Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has made a surprise return to the sport after signing with Italian third-division club Ravenna.
The former Barcelona and Brazil star, who retired from professional football in 2015, announced his comeback on Thursday at the age of 46.
Ronaldinho said he hopes to help Ravenna achieve success while also pursuing a personal ambition of scoring his 300th career goal.
‘I’m in Good Shape’
Ronaldinho, who won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2005, played his final official match for Brazilian club Fluminense in September 2015.
Speaking during his presentation in Ravenna, the former attacking midfielder said he was delighted to return to Italy.
“I’m very pleased to be here with friends; we have a team capable of achieving something significant,” Ronaldinho said.
He also left open the possibility of appearing in competitive matches.
“Will you see me play? I cannot say; only the coach has that knowledge.”
Ronaldinho added that he was feeling fit and hoped he could score his 300th goal.
“As you can see, I’m in good shape, I feel well… If I could net my 300th goal, that would be even more remarkable.”
Comeback Not Just for Publicity
Ronaldinho’s return was first announced in June during the World Cup in Miami by Ignazio Cipriani, an Italian-American entrepreneur who has owned Ravenna since 2024.
Cipriani said Ronaldinho’s involvement was driven by a genuine desire to return to the pitch rather than simply generate publicity for the club.
“He wants to score his final goal,” Cipriani said, adding that Ronaldinho’s participation was not intended merely as a symbolic gesture or marketing strategy.
Ronaldinho is also expected to become a shareholder in the club.
Ronaldinho’s Brazil Legacy
The Brazilian legend scored 33 goals in 97 appearances for his country and enjoyed a celebrated club career that included spells with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan and Fluminense.
With Barcelona, he won major domestic and European honours and became one of the most influential players of his generation.
Ravenna said Ronaldinho will not feature in the club’s Serie C season opener against Reggiana on Monday.
The club finished third in Group B of Italy’s third tier last season and is targeting promotion to Serie B, a division it has not played in since 2008.
