Ronaldinho, the Brazilian football legend and former Ballon d’Or winner, has made a stunning return to professional football at age 46 by signing with Serie C club Ravenna. The move, initially met with disbelief, marks his first official match since retiring in 2015.
The signing was announced by Ravenna on 19 June, catching the football world by surprise as attention was focused on the World Cup. Ronaldinho pledged excitement at his unveiling, winning over initially skeptical fans.
KEY FACTS
- Ronaldinho, 46, signed with Serie C club Ravenna on 19 June.
- His last official match was in 2015 for Fluminense.
- The announcement shocked fans and the football world, coming during the World Cup.
- Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani, of the Harry’s Bar family, is behind the signing.
- The move was initially met with disbelief, with many questioning its validity.
Why a comeback now?
Ronaldinho’s return to professional football at 46 is unprecedented in the modern game. Most players retire by their mid-30s, making this one of the oldest comeback attempts in football history. The former Barcelona and AC Milan star had not played competitively since his brief stint with Fluminense in 2015.
Serie C, Italy’s third division, represents a significant step down from the elite levels Ronaldinho once dominated. However, his signing brings immediate global attention to the small club, potentially boosting its profile and commercial opportunities.
How did Ravenna pull this off?
Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani, scion of the family behind the famous Harry’s Bar, appears to be the driving force behind the unlikely signing. The club plays in Serie C, which typically operates far from the spotlight of world football.
The deal sparked discussions in the city and internationally about its purpose and value. While sporting motivations may be questionable for a 46-year-old player, the publicity and potential economic benefits for Ravenna could be substantial.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- Ronaldinho has officially signed with Ravenna
- The announcement came on 19 June during the World Cup
- The signing was initially met with widespread disbelief
Still unconfirmed:
- The length or financial terms of Ronaldinho’s contract
- How many matches he might actually play
- Whether this is primarily a sporting or commercial move
WHY IT MATTERS
Ronaldinho’s return challenges conventional wisdom about athlete longevity and retirement ages in football. It also highlights how smaller clubs can leverage star power for attention in an increasingly competitive sports landscape. For fans, it offers the rare chance to see a bona fide legend back in action.
WHAT TO WATCH
All eyes will be on Ronaldinho’s debut for Ravenna to assess whether this is a serious sporting endeavor or primarily a publicity stunt. His performance and playing time will determine how long this unexpected comeback lasts.