Ronaldinho stepped off the plane. © ANSA / Ufficio stampa Ravenna football

Ronaldinho in Italy: Will he make a comeback?

Two-time World Footballer of the Year Ronaldinho has landed in Italy, thus completing his surprising football comeback a decade after the end of his career.

August 20, 2026

From: dpa

The 46-year-old Brazilian will soon be presented at Italian third-division club Ravenna FC, the club of Manuel Fischnaller. Ronaldinho landed at Forlì airport on a private jet, as the club announced on Instagram.

At the airport, he signed autographs, and later he travelled on to Ravenna. Ronaldinho is scheduled to appear at a large event on the beach this evening. He is then expected to be the last to take the stage for the team presentation for the upcoming season. Thousands of fans are expected to attend.

Last goal as a professional in Italy?

Ronaldinho and the storied club surprisingly announced in June that the Brazilian would be joining the Serie C side. Ronaldinho's last professional match was in 2015 for Fluminense Rio de Janeiro. Just over two years later, he officially retired.

Ronaldinho (left) at Forlì airport. © ANSA / Ufficio stampa Ravenna football

Wie die Journal of Sport According to reports, Ronaldinho is expected to play at least one competitive match for Ravenna and crown his career with a final goal in Italy. His involvement with the club is said to extend far beyond that, however. According to the "Gazzetta," he will also be involved in business projects of the club and its president, Ignazio Cipriani.