Blab Sports
Ronaldinho Returns to Football, Joins Italian Serie C Club Ravenna at 46
Brazil’s football legend Ronaldinho has announced a return to club action, signing a contract with Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC on June 19 2026. The 46‑year‑old midfielder will also acquire a shareholding stake in the club, a rare combination that blends on‑field presence with ownership. The partnership will be formally unveiled at a presentation in Miami on June 23.
"I want to dance with the ball again," Ronaldinho said to reporters. "Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!" The former World Cup champion and Ballon d’Or winner will be the first high‑profile player to join Ravenna since entrepreneur Ignazio Cipriani’s 2024 takeover. Cipriani, who runs the Cipriani restaurant brand, grew up idolising the Brazilian and welcomed the signing in Miami. "Ronaldinho was my idol growing up," he told the press. "I hope his involvement inspires a new generation of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna." His vision is to build a competitive squad capable of climbing from Serie C Group B toward higher divisions.
Ronaldinho’s professional résumé is extensive: he began at Grêmio in 1998, then played for Paris Saint‑Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, Querétaro and Fluminense. His final professional appearance came for Fluminense in 2015. He lifted the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002, captured the Ballon d’Or in 2005, and helped AC Milan win the 2010‑11 Serie A title.
The Ravenna deal is notable for its ownership component. According to reports, Ronaldinho will become a shareholder, giving him a stake in the club’s future operations. The official announcement states that the signing will be unveiled at a major event in Miami, where the player will also meet fans and local media.
Ravenna FC, based in the Emilia‑Romagna city of the same name, competes in Serie C Group B. Founded in 1913, the club has a long history of fluctuating between Italy’s lower tiers. Cipriani’s 2024 acquisition was part of a broader strategy to revitalize the club’s finances and on‑field performance.
The timing of the move coincides with a growing trend of former stars and international investors turning to lower‑division clubs. While Serie A remains dominated by established giants, Serie C has become an attractive venue for high‑profile players looking to extend their careers or assume new roles. The 2026‑27 Serie C season will begin in early September, giving Ronaldinho several months to train with the squad. The club’s coaching staff has not yet disclosed specific plans for his on‑pitch role, but the announcement signals that his experience and brand value will be leveraged to boost Ravenna’s profile.
Fans and analysts alike have taken notice. Some observers suggest that Ronaldinho’s presence could raise attendance and media coverage for Ravenna, while others highlight the potential for the veteran to mentor younger teammates.
No official statement has been released regarding the length of Ronaldinho’s contract or the financial terms of his shareholding. The club’s website lists the signing as part of its 2026/27 registration documents, but detailed figures remain undisclosed.
In the coming weeks, Ravenna will focus on finalising squad arrangements and preparing for the start of the Serie C campaign. Ronaldinho’s debut—whether on the field or in a leadership capacity—will be a focal point for the club’s marketing and community outreach efforts.
The announcement underscores a growing trend of former elite players engaging with lower‑tier clubs in new capacities, blending on‑field experience with business involvement. Whether Ronaldinho’s return will translate into on‑field success for Ravenna remains to be seen, but the partnership has already generated significant interest across Italian and international football circles.
"I want to dance with the ball again," Ronaldinho said to reporters. "Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!" The former World Cup champion and Ballon d’Or winner will be the first high‑profile player to join Ravenna since entrepreneur Ignazio Cipriani’s 2024 takeover. Cipriani, who runs the Cipriani restaurant brand, grew up idolising the Brazilian and welcomed the signing in Miami. "Ronaldinho was my idol growing up," he told the press. "I hope his involvement inspires a new generation of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna." His vision is to build a competitive squad capable of climbing from Serie C Group B toward higher divisions.
Ronaldinho’s professional résumé is extensive: he began at Grêmio in 1998, then played for Paris Saint‑Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, Querétaro and Fluminense. His final professional appearance came for Fluminense in 2015. He lifted the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002, captured the Ballon d’Or in 2005, and helped AC Milan win the 2010‑11 Serie A title.
The Ravenna deal is notable for its ownership component. According to reports, Ronaldinho will become a shareholder, giving him a stake in the club’s future operations. The official announcement states that the signing will be unveiled at a major event in Miami, where the player will also meet fans and local media.
Ravenna FC, based in the Emilia‑Romagna city of the same name, competes in Serie C Group B. Founded in 1913, the club has a long history of fluctuating between Italy’s lower tiers. Cipriani’s 2024 acquisition was part of a broader strategy to revitalize the club’s finances and on‑field performance.
The timing of the move coincides with a growing trend of former stars and international investors turning to lower‑division clubs. While Serie A remains dominated by established giants, Serie C has become an attractive venue for high‑profile players looking to extend their careers or assume new roles. The 2026‑27 Serie C season will begin in early September, giving Ronaldinho several months to train with the squad. The club’s coaching staff has not yet disclosed specific plans for his on‑pitch role, but the announcement signals that his experience and brand value will be leveraged to boost Ravenna’s profile.
Fans and analysts alike have taken notice. Some observers suggest that Ronaldinho’s presence could raise attendance and media coverage for Ravenna, while others highlight the potential for the veteran to mentor younger teammates.
No official statement has been released regarding the length of Ronaldinho’s contract or the financial terms of his shareholding. The club’s website lists the signing as part of its 2026/27 registration documents, but detailed figures remain undisclosed.
In the coming weeks, Ravenna will focus on finalising squad arrangements and preparing for the start of the Serie C campaign. Ronaldinho’s debut—whether on the field or in a leadership capacity—will be a focal point for the club’s marketing and community outreach efforts.
The announcement underscores a growing trend of former elite players engaging with lower‑tier clubs in new capacities, blending on‑field experience with business involvement. Whether Ronaldinho’s return will translate into on‑field success for Ravenna remains to be seen, but the partnership has already generated significant interest across Italian and international football circles.
