Ronaldinho returns to the pitch

Former Brazilian football star Ronaldinho will return to the pitch at the age of 46 on November 15, donning the Ravenna jersey to participate in a Serie C match, his club announced yesterday. In a statement, the ambitious club said, “On Sunday, November 15, the Brazilian legend will wear the Ravenna shirt to play the derby against Forlì, in a fixture that will draw the world’s attention to the Bruno Benelli stadium.” Despite signing him in a surprising and eye-catching deal in late August, Ronaldinho has not yet appeared in any official matches for Ravenna. His signing was announced in June during the 2026 World Cup in Miami by Ignazio Cipriani, the Italian-American businessman and club owner since 2024. So far, this move appears more akin to a marketing campaign than a genuine, long-term return to professional football for the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner. Ronaldinho is one of Brazil’s most prominent football stars, having won the 2002 World Cup with his national team and earning 97 caps, scoring 33 goals for the Selecao. His last official match was in September 2015 with the Brazilian club Fluminense.