Ronaldinho, 46, Plans Return to Football with Italian Serie C Side Ravenna
Retired Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, 46, is reportedly set to return to professional football as a player-shareholder for Italian Serie C club Ravenna. The move, to be announced in Miami on June 23, is described by multiple journalists as primarily a commercial marketing campaign—he is expected to play only a single friendly match and promote his R10 brand. Ronaldinho last played professionally in 2015.
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Ronaldinho signs for Serie C side Ravenna at age 46
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has signed with Italian Serie C club Ravenna at the age of 46, more than a decade after his last professional appearance. The 2002 World Cup winner and 2005 Ballon d'Or recipient, who last played professionally for Fluminense in 2015, expressed excitement about returning to football, stating, 'I cannot wait to dance with the ball. Football has always been joyful for me, and I'm excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!' The club, owned by Ignazio Cipriani of the Cipriani restaurant brand, presented Ronaldinho in Miami. Cipriani noted Ronaldinho was his childhood idol and expressed hope his involvement would inspire a new generation of fans. This marks Ronaldinho's second stint in Italy, having previously played for AC Milan from 2008 to 2011.
Football | The GuardianRonaldinho Signs for Serie C Side Ravenna at Age 46
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, 46, has signed with Italian Serie C club Ravenna, more than a decade after retiring from professional football. The former Barcelona and Milan star last played professionally for Fluminense in 2015. Ronaldinho expressed excitement, saying 'I cannot wait to dance with the ball' and 'Let the magic begin!' Ravenna club president Ignazio Cipriani, of the Cipriani restaurant brand, stated Ronaldinho was his idol growing up and hoped the signing would inspire a new generation of supporters. The move marks Ronaldinho's second stint in Italy, following his time at AC Milan from 2008 to 2011. Ronaldinho won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and the 2005 Ballon d'Or.
Football | The GuardianRonaldinho signs for Serie C side Ravenna at age 46
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, aged 46, has signed with Italian Serie C club Ravenna, more than a decade after his last professional appearance in 2015. The former World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or recipient expressed excitement, saying 'I cannot wait to dance with the ball' and 'Let the magic begin!' The club is owned by Ignazio Cipriani of the Cipriani restaurant brand, who stated Ronaldinho was his childhood idol and hopes the signing will inspire new fans. This marks Ronaldinho's second stint in Italy, having previously played for AC Milan from 2008 to 2011.
Football | The GuardianRonaldinho: I'll bring Ravenna the joy football gave me. On the pitch at 50? Why not?
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has expressed his intention to bring joy to the Italian city of Ravenna, reflecting on the happiness football has brought him throughout his career. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Barcelona and AC Milan star suggested he might even play into his 50s, indicating a continued passion for the sport. The article highlights his upcoming association with Ravenna, likely in an ambassadorial or playing capacity, as he seeks to share his love for the game with the community.
"site:gazzetta.it" - Google NewsRonaldinho to restart playing career at 46 with Italian Serie C club Ravenna
At 46 years old, Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is returning to professional football, signing with Ravenna, a club recently promoted to Italy's Serie C. The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner has not played an official match since September 2015, when he last appeared for Fluminense. Since then, he has only participated in gala and charity matches. The announcement raises questions about his physical fitness and ability to adapt to modern football's intensity, given his age and past lifestyle. Ronaldinho expressed hope to have a positive impact and inspire teammates. Club president Ignazio Cipriani highlighted the marketing and inspirational value of the signing, though it remains unclear whether Ronaldinho will be a starter, play limited minutes, or serve a symbolic role.
Home Football - actualitésRavenna Owner Guarantees Ronaldinho Will Play at Least One Serie C Match
Ravenna FC owner Ignazio Cipriani has confirmed that 46-year-old Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho will play at least one league game for the Italian Serie C club. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Cipriani stated that Ronaldinho will attend the team's presentation on August 21 and will definitely play in a home match, though the exact date depends on several factors. The signing is not merely a marketing stunt; Ronaldinho aims to score the last goal of his career wearing Ravenna's jersey. Additionally, the deal includes launching Ronaldinho's own clothing brand 'R10', with Ravenna becoming the first team to wear the brand, modeled after Michael Jordan's approach.
RecordRonaldinho Announces Return to Football at Age 46 with Italian Club Ravenna FC
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho, 46, announced in Miami his return to professional football with Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC. The former Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion described the move as a serious, competitive, and long-term international chapter, not a publicity stunt. Ravenna FC president Ignazio Cipriani, who acquired the club in 2024 with investment fund Black Duck, stated Ronaldinho was his childhood idol and the signing aims to position the club beyond football into culture and fashion. The club unveiled its new kit and announced a community pitch sponsorship in Miami's Overtown neighborhood. Ronaldinho expressed eagerness to bring joy back to the pitch, saying 'Let the magic begin!'
