Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has come out of retirement at 46 to join Serie C side Ravenna FC. It was announced Wednesday that he will join the third tier Italian club 11 years after he last played professionally for Fluminense in 2015. He is a part owner of the club. His exact role is unclear and there is skepticism he will actually take to the pitch. He will be officially unveiled next week at an event in Miami on June 23.
Football fans thought they had seen the last of Ronaldinho on the pitch. The former Ballon d’Or winner brought the curtain down on his career after a brief spell with Fluminense in 2015 and has not stepped on the pitch since.
Now the 46 year old Brazil legend has signed with Italian Serie C side Ravenna as he steps out of retirement.
Ravenna announced the signing Wednesday and the club will present Ronaldinho formally at a special event in Miami on June 23.
Gazzetta reports that the 46 year old will be unveiled at the event but reports are unsure whether he will actually feature for the side next season.
Eleven years retired. Comes back at 46. Joins Italian third tier club Ravenna. He owns part of the club. Role unclear. Coaches and officials initially suggested marketing only. Now refusing to rule out him playing again. A Ballon d’Or winner from 2005 stepping back into professional football. The numbers defy logic. The uncertainty is real.
Club officials initially had suggested Ronaldinho’s role with the club would be limited to marketing purposes but since then they have refused to rule out the possibility of the 46 year old Brazil legend gracing the football pitch again.
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The intention is to have him as a part owner, club president Andrea Accorsi said, but the club will not rule out the possibility that he could play.
Now he is returning to a professional club environment for Ravenna under coach Andrea Mandorlini.
The move comes during the FIFA World Cup 2026 period adding another layer of attention to the shock return.
Ronaldinho won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 playing for Barcelona and AC Milan during a career that included 63 goals in 200 appearances for Brazil.
He played for top clubs including Paris Saint-Germain where he started his European career at 17, Barcelona where he won the Ballon d’Or, AC Milan where he scored 10 goals in 57 games, and Everton in Brazil before Fluminense.
His flair and skill made him one of the most beloved players of his generation known for his no-look passes and unforgettable goals.
Ravenna FC plays in Serie C the third tier of Italian football and has been rebuilding in recent years. The club saw its stock rise 1,500 percent after the announcement.
Stock experts say the club’s value surge reflects the marketing power Ronaldinho brings even if he never plays a match.
Details remain unclear about what position he might play if he does feature or how the league would handle his age for competitive matches.
Serie C has no specific age limit but fitness requirements and medical clearance would need to be met regardless of his legendary status.
Many football fans are skeptical he will actually play at 46 years old when most players retire by 38.
For now the football world watches to see if a 46 year old Ronaldinho will actually play or if this return stays in the marketing realm.
