46-Year-Old Ronaldinho Comes Out of Retirement, Signs for Ravenna

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to make a sensational return to professional football at the age of 46 after agreeing to join Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC.

The former Barcelona and AC Milan star has not played a competitive professional match since 2015, when he featured for Brazilian club Fluminense.

His return marks an extraordinary comeback, 11 years after his last professional appearance, and represents a second spell in Italian football following his time with AC Milan between 2008 and 2011.

Ronaldinho has also joined Ravenna’s ownership group as the club begins an ambitious project aimed at rebuilding its fortunes, attracting investment and raising its international profile.

Although there had initially been uncertainty over whether the former Brazil international would actually play competitive football, Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani has confirmed that Ronaldinho will feature in at least one Serie C match.

According to Cipriani, the arrangement is not simply a promotional exercise, with the Brazilian expected to make an appearance in a home league fixture.

However, the exact date of his return has yet to be announced. Ronaldinho is not expected to play in Ravenna’s opening fixture of the new season against Reggiana.

The 2002 World Cup winner is also expected to play an important role in promoting Ravenna and its broader football project.

Reacting to the move, Ronaldinho expressed his excitement about returning to the pitch.

“I cannot wait to dance with the ball,” the Brazilian said, stressing that football has always been a source of happiness for him.

Ronaldinho’s return has generated considerable excitement around Ravenna, with the club hoping his presence will attract more supporters, investors and international attention.

During his illustrious career, Ronaldinho established himself as one of the most entertaining footballers of his generation. He won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and enjoyed major success at club level, particularly with Barcelona.

He won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 and helped Barcelona claim the UEFA Champions League in 2006, alongside several domestic honours.

His decision to return to competitive football at 46 has therefore created widespread interest in Italy and beyond.

While his appearance will likely be carefully managed, Ravenna supporters now have the prospect of seeing one of football’s most iconic entertainers grace the pitch once again.

Ronaldinho is preparing to lace up his boots for a competitive match more than a decade after his professional career appeared to have ended.