Ronaldinho, now 46, has joined Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC as both a player and shareholder, marking his return to professional football after retiring in 2015 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. The club announced the signing in June 2026, with Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani confirming the deal [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8].

Ronaldinho last played professionally for Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015 before stepping away from the game [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. He expressed hope of scoring his 300th career goal during his comeback, saying, "If that happens, it will be even more beautiful. I don't know, that depends on the president, on the trainer... I'm here to help" [1, 2, 9, 4, 5, 7, 8].

The former World Cup winner stressed his motives were driven by friendship and passion rather than marketing. "I'm coming here because of friendship and passion. To help, to excite the other players, and to have a spectacular season, to win if possible," he said [1, 2, 9, 4, 5, 8]. Cipriani echoed this, describing the signing as "not a token gesture or a marketing stunt" but a "romantic" attempt to score Ronaldinho's last goal and to bring the city closer to the team [1, 2].

Ronaldinho arrived in Italy on August 20, landing at Forlì airport before attending a squad presentation and a fan event on Ravenna's beach, which drew over 6,000 fans despite rain [1, 2, 9, 4, 5, 6, 8]. Cipriani said the signing sparked a renewed fan excitement, with over 2,700 season tickets sold following the announcement [8].

Ronaldinho will not appear in Ravenna's Serie C season opener against Reggiana on Monday, August 24 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8]. He remains uncertain about his playing time, stating, "You will see me play? I don’t know. Only the coach decides. I’m here to help the teammates win" [1, 2, 3, 9, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].

Last season, Ravenna finished third in Serie C Group B and aim to return to Serie B, where they last competed in 2008 [2, 4, 7, 8]. Club director Ariedo Braida said, "We have the magic of football in Ravenna. What more can we ask for?" [8].

Ronaldinho’s next potential on-field appearance will come after the season opener, pending decisions by the coaching staff.