At 46, Ronaldinho Returns to Football, Signs for Ravenna FC

Football fans did not see this coming. Brazilian legend Ronaldinho is officially back in the game, 11 years after hanging his boots.

The 46-year-old was unveiled on Thursday as a new player for Italian third-division side Ravenna FC.

It is a sensational comeback for a man who last played an official match in September 2015 for Fluminense in Brazil.

Ravenna confirmed the deal during a presentation in the city. The former Barcelona and AC Milan star looked fit and full of smiles.

"I’m very pleased to be here with friends; we have a team capable of achieving something significant," Ronaldinho told reporters.

The 2002 World Cup winner was careful not to promise immediate action on the pitch.

"Will you see me play? I cannot say; only the coach has that knowledge," he said.

"Returning to Italy is fantastic; I’m here to assist my teammates in securing victories. As you can see, I’m in good shape, I feel well."

Then he revealed his personal target.

"If I could net my 300th goal, that would be even more remarkable," he added.

Ronaldinho scored 33 goals in 97 appearances for Brazil and won the Ballon d’Or in 2005. He is one of the most decorated players in football history.

Not Just a Marketing Stunt

News of the move first broke in June. It was revealed by Ignazio Cipriani, the Italian-American entrepreneur who has owned Ravenna since 2024. He made the announcement during the Club World Cup in Miami.

Speaking again on Thursday, Cipriani insisted the signing is more than hype.

"His goal is sentimental, to attempt to score his final goal. His participation is not merely a symbolic act or a marketing ploy to generate buzz about us," he said.

According to the club owner, Ronaldinho will also become a shareholder in Ravenna.

He will however not feature in the Serie C season opener against Reggiana on Monday.

Ravenna are pushing for promotion. The club finished third in Group B of Serie C last season and have not played in Serie B since 2008.

Now, with a global icon in their ranks, they believe they can finally make that return.