{
  "id": 2236453,
  "title": "Ronaldinho returns in search of ‘beautiful’ 300th goal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/ronaldinho-returns-in-search-of-beautiful-300th-goal-2236453",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T22:16:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ronaldinho-returns-in-search-of-beautiful-300th-goal/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Brazilian star Ronaldinho is set to make a return to the pitch in an attempt to score his 300th goal with Italian third-division side Ravenna. The 46-year-old, who hung up his boots in 2015, announced his comeback in June on the sidelines of the World Cup in Miami. Ronaldinho, who won the World Cup in 2002 and the Ballon d'Or in 2005, played his final official match for Brazilian club Fluminense in September 2015.\n\nSpeaking on the sidelines of his presentation in Ravenna, Ronaldinho expressed his joy at being back with friends and the team's potential to achieve greatness. However, he clarified that only the coach knows whether or not he will be taking the field. Ronaldinho is in good shape and feeling well, stating that if he could score his 300th goal, it would be even more beautiful.\n\nIgnazio Cipriani, the Italian-American businessman and owner of the club since 2024, announced Ronaldinho's return in June. Cipriani emphasized that Ronaldinho's involvement is not a token gesture or a marketing stunt, but rather a genuine effort to contribute to the team's success. The 46-year-old would also become a shareholder in the club and would not participate in the Serie C season opener against Reggiana on Monday. Ravenna finished third in last season's third-division championship and is now aiming to return to Serie B, where they have not played since 2008.",
  "summary": "Football legend Ronaldinho, 46, returns to professional football with Italian side Ravenna, aiming to score his ‘beautiful’ 300th career goal. Read More: https://punchng.com/ronaldinho-returns-in-search-of-beautiful-300th-goal/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Ronaldinho returns in search of ‘beautiful’ 300th goal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/ronaldinho-returns-in-search-of-beautiful-300th-goal-2229793",
        "published": "2026-08-20T21:40:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}