Ronaldinho ends 11-year retirement at 46 to sign with third-tier Italian side Ravenna

Ronaldinho has signed with Serie C side Ravenna FC at the age of 46, the Italian third-tier club announced on Wednesday — ending an 11-year absence from professional football for the Brazilian legend.

The nature of his role at Ravenna remains ambiguous, and scepticism surrounds whether he will actually play competitively. He is set to be officially unveiled next week, though his own words suggested a playing intention.

“New colours, same smile,” Ronaldinho said. “I can’t wait to get back to dancing on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna.”

Ravenna play their home matches at Stadio Bruno Benelli in the northern Italian coastal city of the same name, situated not far from Bologna. The club competes in one of Serie C’s three divisions.

Ronaldinho’s last professional stint was with Fluminense, which ended in 2015. Before that, he built one of football’s most celebrated careers, winning the Champions League, two La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League at Barcelona, as well as a Serie A title with AC Milan. His crowning achievement came at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where Brazil claimed their sixth and most recent world title.

The 46-year-old was recently spotted at Philadelphia Stadium watching Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in a World Cup group stage fixture, as his nation continues their pursuit of a record seventh world title.