Ronaldinho signs with Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC at 46 — but won't play

Ronaldinho has signed a contract with Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC, though the 46-year-old will not return to competitive football. The former Barcelona and AC Milan star, who last played professionally for Fluminense in 2015, will fulfil a marketing role for the club and is set to be unveiled in Miami next week.

Ravenna honorary vice-president Ariedo Braida was unambiguous about the nature of the arrangement. “Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but he won’t play for Ravenna in Serie C next season,” Braida said. “I wish he were still able to play. Dinho was a phenomenon and was a wonderful player. I have a beautiful relationship with him from the Milan days, but he won’t play in Serie C with us.”

Despite the limited on-pitch scope, the signing represents a significant moment for the modest Italian club. Owner Ignazio Cipriani, who spent 24 years in the United States before returning to his hometown, described landing the 2002 World Cup winner and Ballon d’Or recipient as a personal milestone. “Acquiring Ronaldinho is absolutely extraordinary for the club,” Cipriani said. “He was my idol and his impact on football goes beyond what he did on the pitch.”

Ronaldinho himself struck a characteristically upbeat tone. “New colours, same smile,” he 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.”

The announcement comes days after Ronaldinho was spotted in the stands watching Brazil dismantle Haiti 3-0 in their 2026 World Cup Group C fixture, appearing alongside fellow icon Ronaldo to a rapturous reception from the crowd. Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinicius Junior added a third, all in the first half, as Brazil recovered from a sluggish opening draw against Morocco.

For Ravenna, a club competing in Italy’s third tier, the global attention generated by Ronaldinho’s name — even in a non-playing capacity — is a marketing windfall that far outstrips anything the club could ordinarily attract.