Brazilian Football Legend Ronaldinho to Return to the Pitch Next Month After 11 Years

Brazilian football "legend" Ronaldinho, 46, is returning to the pitch wearing the uniform of Italian Serie C (third division) club Ravenna.

Ravenna announced on October 23 (local time) that Ronaldinho will play in a home match against local rival Forli on November 15.

This marks Ronaldinho's return to official competition for the first time in 11 years, following the conclusion of his professional career at Brazil's Fluminense in 2015.

Ronaldinho is a star who graced the pitches of major clubs such as FC Barcelona (Spain) and AC Milan (Italy) and contributed to Brazil's victory at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan.

He also captured the Ballon d'Or in 2005.

Ronaldinho signed with Ravenna last June and also purchased a stake in the club.

Ravenna is owned by Ignazio Cipriani, a friend of Ronaldinho.

Club owner Cipriani explained that partnering with Ronaldinho is "aimed at bringing the entire city closer to the team."

When Ronaldinho arrived in Italy last August, he did not give a definitive answer regarding whether he would play as an active player.

However, he left open the possibility of scoring his 300th career goal, stating, "I came to help the club."

Ravenna currently sits in second place in Group B of Serie C with 20 points after playing 10 matches.

They trail league leader Spezia by 8 points.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.