Ronaldinho Unveiled by Ravenna as 46-Year-Old Begins Serie C Comeback

Ronaldinho has completed his formal arrival at Ravenna, the Italian Serie C club that announced his surprise signing in June. The 46-year-old travelled to the Emilia-Romagna region on Thursday, underwent a medical and appeared at an unveiling before supporters, according to reporting by The Guardian.

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The move represents an extraordinary return to professional football for the former Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker. Ronaldinho's most recent official match came for Fluminense in 2015, leaving an 11-year gap between competitive appearances if he ultimately takes the field for Ravenna. The Brazilian was presented with the No. 10 shirt by head coach Andrea Mandorlini.

His involvement will extend beyond the playing squad. Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani confirmed that Ronaldinho is becoming a shareholder in the club. Cipriani said the arrangement is intended to build enthusiasm around Ravenna as well as raise its international profile, while the club is targeting progress from Serie C toward Serie B.

Whether Ronaldinho will play regularly has not been established. At his press conference, he said the decision would rest with the president and coach, while expressing a desire to help and encourage his new teammates. Cipriani said the Brazilian was in shape, but also confirmed he will not feature in Ravenna's opening league match away in Reggio Emilia on Monday.

The signing has already produced a measurable response from supporters. The Guardian reported that Ravenna have sold more than 2,700 season tickets for the new Serie C campaign. Fans also gathered at a beach event in Marina di Ravenna, where Ronaldinho was introduced alongside the rest of the squad.

Ronaldinho won the Ballon d'Or during a career that made him one of football's most prominent players, but Ravenna's announcement had initially been met with widespread disbelief because of his age and long absence from the professional game. His completed medical and public presentation have now confirmed the move, although the timing and extent of any competitive return remain open.