Sports October 24, 2026 10:00 pm
Newly recruited Brazilian football player Ronaldinho poses on stage with the jersey of Ravenna FC next to the president of the club, Ignazio Cipriani (R) during the team presentation in Marina di Ravenna on August 20, 2026. Former Ballon d'Or and World Cup winner Ronaldinho is set to come out of retirement aged 46 to play for Ravenna in the Italian third tier. CREDIT: AFP
Brazil legend Ronaldinho will make his playing return at age 46 next month for Ravenna, the third-division Italian club announced on Saturday.
The 2002 World Cup winner’s move to Ravenna was announced in June.
He is aiming to score his 300th career goal.
The former Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker retired in 2015, 10 years after claiming the Ballon d’Or, and has become a shareholder in Ravenna, located between Venice and San Marino.
“The wait now has a date: Sunday, November 15,” Ravenna said in a statement.
“The Brazilian legend will wear the Ravenna FC shirt in the derby against Forli.
“An event that will turn the eyes of the world toward the Bruno Benelli Stadium.”
Ravenna are second in Group B of the Italian third tier, six points below leaders Spezia, and are aiming for a return to Serie B for the first time since 2008.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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