Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is making a remarkable return to professional football at the age of 46, joining Italian third tier club Ravenna FC 11 years after his last competitive appearance, according to The Guardian and Reuters. The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner was unveiled by the Serie C side in front of thousands of supporters and has also taken a stake in the club.
Ronaldinho has set his sights on scoring a 300th career goal, although his exact playing role remains uncertain. Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani confirmed that the Brazilian will not feature in the club’s season opener against Reggiana, while Ronaldinho said any appearance will depend on the coach and club leadership.
The comeback is part of a wider project to revitalise Ravenna, which finished third in Serie C Group B last season and is targeting a return to Serie B. Ronaldinho’s involvement is expected to bring international attention, attract supporters and strengthen the club’s commercial profile.
For football fans, the prospect of seeing one of the game’s most entertaining players wear the No. 10 again is the real attraction. Ronaldinho’s last official appearance came for Fluminense in 2015, but his return to Italy offers the possibility of one final competitive chapter and, perhaps, a 300th goal to close one of football’s most celebrated careers.
