Ronaldinho Joins Ravenna as Player and Shareholder at 46

Ronaldinho has arrived at Ravenna to begin an unexpected return to professional football at age 46, more than a decade after his last official match. The former Brazil, Barcelona and AC Milan player completed a medical on Thursday after flying from Milan to Forlì, according to reporting by The Guardian from Ravenna.

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Ravenna announced the signing on June 19, but Ronaldinho’s arrival made the move tangible for supporters who had initially treated it with scepticism. The former Ballon d’Or winner last played an official match for Fluminense in 2015. He is joining a club preparing for a Serie C campaign and seeking to build momentum toward Italy’s higher divisions.

The arrangement extends beyond a conventional playing contract. Club president Ignazio Cipriani confirmed that Ronaldinho will become a shareholder in Ravenna FC as well as contribute on the field. Cipriani said the move was intended to create renewed enthusiasm around the club, not simply international attention or a marketing opportunity.

Ronaldinho said friendship and passion brought him back to Italy. He described his aims as helping his teammates, creating excitement and pursuing a successful season. Whether and when he plays will be determined by Cipriani and head coach Andrea Mandorlini, leaving the precise shape of his on-field role unresolved.

The Brazilian was presented to supporters at Marina di Ravenna alongside the rest of the squad and received the No. 10 shirt from Mandorlini. The club said more than 2,700 season tickets had been sold for its Serie C campaign amid the interest surrounding his signing. Cipriani also said Ronaldinho would not take part in Ravenna’s opening away match in Reggio Emilia on Monday.

Ravenna’s ownership has set ambitious longer-term targets, with Cipriani looking first toward promotion to Serie B and ultimately the top flight. Ronaldinho’s immediate contribution remains uncertain after such a long absence from official competition, but his confirmed arrival gives the project an unusually prominent figure both inside the club and potentially on the pitch.