Football

Ronaldinho to end retirement with Italian third-tier side Ravenna

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 25, 2026, 07:31 IST

Brazilian icon Ronaldinho is set to return to professional football at age 46, making his debut for Italian club Ravenna in a derby match against Forli on November 15.

Ronaldinho to end retirement with Italian third-tier side Ravenna

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to make a remarkable return to the pitch at the age of 46. The former World Cup winner, who has been away from professional football since his retirement in 2015, will pull on the jersey for Italian third-tier side Ravenna next month.

The club confirmed on Saturday that the playmaker, who also serves as a shareholder for the team based between Venice and San Marino, is scheduled to make his debut on Sunday, November 15. The highly anticipated return will take place during a local derby match against Forli at the Bruno Benelli Stadium, an occasion the club believes will draw significant global attention.

A New Chapter for the Ballon d'Or Winner

Ronaldinho’s involvement with Ravenna was first announced in June, marking a surprising new chapter for the former Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and AC Milan star. Having claimed the Ballon d'Or in 2005, the Brazilian icon is reportedly motivated by the prospect of reaching a significant personal milestone: scoring his 300th career goal.

Ravenna currently sits in second place in Group B of the Italian third division. The club is in the midst of a competitive campaign, trailing league leaders Spezia by six points. With the addition of the 2002 World Cup winner to their ranks, the team is hoping to bolster their push for promotion and secure a return to Serie B for the first time since 2008.