Ronaldinho returns to competitive football in Italy with Ravenna

The former forward of Barcelona and AC Milan, Ronaldinho, will return to competitive football in Italy when Serie C side Ravenna faces Forlì on November 15, the club announced on Friday. Luca Bruno of EFE reported that the announcement was made official.

Details of the signing and participation

Ravenna signed Ronaldinho in June and granted him a shareholding participation, owned by his friend Ignazio Cipriani. The deal places the Brazilian as both investor and player simultaneously at the Serie C club.

The former star, 46, won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and the Ballon d'Or in 2005. He last played in an official competition with Fluminense in 2015 and officially retired in 2018.

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

Luis de la Fuente, the leading favorite for the Ballon d'Or for best coach, and Ferran Martínez of Valencia and Mestalla are looking to settle scores with Villarreal, reported Paula Lerín. Both coaches appear among the most cited names in recent press.

Ronaldinho arrived in Italy in August but has not confirmed that he will play, according to Luca Bruno of EFE. However, he left open the possibility of scoring the 300th goal of his career in the match against Forlì.

Ronaldinho's return to Ravenna promises to revive Serie C

The idol's return highlights the contrast between the glory of his years with Barcelona and Milan and the modesty of Serie C, underscoring that football remains open to unexpected surprises.