Full Breakdown
Ronaldinho to Return to Competitive Football with Ravenna in Serie C Derby
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Scheduled Comeback on November 15
Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho, age 46, is set to appear in an official match for Italian third-tier side Ravenna. The club announced on October 23 that he will play in the home derby against local rivals Forli on November 15 at the Stadio Bruno Benelli. This will be his first competitive appearance since leaving Fluminense in 2015 and marks an 11-year hiatus from professional football.
Background & Context
Ronaldinho’s career includes a 2002 FIFA World Cup win with Brazil, a 2005 Ballon d’Or, and successful spells at FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and other top clubs. He officially retired in 2018 after a brief stint with Fluminense, where he last played competitively in 2015. In June 2026, he signed with Ravenna and purchased a minority stake in the club, which is owned by his longtime friend Ignazio Cipriani.
Club Situation & Data
Ravenna competes in Serie C Group B and currently sits second in the table with 20 points from 10 matches, eight points behind league leaders Spezia. The upcoming derby is viewed as a potential catalyst for both on-field performance and off-field visibility.
Official Statements & Responses
Club officials have framed the event as a city-wide initiative. Cipriani also expressed a personal hope that Ronaldinho could score the final goal of his illustrious career while wearing the Ravenna shirt.
Why It Matters
Ronaldinho’s participation is expected to boost Ravenna’s profile far beyond the typical reach of Serie C clubs, attracting international media attention and potentially increasing ticket sales, sponsorship interest, and fan engagement. The club also hopes his presence will inspire younger players and reinforce the team’s competitive ambitions.
What’s Next
The derby against Forli is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at 5:30 p.m. local time. The match will be the first opportunity for spectators to see Ronaldinho in a competitive setting since 2015, and it will be closely watched by football fans worldwide.