Ronaldinho to make comeback with Italian third-tier club Ravenna

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho will return to competitive action next month at 46 years old, with Italian third-tier club Ravenna announcing that the former World Cup winner will feature in a derby against Forlì on November 15.

The move was first announced in June and will mark a return to the pitch for the former Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker, who retired from professional football in 2015.

Ronaldinho, who won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and the 2005 Ballon d’Or, has also become a shareholder in Ravenna, a club based in northern Italy.

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The Brazilian is targeting his 300th career goal as he prepares for his comeback.

“The wait now has a date: Sunday, November 15,” Ravenna said in a statement on Saturday.

“The Brazilian legend will wear the Ravenna FC shirt in the derby against Forlì. An event that will turn the eyes of the world towards the Bruno Benelli Stadium.”

The club added that the announcement had generated excitement and disbelief among fans, with anticipation building since the move was first revealed in Miami and Ronaldinho’s subsequent reception at Marina di Ravenna.

“The whole football world thought it too good to be true. Instead, we can now officially confirm a grand return: the return of the magic, the smile, and a talent that has captivated generations of fans,” the club said.

Ravenna are second in Group B of Italy’s third tier, six points behind leaders Spezia, and are seeking promotion to Serie B for the first time since 2008.

Ronaldinho last played professionally for Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015. His return to the game is expected to draw global attention, with the club describing him as a player whose creativity and charisma transcended club loyalties and generations of supporters.

“There are footballers who are remembered for what they have won and others also for how they made people feel,” Ravenna said. “Ronaldinho belongs to that rare breed of champions capable of turning football into pure joy.”