Football · Ravenna and Miami
Ronaldinho ends retirement to sign for Italian third-tier side Ravenna at 46
The Brazilian World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or recipient returns to professional football after more than a decade, joining ambitious Serie C club Ravenna FC.
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In brief
Former Ballon d'Or winner ends his retirement to play in Italy's third division, Serie C.
He will skip pre-season training but appear at the August presentation and play at least one home league match, with his R10 brand featured on the kit.
President Ignazio Cipriani purchased the club in 2024 with the goal of reaching Serie A, backed by Black Duck fund and director Ariedo Braida.
The signing in Miami
On Tuesday night, Ronaldinho and Ravenna FC president Ignazio Cipriani appeared together in Miami to announce the deal. The 46-year-old posed in the club's new white jersey next to his 2005 Ballon d'Or trophy before signing the shirt with Cipriani beside him.
“I cannot wait to dance with the ball. Football has always been joyful for me, and I'm excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!”
What the move entails
Cipriani, who bought the club in 2024, said Ronaldinho will not join the team's pre-season retreat but will take part in the 21 August squad presentation and play in at least one home league match. The Brazilian will also enter the club's ownership structure and launch his R10 technical brand on the team's kit, alongside Nike.
“He was my idol growing up. I hope his involvement inspires a new generation of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna.”
Local and regional excitement
Ravenna mayor Alessandro Barattoni described the signing as "one of those events that will never be forgotten", while regional president Michele de Pascale, a former Ravenna mayor, said the arrival would bring global attention to the city and the Emilia-Romagna region.
A career of highs and post-retirement lows
Ronaldinho won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, the 2005 Ballon d'Or and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006. His last professional match was for Fluminense in 2015. In the intervening years, he faced legal troubles, including a 2020 arrest in Paraguay over fake passports, financial difficulties, and weight issues, reportedly weighing as much as 140 kg at one stage.
Ambitions beyond the pitch
Cipriani aims to take Ravenna all the way to Serie A, working with investment fund Black Duck and veteran director Ariedo Braida. The club is also developing a new training centre under general manager Paolo Scocco.
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Sources and context
- The Guardian'Let the magic begin': Ronaldinho signs for Serie C side Ravenna at age of 46
- ANSA.itRavenna aspetta Ronaldinho, il sindaco: 'Un evento indimenticabile' - Calcio
- lastampa.itRavenna e il colpo Ronaldinho: il Pallone d'Oro torna in campo a 46 anni per giocare in Serie C
- Neue Zürcher ZeitungRonaldinho kehrt zurück: Comeback in Italiens 3. Liga
- Ronaldinho
- Brazilian football legend and 2005 Ballon d'Or winner who signed with Ravenna FC at age 46.
- Ignazio Cipriani
- President of Ravenna FC who bought the Serie C club in 2024 and secured Ronaldinho's signature.
- Alessandro Barattoni
- Mayor of Ravenna who welcomed Ronaldinho's arrival as a historic event for the city.
- Michele de Pascale
- President of the Emilia-Romagna region and former mayor of Ravenna who praised the signing's visibility boost.
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