Ronaldinho ends retirement to join Italian third-tier club Ravenna at 46
Former Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho, 46, has come out of retirement to sign for Ravenna FC in Italy's third division, pledging to score his last professional goal and inspire a new generation.
A football icon returns
Ronaldinho, the Ballon d'Or winner and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, has ended a retirement that formally began in 2018 to join Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC. The Brazilian last played club football for Fluminense in 2015. The move was confirmed at an event in Miami on 23 June, where the 46-year-old posed with his new white Ravenna jersey draped over the 2005 Ballon d'Or trophy. Club president Ignazio Cipriani, who bought Ravenna in 2024, called the transfer an extraordinary moment for the club.
'Dancing with the ball again'
The signing is described as "much more than a symbolic commitment" by the club. Ronaldinho will wear the number 10 shirt and has set himself the goal of scoring his final professional goal in Ravenna colours.
New colours, same smile. I can't wait to dance with the ball again and write a new, wonderful story together with Ignazio Cipriani and the Cipriani family. For me, football has always been joy, and I am excited to bring this spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!
Ronaldinho told Reuters the move was simple because of his long friendship with the Cipriani family. He hopes his return creates a positive impact and motivates others to pursue their dreams.
Owner's lifelong dream
Ignazio Cipriani, born in Ravenna, said bringing Ronaldinho to the club fulfilled a childhood dream. "He was my idol as a kid, and his impact on the game goes far beyond football," he said. Cipriani bought the club in 2024 alongside investment partner Black Duck and installed former AC Milan executive Ariedo Braida as vice president. The president has stated his ambition is to take the club to Serie A. Ravenna narrowly missed promotion to Serie B last season.
Bringing Ronaldinho to Ravenna represents an extraordinary moment for the club.
Brand and investment
Ronaldinho will also become a shareholder in the club. According to an interview Cipriani gave to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brazilian wants to launch his technical brand R10, with Ravenna the first team to wear it. The partnership is likened to the Michael Jordan model. Sky Sport Italia reported that Ronaldinho will not be a regular starter; he will take part in pre-season training and remain available to the coaching staff while involving himself in the wider project. Jerseys featuring the R10 logo are already on sale.
A new chapter for Ravenna
The club, which plays at the roughly 12,000-capacity Stadio Bruno Benelli, sees the signing as a catalyst for international growth. At the Miami launch, a dinner for 70 guests was followed by a party for 250. The club statement described the project as "an encounter between culture, lifestyle and sport. Not just a project. A new vision." Ronaldinho, whose career highlights include the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, the 2006 Champions League with Barcelona and the 2005 Ballon d'Or, said he hopes his involvement inspires a new generation of fans to support Ravenna.
