Full Breakdown
Ronaldinho Signs with Serie C Club Ravenna at 46, Marking Return to Professional Football
6/25/2026, 5:43:31 AM
Ronaldinho's Return to Professional Football
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho officially joined Serie C side Ravenna FC on 23-24 June 2026 at age 46, becoming a registered player for the upcoming season.
Background & Context
Ronaldinho won the 2002 World Cup, the 2005 Ballon d’Or and played for AC Milan (2008-2011). He retired after a 2015 spell with Fluminense, remaining out of professional football for more than a decade before this comeback.
Key Figures & Groups
Club owner Ignazio Cipriani, who bought Ravenna in 2024, led the signing. He collaborated with executive Lorenzo Tonetti and negotiated directly with Ronaldinho and his brother. Ronaldinho expressed personal enthusiasm for the project.
Timeline of Key Dates
- 23-24 June 2026 – Signing announced and player registration completed.
- 23 June 2026 – Presentation held in Miami, Florida.
- 21 August 2026 – Team presentation in Ravenna; possible home league debut thereafter.
Data & Statistics
Ronaldinho is 46; Ravenna’s stadium seats just over 12,000. His last club was Fluminense (2015). Prior Italian experience: AC Milan (2008-2011). Major honors: 2002 World Cup, 2005 Ballon d’Or.
Why It Matters
The signing puts a third-tier club in global headlines, offering unprecedented publicity and a boost to Ravenna’s ambition of reaching Serie A. Officials also hope Ronaldinho’s presence will inspire local youth. Cipriani noted the signing gives Ravenna a level of publicity the club could never have imagined.
Official Statements & Responses
Ronaldinho said the move was straightforward, driven by friendship with Cipriani and a wish to spread joy. Cipriani called Ronaldinho his childhood idol, said the deal fulfills a lifelong dream and will enlarge the club’s fan base. The club confirmed registration and the possibility of at least one league appearance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Cipriani told La Gazzetta dello Sport Ronaldinho will not join pre-season training but will play “at least one league match, perhaps more,” while other statements left his debut date unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!” — Ronaldinho, Brazilian football legend
- “I hope his involvement inspires a new generation of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna.” — Ignazio Cipriani, Ravenna FC owner
- “He will participate in the team’s presentation on 21 August; he won’t join the pre-season training camp, but he will certainly take part in at least one league match, perhaps even more, we’ll see,” — Ignazio Cipriani, quoted to La Gazzetta dello Sport
- “I hope it has the most positive impact possible. I hope others will be motivated to continue and have the opportunity to fulfil their dreams, just as I fulfilled mine.” — Ronaldinho, interview with Reuters
What's Next
Ravenna will host its official team presentation on 21 August 2026, after which Ronaldinho could appear in a home league match.
