Ronaldinho Joins Ravenna Comeback Project at 46

Ronaldinho has joined Italian third-tier club Ravenna as a shareholder and could make a playing comeback at age 46, more than a decade after his last official match. BBC Sport reports that the former Brazil, Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker was presented by the Serie C side at a public event, but no appearance date has been confirmed.

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Thousands of supporters gathered at a city beach for an event called Ronaldinho Day, remaining through rain for the unveiling. Ronaldinho said he was happy to join the project and wanted to help Ravenna's players win, while leaving the decision on whether he would play to the coach. He also said scoring his 300th career goal would make the return more special.

The immediate schedule remains clear on one point. Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani said Ronaldinho will not play against Reggiana in Monday's Serie C season opener. That means any return to competitive action would come later, if the club and its coaching staff decide he is ready to be selected.

Ronaldinho's last official match came for Brazilian club Fluminense in September 2015. His career included 33 goals in 97 appearances for Brazil, the 2002 World Cup title and the winning goal against England in that tournament's quarter-final. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and collected club titles with Barcelona and AC Milan.

According to BBC Sport, Cipriani first announced the comeback plan in June while attending the World Cup in Miami. The Italian-American businessman, who has owned Ravenna since 2024, said Ronaldinho's involvement was not a token gesture or simply a marketing exercise. Cipriani described the goal of pursuing another career goal as a romantic objective.

Ravenna finished third in Group B of the Italian third tier last season. The club is trying to return to Serie B, a division it has not played in since 2008. Ronaldinho's ownership role is confirmed, but the extent of his playing involvement is still uncertain, making the coach's selection decisions the next concrete development in the comeback project.