Brazil legend Ronaldinho has returned to club football after agreeing a deal with Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC. The former Barcelona and AC Milan star has not played professional football since 2015 after leaving Fluminese. He retired a few years later, meaning his move to the Serie C club will not result in a return to the pitch.
The 2002 World Cup and Ballon d'Or winner will take part in a marketing event for the Italian club and is set to be unveiled in Miami next week. The 46-year-old was in attendance for Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti in the World Cup, appearing alongside Ronaldo on the TV screens. There were huge cheers from those in the ground for the two superstars.
His global pull is a major coup for the Italian side. Explaining his move to Ravenna, Ronaldinho said: "New colours, same smile. I can't wait to get back to dancing on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna."
Owner Ignazio Cipriani admitted that Ronaldinho was his childhood idol and said: "I spent 24 years of my life in the United States, but I still consider Ravenna my home. Acquiring Ronaldinho is absolutely extraordinary for the club. He was my idol and his impact on football goes beyond what he did on the pitch."
However, Ravenna honorary vice-president Ariedo Braida explained that Ronaldinho will not feature in Serie C action when the 2026/27 season starts. Braida said: "Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but he won't play for Ravenna in Serie C next season. I wish he were still able to play. Dinho was a phenomenon and was a wonderful player. I have a beautiful relationship with him from the Milan days, but he won't play in Serie C with us."
Ronaldinho watched on as Brazil ran riot in their World Cup Group C clash with Haiti. Matheus Cunha scored a brace before Vinicius Junior grabbed the third, with all the goals arriving in a first half. Brazil appeared significantly sharper than their lacklustre opening stalemate against Morocco. The outcome means Haiti, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Scotland in their opener, are now unable to progress to the knockout stages.
Brazil tore through Haiti in the opening period, aided by some generous defending from the Caribbean nation, whose high defensive line handed Cunha, Raphinha and Vinicius numerous chances to exploit the space in behind.
