
Braida shares a long-standing relationship with Ronaldinho, having played a key role in bringing the Brazilian star to AC Milan from Barcelona in 2008. That connection, coupled with Ravenna’s ambitious new ownership led by entrepreneur Ignazio Cipriani, helped pave the way for the stunning agreement.
Despite speculation surrounding a possible return to competitive football, reports from Italy suggest Ronaldinho is unlikely to feature in Serie C matches during the 2026/27 season. Instead, the Brazilian icon is expected to serve as a shareholder, investor, and global ambassador for the club.
Ravenna hope Ronaldinho’s worldwide appeal will elevate the club’s profile, attract commercial opportunities, and help establish the historic Italian side on the international stage. The former World Cup winner is also expected to participate in exhibition matches and promotional events.
For supporters, the dream of seeing Ronaldinho once again grace the pitch remains alive, even if only occasionally. While a full professional comeback appears unlikely, the football world will be watching closely as one of the game’s most beloved entertainers begins yet another chapter in his extraordinary journey.
