Ronaldinho's surprise return puts Ravenna in the spotlight
Under the bright floodlights of Stadio Bruno Benelli, the scent of sea air mingles with anticipation as 46‑year‑old Ronaldinho prepares to step onto the pitch for Ravenna, the Italian third‑tier side that secured his signature for a November 15 derby.
Ravenna confirm Ronaldinho's debut
The club announced on Friday that the Brazilian great will make his competitive return next month, facing local rivals Forli on 15 November. The Reuters Photo taken on 24 October 2026 captured the legend’s smiling face as he confirmed the comeback.
“The whole football world thought it too good to be true, instead we can now officially confirm a grand return: The return of the magic, the smile, and a talent that has captivated generations of fans, regardless of their team loyalties or football allegiances,” the club said.
Details of the comeback
Ronaldinho signed with Ravenna in June and has also acquired a stake in the club, which is owned by his friend Ignazio Cipriani of the Cipriani restaurant brand. Cipriani explained that the Brazilian’s involvement is meant to bring the local community closer to the team and added his personal ambition to see Ronaldinho score what could be his final goal in a Ravenna shirt.
Ronaldinho makes sensational comeback at Serie C club Ravenna
The former Barcelona and AC Milan forward retired in 2018 after a glittering career that included a spell at Fluminense in 2015. He last played professionally for the Brazilian side Fluminense, ending a career that amassed nearly 300 goals.
Months of speculation gave way to a beachside ceremony in Marina di Ravenna in August, where Ronaldinho was presented to fans. He stopped short of confirming a competitive appearance then, but told the crowd, “I’m here to help.”
Ravenna said the anticipation grew since the initial announcement in Miami and the warm reception he received on the Italian coast. “The vision of President Cipriani, which ignited the fans' imaginations and sparked debate well beyond Italy's borders, now has a concrete date,” the club added. “Ronaldinho will play at the Benelli, opening a new chapter in a story that never ceases to surprise.”
Ronaldinho returns to Serie C with Ravenna for November derby
The derby at Stadio Bruno Benelli offers Ravenna a chance to capitalise on the global attention generated by one of football’s most recognizable figures. Ronaldinho’s résumé includes stints at Paris Saint‑Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan, a World Cup triumph with Brazil in 2002 and a Ballon d’Or in 2005.