Ronaldinho signs with Ravenna at 46, eleven years after his last match

Ronaldinho is officially back in professional football. Eleven years after his last match in Fluminense colours, the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner was presented Thursday evening as the new player for Ravenna, a Serie C side in Italy’s third division. The 46-year-old Brazilian will wear number 10.

The ceremony took place on a beach in Marina di Ravenna, in front of a crowd welcoming the Brazilian legend. The atmosphere was festive, and Ronaldinho displayed his trademark smile — while tempering expectations about his actual playing time. “I am very happy to be here with my friends. Will you see me on the pitch? I don’t know. The coach knows,” he said during his presentation.

The question of how much he will play remains the central point of this operation. The club’s owner, Ignazio Cipriani, is more assertive: according to him, Ronaldinho should play in at least one official match, with a specific objective — allowing him to score his 300th career goal before hanging up his boots for good. The 2002 World Cup champion will not, however, be fielded on the opening day, Monday against Reggiana.

Beyond the pitch, Ronaldinho’s return goes beyond purely sporting considerations. The Brazilian has also become a shareholder in Ravenna and maintains a personal relationship with Cipriani, who initiated the project. The club, little known outside Italy, hopes to capitalize on the global reach of its new number 10 to gain visibility. “To inspire the other players, to have a spectacular season, to win if possible, that’s why I came,” Ronaldinho said.

How many matches will he actually play? Just one, a few minutes, or more? The answer remains open. What is certain is that Ravenna has just pulled off one of the most striking media coups in its history.