Ronaldinho arrives in Italy to join Serie C side Ravenna FC as player and shareholder
Former Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho landed in Italy on Thursday to complete his move to third-tier club Ravenna FC, taking an ownership stake with plans to play an official league fixture.
Arrival in Emilia-Romagna
Former Brazil international Ronaldinho landed at Forli Airport on Thursday around midday, arriving by private jet alongside Ravenna FC president Ignazio Cipriani. The 46-year-old signed footballs for airport staff on the runway before departing directly in a vehicle, bypassing fans gathered outside the terminal. His arrival in the Emilia-Romagna region follows the June announcement of his deal with the Italian third-tier club, situated approximately 30 kilometers from the airport.
Ravenna management arranged an initial media gathering ahead of broader squad festivities, hosting a press conference attended by former AC Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida. Cipriani, the grandson of Harry's Bar founder Giuseppe Cipriani, stated that the acquisition was designed to build enthusiasm across the city while pursuing promotion to Serie A.
This was an operation to bring the whole city closer to the team.
Ownership structure and playing role
Beyond registering as a player, Ronaldinho joins Ravenna FC as an equity shareholder in the club's corporate structure. Club leadership emphasized that the commercial and managerial partnership forms the foundation of the agreement, with any competitive appearances serving as a secondary sporting objective. Ronaldinho has not contested a professional fixture since 26 September 2015, when he played 45 minutes for Fluminense against Goias.
The Brazilian forward aims to score his 300th career goal if he appears in an official Serie C match. Ronaldinho stated during his presentation that match selections and training regimes will remain under the authority of the coaching staff.
If that happens, it will be even more beautiful. I don't know, that depends on the president, on the trainer. I came here because of the friendship we have. We'll wait for the squad to do well. I'm here to help.
Squad presentation in Marina di Ravenna
Ravenna organized an evening squad unveiling at a beach festival in Marina di Ravenna along the Adriatic coast, with approximately 6,000 supporters expected to attend. The presentation program featured performances by musical acts including Orietta Berti, Elettra Lamborghini, and Sophie and the Giants, concluding with Ronaldinho appearing as the final team member on stage.
- Ronaldinho plays his last professional match for Fluminense against Goias.
- Ravenna FC announces the signing of Ronaldinho as player and co-owner.
- Ronaldinho lands at Forli Airport and attends squad presentation in Marina di Ravenna.
- Ravenna FC plays its Serie C season opener away against Reggiana.
Ronaldinho will not participate in Ravenna's Serie C opener on Monday against Reggiana at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia. Head coach Andrea Mandorlini conducted the entire pre-season program without the forward, who has yet to join first-team training. The coaching staff will evaluate his physical condition before determining whether he can feature in league competition later in the campaign.
Career background and previous spells
Ronaldinho previously competed in Italian football between 2008 and January 2011, making appearances for AC Milan before transferring to Flamengo. His club career also features tenures at Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Atletico Mineiro, and Queretaro. At the international level, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps for Brazil, won the 2002 World Cup, and received the Ballon d'Or in 2005.
The signing follows years away from professional football, including a five-month detention in Paraguay over false identity documents that concluded with a 170,000 euro bail payment. His agreement with Ravenna establishes his first official club contract in eleven years.
