Eleven years after stepping away from professional football, Brazilian icon Ronaldinho has announced a sensational return to the game at the age of 46, signing with Italian third-tier side Ravenna. The former World Cup winner and Ballon d’Or recipient arrived in Italy on Thursday, officially joining the Serie C club where he has also taken an ownership stake. The move puts one of football’s most celebrated figures back in competitive play as he sets his sights on a personal goal milestone on the pitch.
Ronaldinho ended his playing career in September 2015 after featuring in his last official match for Brazilian club Fluminense. During his legendary international career, the attack-minded star scored 33 goals in 97 appearances for Brazil, lifting the World Cup in 2002 after scoring the decisive winning goal against England in the quarter-finals. He claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2005 alongside earning top titles at European giants Barcelona and AC Milan. Now, more than a decade later, he’s chasing a romantic finish to his journey by searching for his 300th career goal.
Appearing at a presentation event holding a Ravenna shirt bearing his name—flanked by club officials—Ronaldinho expressed delight over returning to Italian football while remaining grounded about his actual playing time. He insisted he feels in good shape and ready to contribute, stating that coming back to Italy is wonderful and that he came because of the strong friendship he shares with the club. When asked if fans would see him on the pitch, he pointed out that playing time depends entirely on the head coach and the president, adding that if he manages to score his 300th goal, it would be even more beautiful.
Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani, the Italian-American businessman who acquired the club in 2024, first teased the prospect of the signing back in June while attending the World Cup in Miami. Cipriani firmly dismissed any suggestion that bringing in the 46-year-old was merely a publicity drive, insisting the involvement isn’t a token gesture or a marketing stunt to generate talk. Instead, Cipriani described the objective as deeply romantic—giving the former global star an opportunity to score one last goal. Supporters won’t see him immediately, however, as Cipriani confirmed Ronaldinho won’t feature in Monday’s Serie C season opener away against Reggiana.
For Ravenna, adding a player of Ronaldinho’s standing brings tremendous experience and attention to the squad as they begin their domestic campaign. Although it remains to be seen precisely when the veteran forward will step back onto the field, his focus is clear on supporting his teammates and waiting for his opportunity. Whether he reaches that coveted 300-goal mark or simply provides wisdom to the squad, Ronaldinho’s return marks an extraordinary new chapter for both the player and the Italian club.
