Ronaldinho (left) was presented as a new player for Serie C club Ravenna in Miami. © APA/afp / CHANDAN KHANNA

Ronaldinho to Ravenna: "Can't wait"

Two-time World Player of the Year Ronaldinho is surprisingly continuing his career by joining Italian third-division club Ravenna FC. The traditional club and the 46-year-old Brazilian officially announced the move at an event in Miami. But what's the story behind it?

June 24, 2026

From: dl

Club president Ignazio Cipriani, businessman and hotel chain owner, described the transfer as an "extraordinary moment" for the club and its future development. According to a club statement, it is "far more than a symbolic signing." Ronaldinho has set himself the goal of scoring his last goal as a professional footballer in a Ravenna jersey, it was stated. "I can't wait to get back on the pitch," Ronaldinho said of his plans.

Ronaldinho's last professional match was in 2015 for Fluminense Rio de Janeiro. He officially retired just over two years later. Among his greatest achievements are being named FIFA World Player of the Year twice. He won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and the Champions League with FC Barcelona in 2006.

This means Ronaldinho will become a teammate of Manuel Fischnaller and former FCS goalkeeper Giacomo Poluzzi. Responsible for this spectacular coup is the 38-year-old club owner Cipriani, who grew up with Ronaldinho as a football idol. "We worked on it for a long time. In the end, he enthusiastically joined our project. He also wants to build his own sports brand, R10 – similar to Michael Jordan with his brand. Ravenna will therefore be the first team to carry this brand," said Cipriani.

"He will play at least once"

When asked whether Ronaldinho would actually play for Ravenna in Serie C, Cipriani replied: “He won’t be going to the training camp, but he will certainly play at least one league game – perhaps even more. We don’t yet know exactly when he will make his first league appearance. That depends on various factors. However, it is certain that his appearance will be in a home game.” The club from Emilia-Romagna aims for promotion to Serie A in the long term.