Why has Ronaldinho signed for Ravenna aged 46? Will he play? Why did he choose Ravenna and who are their owners? Shock transfer explained
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Updated 29/06/2026 at 18:27 GMT+1
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Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to make a return to the pitch aged 46 after signing for Italian third-tier side Ravenna. The former Balon d’Or, World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner has not played professional football since leaving Brazilian club Fluminense in September 2015.
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But his shock U-turn was confirmed on Wednesday as Ronaldinho proclaimed that he ”cannot wait to dance with the ball”.
”New colours, same smile,” said Ronaldinho.
”I cannot wait to dance with the ball and write a beautiful new story with [Ravenna owner] Ignazio Cipriani and the Cipriani family. Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!”
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Ronaldinho was one of the most celebrated and admired players of his generation and won a glut of major honours during spells with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan in Europe and Gremio, Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro in his homeland.
He also helped Brazil claim the 2002 World Cup title, their record fifth and most recent triumph.
Will Ronaldinho play?
The Brazilian insisted in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport that he hopes to get his boots on soon.
”I don’t know, it is still too soon to say. I definitely can’t wait to be in Ravenna, to get to know the city and the environment. My family and I are very happy, I want the magic to start soon.”
Asked whether we might one day see Ronaldinho still playing at 50: ”Why not?”
Ravenna, who finished third in Group B of Serie C in 2025/26, said in their press release that Ronaldinho’s signing was ”more than symbolic” despite his advancing years and a long time spent out of the game.
”Ronaldinho joins Ravenna FC by Cipriani as a player, one of the most significant signings in the club’s history and a moment that positions Ravenna at the centre of the global football conversation,” it said.
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Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho poses with Ravenna FC president Ignazio Cipriani during an event marking his presentation as ambassador and strategic partner of the Italian club in Miami, Florida, on June 23, 2026
Image credit: Getty Images
”More than a symbolic appointment, Ronaldinho has set his sights on scoring his final professional goal in Ravenna colours, adding a deeply personal chapter to one of football’s most celebrated careers.
”His arrival is a signal: that what Ravenna is building is serious, that Italian football culture has a new address, and that the most compelling chapter of this club’s story is just beginning."
According to Transfermarkt, Ronaldinho’s last competitive match came in Fluminense’s 2-0 win over Goias on September 26, 2015.
The Brazilian’s prime years were spent with Barcelona where he scored 94 goals and won two La Liga titles and the Champions League, and with Milan, where he won Serie A in 2010/11.
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Why Ravenna?
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldinho’s close relationship with Cipriani and other people involved in the Ravenna project, such as former Milan director Ariedo Braida, was important in making the move happen.
Ex-Milan CEO Adriano Galliani and former Rossoneri striker Pato were among those present at his presentation press conference in Miami on Wednesday.
Asked why he chose the third-tier club, Ronaldinho said: ”Because we are good friends and after many years I found a great project, which I believe will make history.
”That made it a simple decision, direct, easy. This opportunity came up and I’m very happy to have taken it.”
He added: ”Ignazio and I have very similar ideas and that is why we are making a such a unique choice. We both want Ravenna to do well and we think we are doing something truly wonderful.”
Who is Ravenna’s owner?
Ravenna is owned by Ignazio Cipriani, an entrepreneur from the historic Emilia-Romagna city in the north-east of Italy.
He made his fortune with the Cipriani restaurant brand and lived in the United States for more than 20 years before entering Italian football two years ago.
Cipriani acquired Ravenna in 2024 together with investment partner Black Duck and is ambitious about what the future holds.
”After 24 years in the United States, Ravenna remains the place I consider home,” he said. ”My connection to my hometown and my passion for football made this a natural opportunity.
"Bringing Ronaldinho to Ravenna FC by Cipriani is an extraordinary moment for the club.
”He was my idol growing up, and his impact on the game extends far beyond football. Beyond what he brings to the club, I hope his involvement inspires a new generation of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna FC and become part of what we’re building for the future.”
Cipriani and Ravenna fans will be hoping the club can emulate the success of Como, who rose from the fourth tier to the Champions League in the space of seven years following a takeover by Indonesian billionaires the Hartono brothers in 2019.
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