Ronaldinho signs with Serie C side Ravenna as playing return remains on the table

Ronaldinho has signed a contract with Serie C club Ravenna, with the 46-year-old Brazilian legend set to be officially unveiled at an event in Miami on 23 June. The move comes more than a decade after his final professional appearance for Fluminense in 2015 and represents one of the most unexpected signings in recent football history.

The deal marks a return to Italy for the former Ballon d’Or winner, who spent two-and-a-half seasons with AC Milan earlier in his career. Ravenna, preparing for the 2026-27 Serie C season under coach Andrea Mandorlini, confirmed the signing via Gazzetta dello Sport.

The precise nature of Ronaldinho’s involvement has prompted conflicting signals from the club. Vice-president Ariedo Braida initially indicated the Brazilian’s role would be confined to marketing activities. “Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us but will not play for Ravenna in Serie C next season,” Braida said. “Also because he’s 46, I wish he could still play.”

However, Braida subsequently softened that position in comments to ANSA. “Ronaldinho is a timeless champion. He has signed with Ravenna and, for a club like ours, it’s an extraordinary coup,” he said. “Will he play? We’ll see, but it’s not ruled out. As I already said, he is a timeless champion.”

Ronaldinho himself struck an enthusiastic tone about the project. “New colours, same smile,” he said. “I can’t wait to be able to dance on the ball again to write a new story together with Ignazio and the whole Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna.”

The Brazilian won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona and the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002, cementing a legacy that made him one of the most celebrated players of his generation. Since retiring from professional football, he has appeared in exhibition matches and legends events, but has not featured in a competitive club environment.

Further clarity on whether Ronaldinho will actually pull on a Ravenna shirt in a Serie C fixture is expected around the time of his official presentation later this month.