Brazil Legend Ronaldinho Returns to Pro Soccer at 46, Joins Italian Side Ravenna FC

Ronaldinho is officially unretired. The 46-year-old Brazilian icon has signed with Ravenna FC, a club currently playing in Italy’s Serie C, and will be introduced at an event in Miami on June 23. He’s also a shareholder now.

The last time he played professionally was for Fluminense in 2015. That’s over a decade ago. And now he’s coming back to actually suit up for a team that competes in the third division of Italian soccer. It sounds absurd. It’s also real.

Why Ravenna? Why Now?

The club is owned by Ignazio Cipriani, a luxury hospitality businessman who took over in 2024. Former AC Milan exec Ariedo Braida is the vice president. So there’s some serious connections here. Cipriani grew up idolizing Ronaldinho and he said this signing marks an extraordinary moment for the club. He also hopes it brings in a new generation of fans.

Ronaldinho himself seemed genuinely excited. He said he can’t wait to dance with the ball again and write a new story with the Cipriani family. He added that football has always been joyful for him and he’s ready to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin, he said.

What Does This Even Look Like?

Nobody expects prime Ronaldinho. He’s 46 years old. He hasn’t played competitive soccer in almost a decade. But Serie C is not exactly the Champions League. It’s a physical league but it’s also where older players sometimes go for one last hurrah. The question is whether he can still move the way his brain wants him to.

His resume speaks for itself. 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil. Ballon d’Or winner in 2005. Champions League trophy with Barcelona in 2006. He also won a Serie A title with AC Milan during his three years in Italy. That’s the last time he played in Italy, actually. Now he comes back on the other end of the timeline.

Ravenna isn’t exactly a household name. They’re not pushing for promotion to Serie A anytime soon. But they have a famous face now. And that alone creates a story that goes way beyond the pitch. It’s part nostalgia trip, part business move, part pure chaos. It’s Ronaldinho.