FútbolRonaldinho Returns to Professional Football at Age 46, Joins Italian Third Division Club Ravenna FC
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho announced his return to professional football at age 46, joining Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC. The announcement was made Tuesday in Miami, where the former World Cup champion and Ballon d'Or winner expressed excitement about the ambitious project. Ronaldinho emphasized this is not a publicity stunt but a serious, long-term international chapter. Ravenna FC, recently acquired by businessman Ignazio Cipriani and investment fund Black Duck, is positioning itself beyond football into culture, fashion, and identity. The club unveiled a new kit designed by Italian Giorgio Mallone and announced a four-year technical partnership with Nike. President Cipriani, who called Ronaldinho his childhood idol, has also structured a technical team including AC Milan legend Ariedo Braida. The club plans to sponsor a community field in Miami's Overtown neighborhood.
Últimas NoticiasRonaldinho announces return to professional football with Italian third-division club Ravenna FC
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho, 46, announced his return to professional football on Tuesday in Miami, joining Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC. The former Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion described it as an ambitious, serious, and long-term international project, not a publicity stunt. Club president Ignazio Cipriani, who acquired Ravenna in 2024 with investment fund Black Duck, aims to leverage Ronaldinho's global appeal to project the historic Italian club beyond football into culture, fashion, and contemporary identity. The club also announced a new kit designed by Giorgio Mallone, a four-year partnership with Nike, and a community field sponsorship in Miami's Overtown neighborhood. Ronaldinho said his main motivation remains the joy football brings him and expressed eagerness to 'score the last goal' with the Italian side.
Últimas NoticiasWith Ronaldinho we are destined to be the center of attention again
Ronaldinho is set to return to professional football, joining Italian Serie C club Ravenna for the 2026-27 season. The 46-year-old Brazilian legend's comeback was announced last Saturday, and a marketing event at Cipriani Downtown in Miami, organized by Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani in partnership with Nike, will unveil the details. The team's new jersey will reportedly feature Ronaldinho's R10 logo. Coach Andrea Mandorlini stated that while Ronaldinho's on-field role is not yet quantified, his presence guarantees global attention. The announcement, eleven years after his last match with Fluminense, has already sparked worldwide interest. Ravenna has reopened work on the Benelli Stadium to expand it to Serie B standards, signaling ambitious plans.
Fútbol en AS.comRonaldinho to Join Italian Third Division Club Ravenna in Marketing Role, Not Playing Contract
Former Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldinho, 46, is set to sign with Ravenna Football Club 1913, an Italian Serie C side, in a move described primarily as a marketing operation rather than an active playing comeback. The announcement will be made in Miami on Tuesday. Honorary vice president Ariedo Braida, who previously signed Ronaldinho for AC Milan in 2008, confirmed the Brazilian will be properly registered and eligible to play, but emphasized the need to assess his fitness without building false hopes. Ravenna's majority shareholder, luxury hospitality entrepreneur Ignazio Cipriani, aims to replicate the model of clubs like Como and Venice, leveraging the city's cultural heritage (famous for mosaics and as former Western Roman Empire capital) to build a brand capable of reaching Serie A. The club's Instagram followers surged from 24,000 to 36,000 in three days following the announcement. Ronaldinho is expected to attend an event in Ravenna at the end of August rather than join training on July 8. He may also become a shareholder in the club.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuRonaldinho's Mysterious Arrival at Ravenna Shocks Italian Football
The article reports on the surprising announcement that Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, aged 46, is on the verge of signing with Serie C club Ravenna FC, eleven years after his last professional match. The news, set to be officially announced on June 23, 2026, in Miami, initially sparked widespread excitement and nostalgia in Italy. However, further details reveal that the move is primarily a marketing and image-building operation rather than a genuine competitive return. Former AC Milan executive Ariedo Braida confirmed Ronaldinho will participate in club events but not play the season. Medical experts also doubt his ability to compete professionally after a decade away from top-level football. The article balances the initial euphoria with a sober assessment of the reality behind the announcement.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertRonaldinho to Play Again at Age 46 in Exhibition Match with Ravenna
Legendary Brazilian former footballer Ronaldinho Gaúcho, aged 46, will play an exhibition match with Italian Serie C club Ravenna as part of a promotional operation. The event will be officially presented on June 23 in Miami, USA, by club owner Ignazio Cipriani, a businessman with ties to Ronaldinho. Vice president Ariedo Braida clarified the Brazilian will not join the squad regularly, but will participate only in a marketing event. Ronaldinho, a 2002 World Cup winner and 2005 Ballon d'Or recipient, last played an official match in September 2015 with Fluminense. Ravenna aims for promotion to Serie B in the upcoming season.
