Ronaldinho Ends Retirement at 46 to Join Italian Serie C Club Ravenna FC

More than eleven years after hanging up his boots, Ronaldinho has returned to club football. The former Barcelona and AC Milan forward, now 46 years old, has signed for Italian third-tier side Ravenna FC — a move that is largely commercial and ambassadorial in nature, though the club has left open the possibility of a playing involvement.

Ronaldinho last appeared professionally for Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015, bringing the curtain down on a career that included a Ballon d’Or in 2005, two FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and a FIFA World Cup winners’ medal with Brazil in 2002. The signing represents a significant profile boost for Ravenna FC, who compete in Serie C — Italy’s third division.

Speaking on the occasion of his signing, Ronaldinho said: “New colours, same smile. I can’t wait to dance on the ball again and write a new story together.”

Honorary vice-president Ariedo Braida, a former executive at AC Milan who worked with Ronaldinho during his time at the San Siro between 2008 and 2011, described the Brazilian as a “timeless champion” and confirmed that his initial involvement would centre on marketing activities. However, Braida did not categorically exclude the prospect of Ronaldinho making an appearance on the pitch, leaving the door ajar for exhibition or limited playing duties.

Ravenna FC plan to formally unveil the two-time Ballon d’Or finalist at a special event in Miami on June 23, 2026. The choice of Miami as a launch venue underscores the commercial ambitions behind the deal, with the club clearly targeting international visibility and brand exposure.

The announcement came just days after Ronaldinho was spotted in the stands during Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Haiti at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He appeared on television broadcasts alongside fellow Brazil legend Ronaldo, with both men drawing significant cheers from supporters inside the stadium. The image of the two icons together drew widespread attention on social media, and may have contributed to the timing of the Ravenna announcement.

The occasion also carried a notable footnote: Vinicius Jr. reportedly equalled Ronaldinho’s FIFA World Cup record for Brazil following his performance in that Haiti fixture, according to reports.

The nature of Ronaldinho’s arrangement with Ravenna FC mirrors a growing trend of legendary players entering into commercial partnerships with smaller or emerging clubs to elevate their global presence — a model seen previously with figures such as Francesco Totti and various other retired icons. Whether Ronaldinho will make a competitive or exhibition appearance in a Ravenna shirt remains to be seen, but the signing has already achieved its primary objective of generating global headlines for the Serie C club.