Who saw this coming? Ronaldinho signs for Italian third-tier club!
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 25.06.26. | 12:45
Nearly 11 years after his last professional appearance, the legendary Brazilian has put pen to paper on a new contract
One of football's most iconic entertainers is preparing for an unexpected comeback.
At 46 years old, Ronaldinho has decided to lace up his boots once again after agreeing to join Italian Serie C side Ravenna. The Brazilian great has been away from professional football for more than a decade, having last played for Fluminense before leaving the club in September 2015.
Ronaldinho has signed for Serie C side Ravenna, more than a decade after retiring 🤯 pic.twitter.com/C9SkZAfrkt
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) June 24, 2026
The surprise move became official on Wednesday, with Ronaldinho expressing his excitement about returning to the game.
”New colours, same smile,” said Ronaldinho. ”I cannot wait to dance with the ball and write a beautiful new story with [Ravenna owner] Ignazio Cipriani and the Cipriani family. Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!”
Widely regarded as one of the most gifted players football has ever seen, Ronaldinho built a remarkable career that included spells at Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan, while also enjoying success in Brazil with Gremio, Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro.
His list of achievements is equally impressive. The former Ballon d'Or winner lifted the Champions League with Barcelona and played a key role in Brazil's victorious 2002 World Cup campaign — the nation's fifth and most recent world title.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldinho admitted that he is eager to begin this new chapter as soon as possible.
”I don’t know, it is still too soon to say. I definitely can’t wait to be in Ravenna, to get to know the city and the environment. My family and I are very happy, I want the magic to start soon.”
When asked whether he could still be playing at 50 years old, the Brazilian did not dismiss the possibility. ”Why not?”
As Ronaldinho prepares to lace up his boots again at the age of 46 after signing with Italian side Ravenna FC, the Brazil great hopes to inspire the younger generation to follow their dreams https://t.co/x9QiMM3WI6 pic.twitter.com/cv4XYc3jss
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 24, 2026
Ravenna, who ended the 2025/26 Serie C season in third place in Group B, emphasized that Ronaldinho's arrival is far more than a publicity stunt. In a statement, the club described the transfer as one of the biggest moments in its history despite the player's age and lengthy absence from competitive football.
”Ronaldinho joins Ravenna FC by Cipriani as a player, one of the most significant signings in the club’s history and a moment that positions Ravenna at the centre of the global football conversation,” it said.