Ronaldinho's surprise Serie C comeback fuels Ravenna's brand push
At 46, Ronaldinho Gaúcho is set to return to professional football, arriving Thursday in Emilia‑Romaña, Italia, where he will be unveiled as a new player for Ravenna FC, a Serie C side, after landing at Forlì airport from Milán on the morning.
The Brazilian star previously played for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Milan, among other clubs. His career, highlighted by stints at those European giants, now shifts to Italy's third tier.
The player touched down at Forlì airport on Thursday, travelling from Milán. El propio Ravenna confirmed his arrival through its networks. Ravenna FC announced the signing on its social channels, posting the line “Ronaldinho aterrizó en Romaña” alongside images of the ex‑footballer in the club shirt.
Ravenna's branding push
The club, owned since 2024 by Italian businessman Ignazio Cipriani, sees the Brazilian icon as a vehicle to broaden its commercial reach. The project aims to give Ravenna greater international exposure and to strengthen its brand.
While the exact debut date remains unconfirmed, Ronaldinho is expected to feature in at least one official match for the Italian side. He told reporters during his Miami presentation almost two months earlier that “El fútbol siempre ha sido alegría para mí y estoy emocionado de llevar ese espíritu al Ravenna. ¡Que empiece la magia!”
Jersey and cap sales
The signing sparked a commercial boom, dubbed “EL BOOM COMERCIAL DEL FICHAJE DE "DINHO" CON EL RAVENNA” by the club. Ravenna released a number‑10 jersey for Ronaldinho priced at 129 euros, which sold out within hours of the announcement. A white cap bearing his insignia was also offered for $32, disappearing from official stores just as quickly. La expectativa surrounding the merchandise was evident as fans rushed to purchase.
The juxtaposition of a global superstar returning to a Serie C outfit underscores both a personal sporting revival and a strategic marketing move. Ravenna hopes the partnership will keep the magic alive on the pitch while amplifying its profile beyond Italia.