Ronaldinho, one of the most celebrated players in football history, is expected to return from retirement and sign with Ravenna, a club in Italy’s third division. The Brazilian legend, now 46, is set to resume his professional career more than a decade after leaving the game.
Ravenna said it will officially present him next week, according to the club and Italian media reports. The club’s vice president, Ariedo Braida, confirmed the move and sounded enthusiastic: “Ronaldinho is a champion, and he has no age,” he said. Braida added that signing him is “an extraordinary move” for Ravenna, and did not rule out that he could play. “Will he play? We’ll see. It’s not something that can be ruled out,” he said.
Ronaldinho also addressed the planned comeback in an interview published by Gazzetta dello Sport. “I can’t wait to touch the ball again and write a new chapter,” he said. “Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that spirit to Ravenna as well.”
During a glittering career, Ronaldinho played for Grêmio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Milan. With Barcelona he won the Champions League, two Spanish league titles and other trophies, while with Brazil he was part of the squad that won the 2002 World Cup, the Copa America and the Confederations Cup. He also collected major individual honors, including the Ballon d’Or and World Player of the Year.
