Ronaldinho Returns to Football at 46 With Ravenna FC in Italy’s Serie C

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has returned to professional football at the age of 46, signing with Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC. The club announced the 46-year-old's involvement on August 20, and Ronaldinho will also become a shareholder in the team. Although his exact role is still under evaluation, he has committed to helping the team on the field as he pursues his goal of reaching 300 career goals.

Ronaldinho's return to football comes 11 years after his last official match. The Brazilian star has had a glittering career, featuring at some of the world's elite clubs and winning numerous titles, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the Ballon d'Or in 2005. He previously played for teams such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan.

Ronaldinho's move to Ravenna is part of a collaboration with the club, and he will not play in the team's Serie C opener against Reggiana on August 24. Instead, he will take a stake in the club, which Cipriani has owned since 2024. Ravenna has not played in Italy's second division since 2008 and aims to return to Serie B through the current season.

The club president confirmed that Ronaldinho's involvement is separate from his potential playing duties. His potential appearances will depend on the coaching staff's decisions. Since leaving professional football in 2015, Ronaldinho has been involved in football through exhibition matches and appearances. The agreement with Ravenna marks a new step in his career as he returns to a professional team in Italy's league system.