Ravenna’s ticket frenzy erupts as Ronaldinho returns
On a bright November morning at the Bruno Benelli stadium, the scent of fresh paint mingles with the buzz of fans queuing for a glimpse of the legendary Brazilian. Ronaldinho Gaúcho, 46, speaking to the European newspaper Mundo, will step onto the pitch for Ravenna on 15 November against Forlì, a match that has already set ticket queues ablaze.
Ticket demand outstrips supply
The confirmation of Ronaldinho’s participation triggered a flood of ticket requests even before tickets were released to the public. Ravenna’s roughly 2,800 members will receive priority access, while the club expects to put only about 1,500 tickets on sale to the wider crowd. The Bruno Benelli stadium can hold 4,943 spectators, but ongoing renovations restrict the number of fans who can attend. The scarcity of tickets has amplified anticipation for the regional classic against Forlì.
Commercial drive surrounding Ronaldinho
In July, the club plastered billboards featuring Ronaldinho across busy Milan districts such as San Babila and Brera, each displaying a QR code that directed shoppers to the ticket portal. The campaign boosted sales of the player’s replica shirt and heightened Ravenna’s visibility. In October, a partnership with Panini launched special cards priced at €10, offering fans the chance to win signed jerseys, a meet‑and‑greet and a match ticket. An official Ravenna store opened in the historic centre, stocked with Ronaldinho‑branded apparel and memorabilia.
Lautaro Martínez in 22nd place: only Serie A at the Ballon d’Or
Ronaldinho’s comeback after seven years
Alongside the on‑field debut, Ronaldinho secured a shareholding in Ravenna, joining an initiative aimed at widening the club’s international footprint. The ownership stake, announced in June, is intended to attract new supporters beyond Italy.
The debut is scheduled for 15 November at 13:30 Brasília time, when Ravenna will host Forlì in a regional derby. The fixture is billed as one of the season’s most anticipated events, offering supporters a rare chance to watch Ronaldinho in an official competition again. Forlì, a fellow Serie C side, provides a traditional local rivalry that adds extra spice to the encounter.
Ravenna launches global push as Ronaldinho returns for derby
The Brazilian midfielder, a former Seleção Brasileira star, last appeared in a professional match in 2015 for Fluminense, after which he retired officially in 2018. He rose to fame at Grêmio before starring for Paris Saint‑Germain, Barcelona – where he won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 – and Milan. He was a key figure in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo. His return to competitive football after a seven‑year hiatus has reignited global interest in Ravenna.