Ronaldinho ends retirement to sign for Ravenna, set to make comeback in Serie C derby on Nov 15
Ronaldinho, the 46-year-old Brazilian former international, will return to competitive football for Ravenna FC in Italy's Serie C, making his comeback in the derby against Forli on November 15 at the Stadio Bruno Benelli. The club confirmed the date in October, ending months of uncertainty about whether he would appear on the pitch after joining earlier this year.
Ronaldinho signed for Ravenna in June and later acquired a stake in the club, which is owned by his friend Ignazio Cipriani; he will operate for the team both as a player and as a shareholder. The match will be his first competitive outing since September 2015, when he played for Fluminense, and comes after his official retirement announcement in 2018. The club’s announcement followed prolonged speculation over his playing role since his arrival.
The return offers Ronaldinho a chance to score the 300th goal of his professional career: he finished his previous playing days with 299 goals and is aiming to reach the milestone in the derby. Ravenna framed the occasion as one that would draw global attention to the stadium when the Brazilian takes the field.
On signing, Ronaldinho said he "could not wait to play with the ball again and write a new story with the club." He also said football has always been about joy and that he hopes to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Those remarks accompanied the announcement of his dual role at the club.
Ravenna described Ronaldinho’s involvement as part of a broader project to raise the club’s profile, saying his presence as both shareholder and player is intended to attract international attention and strengthen ties with supporters. The club communicated that message when confirming the November 15 date.
Ronaldinho’s career achievements cited in the announcement include being part of Brazil’s 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team and winning the Ballon d’Or in 2005; the club also noted his spells with Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan and his trophy-winning period at Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2006. The statement referenced his reputation for dribbling, creativity, skills and his trademark smile.
Ravenna’s Serie C derby with Forli on November 15 at the Stadio Bruno Benelli will serve as the confirmed next fixture for Ronaldinho’s comeback and the immediate opportunity for him to attempt to reach 300 career goals in competitive play.