Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho has signed with Italian fourth-tier side Ravenna, returning to professional football at the age of 46. The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year will play in Serie C, Italy's third division, after agreeing to a contract that runs until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Details of the Move
Ronaldinho, whose full name is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, last played professionally in 2015 for Brazilian club Fluminense. Since then, he has participated in exhibition matches and served as a club ambassador. Ravenna, based in the Emilia-Romagna region, currently sits in the lower half of Serie C's Group B table. The club announced the signing on Tuesday, stating that Ronaldinho will wear the number 10 shirt.
Reaction from the Club and Player
Ravenna's president, Luca Benedetti, expressed excitement about the move. "Having Ronaldinho here is a dream for our city and our fans. He is one of the greatest players of all time, and his experience will be invaluable for our young squad," Benedetti said. Ronaldinho himself said, "I am very happy to join Ravenna. I have always loved Italy and its football culture. I want to help the team and enjoy playing again."
Ronaldinho's Legacy
Ronaldinho is widely regarded as one of the most skillful and entertaining footballers in history. He won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006, and the Ballon d'Or in 2005. His flair, dribbling, and free-kick ability made him a global icon. In recent years, he has faced legal issues, including a period under house arrest in Paraguay in 2020 for using a fake passport, but he has remained active in charity and promotional events.
Impact on Serie C
Ronaldinho's arrival is expected to boost attendances and media interest in Serie C, which often struggles for visibility. Ravenna's home stadium, Stadio Bruno Benelli, has a capacity of 12,000 and is likely to sell out for his debut. The move also highlights a trend of veteran stars playing in lower leagues, similar to Francesco Totti's brief stint with Roma's youth team or Alessandro Del Piero's spell in the Indian Super League.
