Ronaldinho Set for Surprise Return to Football with Italian Side Ravenna

HD
By HeadlineDock
6/20/2026

Legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho is set to emerge from retirement at 46 to join the Italian third-tier club Ravenna. While club officials view the move as a major marketing coup, his active participation on the field remains a subject of intense speculation and debate.

Ronaldinho Set for Surprise Return to Football with Italian Side Ravenna

Highlights

  • Ronaldinho, at age 46, is reportedly set to join Italian third-tier side Ravenna.
  • The deal is expected to be finalized in Miami, coinciding with the star's US visit.
  • Club vice-president Ariedo Braida described the signing as a significant marketing milestone.
  • Ronaldinho has not played professional football since his time at Fluminense in 2015.

The global football community is buzzing with the unexpected news that Ronaldinho, the legendary former Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion, is preparing for a return to competitive football. At 46 years old, the Brazilian icon is reportedly on the verge of joining Ravenna, a team currently competing in the third tier of Italian football. This potential Ronaldinho comeback has captured international attention, sparking discussions about the enduring legacy and magic of one of the sport's greatest players.

According to recent reports, the formal agreement is expected to be finalized in Miami. The timing coincides with the star's presence in the United States for the ongoing World Cup. A source close to the negotiations has verified that discussions regarding this transfer are well underway. The prospect of seeing the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona wizard back on the pitch has created significant excitement among fans who fondly remember his spectacular career.

Understanding the Potential Ronaldinho Comeback

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new chapter, Ronaldinho noted his eagerness to enjoy the sport once more. He highlighted his desire to share the joy of football with Ignazio Cipriani, the Italian-American owner of Ravenna, and his family. For the star, football has always been a medium for happiness, and he intends to bring that signature spirit to his time in the Italian league.

However, the move has been met with a pragmatic perspective from the club's leadership. Ariedo Braida, the vice-president of Ravenna, offered a measured take on the situation. He acknowledged that the signing is largely driven by strategic marketing goals rather than purely technical squad-building requirements. While the club is thrilled to secure the registration of such a magical athlete, there remains uncertainty regarding his active participation on the field.

Whether or not Ronaldinho physically competes in matches at age 46 remains a matter of ongoing speculation. The vice-president clarified that while registering the player is considered a massive achievement for the club, his actual match-day involvement depends on various factors. It has been over a decade since the star last played professionally, following a brief spell at Fluminense in 2015. Despite the skepticism surrounding his physical readiness to return to professional action, the mere prospect of the Ronaldinho comeback to the Italian third division continues to generate headlines across the globe. Football enthusiasts remain curious to see if this legendary figure will truly lace up his boots for the team once again.

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