Brazilian football icon and World Cup winner Ronaldinho has agreed to partner with Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC, marking a surprising return to the football spotlight more than a decade after retiring from professional play.
The 46-year-old former star of FC Barcelona and AC Milan is expected to be officially unveiled by the club during a promotional event in Miami next week.
News of the agreement initially fueled speculation that Ronaldinho could be preparing for an unlikely return to competitive football. However, club officials have clarified that the Brazilian great will not feature on the pitch for Ravenna during the upcoming Serie C season.
Speaking about the partnership, Ronaldinho said he was eager to begin a new chapter with the club and contribute to its growth.
“New colours, same smile. I can’t wait to get back to dancing on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family,” he said.
The former Ballon d’Or winner added that football has always been a source of happiness for him and expressed his desire to bring that same energy and enthusiasm to the Ravenna project.
Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani described Ronaldinho’s arrival as a landmark moment for the club, revealing that the Brazilian had been one of his childhood heroes.
According to Cipriani, Ronaldinho’s influence extends far beyond his achievements on the field and is expected to enhance the club’s international profile.
Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, Ravenna honorary vice-president Ariedo Braida dismissed reports suggesting the football legend would come out of retirement to play.
“Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but he won’t play for Ravenna in Serie C next season,” Braida said.
He praised the former playmaker as one of the game’s most gifted talents, adding that while fans would love to see him back in action, his involvement with the club will be focused on promotional and ambassadorial activities.
Ronaldinho retired from professional football in 2015 after a brief spell with Fluminense FC, ending a glittering career that included a FIFA World Cup title with Brazil national football team and numerous club honors across Europe and South America.