FútbolRonaldinho signs contract with Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC for marketing role at age 46
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, 46, has signed a contract with Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC, marking his return to club football after retiring in 2015. However, Ravenna honorary vice-president Ariedo Braida confirmed that Ronaldinho will not play in Serie C matches; instead, he will participate in a marketing event for the club and is set to be unveiled in Miami next week. Owner Ignazio Cipriani, who called Ronaldinho his childhood idol, described the acquisition as extraordinary for the club. The 2002 World Cup winner and former Barcelona and AC Milan star noted he wants to bring joy and a dancing spirit to Ravenna. The move is a promotional coup rather than an on-field return.
Mirror - Transfer NewsRonaldinho returns to football at age 46 with Serie C side Ravenna FC
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, aged 46, has signed a contract with Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC. However, the 2002 World Cup winner and former Ballon d'Or recipient will not return to competitive play. Instead, he will participate in a marketing event for the club and is set to be unveiled in Miami next week. Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani stated that Ronaldinho was his childhood idol and that signing him is extraordinary for the club. Honorary vice-president Ariedo Braida confirmed Ronaldinho will not feature in Serie C action. The article also briefly covers Ronaldinho's appearance at a Brazil World Cup match.
Mirror - Transfer NewsRonaldinho, 46, signs contract with Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC for marketing role
Brazil legend Ronaldinho has signed a contract with Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC at age 46, but the move is a marketing event rather than a playing return. The 2002 World Cup winner and former Barcelona and AC Milan star last played professional football in 2015. Ronaldinho will be unveiled in Miami next week, according to the club. Ravenna honorary vice-president Ariedo Braida confirmed Ronaldinho will not feature in Serie C matches during the 2026/27 season. Club owner Ignazio Cipriani called the acquisition 'extraordinary,' noting Ronaldinho was his childhood idol. Ronaldinho said he looks forward to 'dancing on the ball' and bringing joy to Ravenna. The announcement came during Brazil's 3-0 World Cup group stage win over Haiti, which Ronaldinho attended as a spectator.
Mirror - Transfer NewsRonaldinho Nears Shock Return to Football with Italian Third-Division Club
Former Brazilian world footballer of the year Ronaldinho, now 46, is reportedly on the verge of returning to professional football more than a decade after his last match. According to German sports media outlet kicker, Ronaldinho has announced his intention to sign with Ravenna FC, a club currently competing in Italy's Serie C (third division). The move, if completed, would mark a stunning late-career revival for the iconic playmaker, who last appeared professionally in 2015. Ronaldinho, known for his magical dribbling and free kicks, won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and later starred for Barcelona and AC Milan. Ravenna FC plays in Italy's third tier, offering a lower-profile stage for the aging star's apparent comeback bid.
kicker Fußball NewsRonaldinho returns to football at age 46 with Italian Serie C club Ravenna
Ronaldinho, the Brazilian football legend, is set to make a surprise return to football at age 46, joining Italian Serie C club Ravenna. The announcement was made by Ravenna's president Ignazio Cipriani and vice president Ariedo Braida. Ronaldinho will participate in a marketing event in Miami on June 23, where he is expected to play and showcase his skills. After the event, he will officially become a signing for Ravenna, contributing to the club's ambitious project through investments. A new jersey featuring a combined Ravenna R and Ronaldinho's R10 logo is planned. Ronaldinho expressed excitement to 'dance with the ball again' and join the Cipriani family. The article highlights this as a major marketing coup for the Serie C club.
Feed MRSS-S fc_barcelona_aRonaldinho returns to football at age 46 with Italian Serie C club Ravenna
Ravenna, an Italian Serie C club, announced the return of Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho at age 46. The announcement was made by club president Ignazio Cipriani and vice president Ariedo Braida. Ronaldinho, who left professional football in 2018, will participate in a major marketing event in Miami on June 23 focused on the upcoming season. He is expected to take to the field again, offering a performance for fans, and will continue as a signing for Ravenna, becoming part of the club's family. Ronaldinho expressed excitement to 'dance with the ball again' and write a new story alongside the Cipriani family. The club plans a special shirt design blending an 'R' for Ravenna with R10, Ronaldinho's logo, and Ronaldinho will help through investments in the club's ambitious project.
Feed MRSS-S fc_barcelona_aRonaldinho Could Come Out of Retirement and Rejoin a Club at Age 46
Reports emerged on June 19, 2026, that Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, 46, is considering coming out of retirement to play for Ravenna FC in Italy's Serie C. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Barcelona and Brazil star is expected to announce his signing during the World Cup, with a formal unveiling planned for June 23 in Miami. Ronaldinho was quoted expressing excitement about returning to the pitch. However, later that evening, journalist Fabrizio Romano denied the report, stating that Ronaldinho's involvement would be limited to marketing and a friendly match, before deleting his tweet. Ravenna FC missed promotion last season. The conflicting accounts leave the nature of Ronaldinho's role—playing or ambassadorial—unclear.
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