Full Breakdown
Ronaldinho’s Return to Professional Football with Serie C Club Ravenna
8/21/2026, 7:56:15 AM
The Signing and Immediate Arrival
On August 20 2026, Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho arrived at Forlì Airport and was presented on the beach in Marina di Ravenna as a new player and shareholder of Ravenna FC, a third-tier Italian club. The 46-year-old former Barcelona, AC Milan and Fluminense star signed a contract announced in June, marking his first professional engagement since his last competitive appearance for Fluminense in 2015. He will not feature in Ravenna’s opening Serie C match against Reggiana on August 24 2026, and his exact playing role remains to be decided by club president Ignazio Cipriani and head coach Andrea Mandorlini.
Background & Context
Ronaldinho retired from professional club football in 2015 and formally announced his retirement in 2018. His career includes a 2002 World Cup win, a 2005 Ballon d’Or, and stints at Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan. The Ravenna signing was first disclosed on June 19 2026, when the club announced the surprise deal during the World Cup in Miami.
Data & Statistics
- The “Ronaldinho effect” generated more than 2,700 season-ticket sales for Ravenna’s Serie C campaign, according to The Guardian.
- Approximately 6,000 fans attended the beach-side presentation, as reported by multiple outlets.
- Ravenna finished third in Group B of Serie C last season and aim to return to Serie B, a division they last left after the 2007-08 campaign.
Official Statements & Responses
Ronaldinho expressed happiness at rejoining friends in Italy, noting that “I’m very happy to be here with friends, we have a team that can do something good.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm very happy to be here with friends, we have a team that can do something good,” — Reggio Emilia. Ronaldinho
- “His objective is romantic, to try to score his last goal,” — Ignazio Cipriani, ravenna president
- “I'm very happy to be here with my friends, but let's wait and see if things go well with the team,” — Reggio Emilia. Ronaldinho
- “Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us but will not play for Ravenna in Serie C next season,” — Ariedo Braida, who knew the Brazilian from their time at AC Milan
- “I will certainly play a few minutes in an official match, and then we'll see how I feel.” — Flashscore
What’s Next
Ravenna’s Serie C season opens away at Reggiana on August 24 2026, but Ronaldinho is confirmed to sit out that fixture. The club has indicated that a future appearance will be selected “carefully” and will depend on medical clearance and the decisions of Cipriani and Mandorlini. Fans and observers will watch for an official registration update that could allow Ronaldinho to feature in at least one competitive match later in the campaign.
