Ronaldinho Makes Football Return at 46, Brazilian Legend Joins Ravenna as Player and Co-Owner
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, 46, has stunned the football world by joining Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC as both a player and shareholder. Presented on August 20, 2026, the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year is set to return to competitive action after an 11-year hiatus, bringing his 'Joga Bonito' style to Italy's third tier.
Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho has officially ended his 11-year professional playing hiatus, making a sensational return to the sport at the age of 46 after joining Italian Serie C outfit Ravenna FC. The announcement, initially a surprise, has been confirmed with the former Ballon d'Or winner also taking a stake in the club's ownership, marking a unique chapter in his illustrious career. Lionel Messi's Barcelona Jersey Outbids Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid Shirt at Auction for Over INR 63 Lakhs
VIDEO - Ronaldinho joins Ravenna as player and co-owner
Semplicemente 𝑹𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒉𝒐 🤙
L'attesa è finita, il Ravenna presenta il suo nuovo numero 🔟#Ronaldinho #Ravenna #DAZN pic.twitter.com/QMhfsnTEcu
— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) August 20, 2026
"Joga Bonito" appears set for a revival in Italy's third tier, as Ronaldinho, born March 21, 1980, was unveiled yesterday, Thursday, August 20, 2026, at a vibrant beachside ceremony in Marina di Ravenna, captivating thousands of supporters despite intermittent rain. He arrived by private jet at Forlì Airport and was then presented wearing Ravenna's iconic No. 10 jersey.
A Return to the Pitch?
While questions initially arose regarding whether Ronaldinho's role would be purely promotional, both the player and Ravenna's hierarchy have since confirmed his intention to feature on the pitch. Club president Ignazio Cipriani expressed his dream for the Brazilian to score the final goal of his career for Ravenna. Ronaldinho has indicated his intention to "certainly play a few minutes in an official match" and then assess his condition.
His last professional appearance was for Fluminense in 2015, with his official retirement announced in 2018. This comeback sees him return to Italian football after a successful spell with AC Milan from 2008 to 2011, where he won the Serie A title.
Ravenna's Serie C Campaign
Ravenna FC, known as I Giallorossi, compete in Serie C Group B and finished an impressive third in the 2025-26 season. The club, managed by Andrea Mandorlini, is aiming for promotion to Serie B.
Upcoming Fixtures (Ravenna FC):
| Competition | Date | Time (CEST) | Opponent | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie C Group B | Mon, Aug 24, 2026 | 21:00 | AC Reggiana 1919 | Away (Reggio Emilia) | Ronaldinho will NOT feature. |
| Serie C Group B | Sat, Aug 29, 2026 | 18:00 | Latina Calcio 1932 | Home (Stadio Bruno Benelli) | Ronaldinho's debut date unconfirmed. |
| Coppa Italia Serie C | Wed, Sep 2, 2026 | TBD | Forlì FC | TBD | Ronaldinho's debut date unconfirmed. |
Note: Match times and broadcasting details for Serie C matches are not consistently available across all regions. Specific TV channels or streaming platforms for Ronaldinho's potential debut match are currently unconfirmed through publicly available search results.
Ronaldinho’s arrival has already sparked immense excitement, a clear testament to the 'Ronaldinho effect'. His presence, both as a player and shareholder, signals a serious intent from the club and a romantic twist in the tale of one of football's most beloved figures, who hopes to reach his 300th career goal.
Football fans worldwide will eagerly await the moment the 2002 World Cup winner graces the pitch once more, bringing his unique brand of magic back to the beautiful game in the unexpected setting of Italian Serie C. His journey with Ravenna promises to be one of the most intriguing stories of the 2026-27 season.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2026 11:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
