Ravenna's bold gamble sees 46‑year‑old Ronaldinho return to Serie C

Ronaldinho’s surprise registration with Ravenna will thrust a third‑tier Italian side into the global spotlight, as the 46‑year‑old World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner prepares to step onto the pitch again after an eleven‑year hiatus.

The club confirmed that Ronaldinho will line up in the derby against Forlì on 15 November, marking his return to professional football after an eleven‑year hiatus. The 46‑year‑old will wear the Ravenna shirt in what the side describes as a historic event.

Ravenna confirm historic signing

Ravenna announced in the summer that the Brazilian icon had signed as a player, joining the ownership group that already holds a minority stake in Stadio Bruno Benelli. His own ‘R10’ brand will also supply the team’s kits, linking his commercial empire with the club’s on‑field ambitions.

Club officials stressed the move is not a publicity stunt, with a statement declaring the event will turn the world’s gaze toward Stadio Bruno Benelli. “The whole soccer world thought it too good to be true,” Ravenna wrote, “but we can now officially confirm a grand return: the magic, the smile, and a talent that has captivated generations.”

Ronaldinho's glittering career recap

Ronaldinho hung up his boots in 2018 after a brief spell with Fluminense, having earned 97 caps and 33 goals for Brazil between 1997 and 2013. He was a key figure in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph and later dazzled at Barcelona, winning two LaLiga titles and the 2006 Champions League. The midfielder also collected the 2005 Ballon d’Or and back‑to‑back FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2004 and 2005, joining an elite group of eleven players to claim the Ballon d’Or, Champions League and World Cup.

Ronaldinho's return to Ravenna promises to revive Serie C

The ownership consortium is fronted by restaurateur Ignazio Cipriani, whose Cipriani brand is tasked with boosting Ravenna’s marketing reach. Ravenna’s statement recalled the announcement in Miami and the warm welcome from fans on the beach in Marina di Ravenna, saying the vision of President Cipriani has sparked debate far beyond Italy’s borders.

Promotion push adds pressure

On the field, Ravenna sit second in Group B of Serie C and are chasing promotion, currently eight points behind leaders Spezia after ten games. Managed by former Inter Milan defender Andrea Mandorlini, the Giallorossi have rebuilt from amateur level following a 2012 bankruptcy and now eye automatic promotion, which only the table‑toppers receive.

This will be Ronaldinho’s second spell in Italy; he previously enjoyed a three‑year stint at AC Milan from 2008 to 2011. The former Barcelona star was presented to Ravenna supporters in a ceremony in August, but has yet to make his debut.

Fans can expect the magic to return on 15 November, when the Brazilian will finally step onto the pitch at Stadio Bruno Benelli. “The wait is almost over. The magic is coming back to the field,” the club proclaimed, signalling a moment that could reshape the narrative of Serie C football.