Ronaldinho's return to Ravenna promises to revive Serie C
While Serie C remains the most modest division in Italy, the return of the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldinho, is generating enthusiasm comparable to that of major international fixtures. Ravenna's club has confirmed that the Brazilian will step onto the pitch on November 15 against Forli, at 5:30 p.m., at the Bruno Benelli stadium.
The official announcement, released in a video mixing technical tricks and footage of the new kit, quotes the club: “The magic has never disappeared. It’s time to bring it back onto the field.” Ronaldinho will wear the number 10, in red and black, for this derby.
The Brazilian, a former star of PSG and FC Barcelona, signed with Ravenna this summer. His last official match dates back to 2015, when he left Fluminense. No content yet shows Ronaldinho training on his Instagram account.
Ravenna in the running for Serie B
After ten matches, Ravenna sits in second place in Group B of Serie C with twenty points, from six wins, two draws and two losses. The leaders Spezia, relegated from Serie B, hold an eight‑point advantage, while Grosseto follows closely, just one point behind.
Forli, ranked fourteenth in the same group, is a modest but symbolic opponent. The clash, scheduled for 5:30 p.m., is expected to become the most watched match in Serie C history, according to the organizers.
Ravenna's bold gamble sees 46‑year‑old Ronaldinho return to Serie C
The Ronaldinho project within the club
Founded in 1913, Ravenna’s club belongs to the city of Emilia‑Romagna. President Ignazio Cipriani, from the renowned hospitality family, is supported by vice‑president Ariedo Braida, former sporting director of Milan. Coach Andrea Mandorlini, a native of Ravenna and former Inter defender, has been in charge of the team since February 2026.
Ronaldinho also holds a minority stake in the club. A limited‑edition Ravenna × Ronaldinho jersey, featuring the number 10, is being sold for €129, the project aiming to launch the R10 brand.
The player was introduced in Miami before being welcomed in August in front of roughly six thousand supporters during an evening on the Marina di Ravenna beach. The same video shows footage of the arena in the new colours, strengthening the bond with the fans.
The staff hope that Ronaldinho will fuel the striking of Simone Rabbi, who has scored six goals this season, and could even take the penalties. Playing time will be decided by Mandorlini, who will have to balance spectacle with tactical demands.