Ronaldinho Sets the Stage for Final Professional Bow with Italian Club Ravenna
RAVENNA, Italy – In a move that has electrified the footballing world, Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has officially confirmed his return to professional football. The 46-year-old icon is set to don the kit of Italian third-tier side Ravenna, aiming to write the final chapter of a storied career that has inspired millions.
After an 11-year hiatus from competitive professional football—his last official appearance came for Fluminense in 2015—the former Ballon d’Or winner is preparing for a swan song that he insists is about more than just headlines.
A Promise to the Pitch
While initial reports in June suggested his involvement with the club would be strictly confined to his role as a shareholder and global brand ambassador, Ronaldinho has clarified his intent to step back onto the field. Speaking to Flashscore, the 2002 World Cup winner put any remaining doubts to rest: “I will certainly play a few minutes in an official match, then we’ll see how I feel.”
Ignazio Cipriani, who leads the ownership group alongside the Brazilian, emphasized the romantic nature of the comeback. "He has chosen to make an extraordinary gift to the city and to his new club," Cipriani said. "He will take to the pitch for Ravenna in an official professional match, with one clear and romantic aim: to try to score the final goal of his career."
Addressing critics who speculated that the move was purely a promotional endeavor, Cipriani was emphatic: “Not a marketing stunt,” he stated, noting that the primary foundation of the partnership is Ronaldinho’s long-term commitment as a stakeholder.
Logistics and Expectations
Despite the excitement, the club is managing expectations regarding his physical readiness. Having skipped the traditional pre-season training, Ronaldinho is not expected to feature in the starting XI for the team’s upcoming Serie C season opener against Reggiana.
The club is currently organizing a massive fan event on the Adriatic coast to celebrate his arrival, with roughly 6,000 supporters expected to attend. His transition into the side will be overseen by manager Andrea Mandorlini, a former Inter Milan defender, as Ravenna looks to improve upon their strong third-place finish from last season.
A Legacy Untouched
Ronaldinho’s career remains one of the most celebrated in the history of the sport. From his mesmerizing tenure at FC Barcelona—where he claimed two La Liga titles and the 2006 Champions League—to his influential spell at AC Milan, he has defined an era of "Joga Bonito." With 97 caps for Brazil and two FIFA World Player of the Year awards to his name, his technical wizardry left an indelible mark on the game.
When the partnership was first unveiled, Ronaldinho spoke of his desire to bring his trademark joy to Italy. "New colours, same smile," he remarked. "I cannot wait to be able to dance on the ball again."
As he prepares for his final appearance, the football world waits to see if one of the game’s greatest entertainers can pull off one last moment of magic, ensuring that his professional career ends exactly as it was lived: with the ball at his feet and the crowd on its feet.
