KUALA LUMPUR – Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho could be on the verge of a surprise return to competitive football at the age of 46, after reports linking him with Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC.
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the former FC Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker is expected to sign a deal with the third-tier club, although it remains unclear whether the agreement will translate into an actual playing comeback.
Details of the arrangement are expected to be clarified at an event scheduled in Miami on Tuesday, where both the club and Ronaldinho are anticipated to explain the nature of the collaboration.
The 2002 FIFA World Cup winner has already stirred speculation by expressing excitement over the project.
“I can’t wait to dance with the ball again and write a new story with Ignazio and the whole Cipriani family,” Ronaldinho was quoted as saying, referring to Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani, the businessman behind the Cipriani hospitality group.
Ravenna vice-president Ariedo Braida, who previously held senior roles at AC Milan and Barcelona, did not dismiss the possibility of the Brazilian icon featuring on the pitch.
“Will he play? We will see, but it can’t be ruled out. He is a champion, he knows no age,” Braida told Italian news agency ANSA.
If Ronaldinho were to make a competitive appearance, it would mark one of the most remarkable returns in modern football, more than a decade after his last professional match.
Renowned for his flair, creativity and technical brilliance, Ronaldinho became one of the most admired players of his era, captivating fans with his improvisation and trademark joy on the pitch.
His career highlights include winning the FIFA World Cup in 2002 alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo, as well as claiming the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2004 and 2005.
At club level, his most celebrated spell came with FC Barcelona, where he helped restore the club’s dominance, winning two La Liga titles and inspiring their 2006 UEFA Champions League triumph.
He later represented AC Milan, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro, Queretaro and Fluminense, with a notable late-career achievement coming in 2013 when he helped Atletico Mineiro lift the Copa Libertadores.
Ronaldinho’s final professional appearance came in 2015 with Fluminense before he officially retired in 2018. Since then, he has remained active as a global ambassador for the sport, frequently appearing in exhibition matches and promotional events.
While he has been away from professional competition for over a decade, the possibility of a return has generated widespread excitement among supporters eager to see whether the Brazilian great still has magic left to offer.
Football fans will now await Tuesday’s announcement to determine whether this marks a genuine comeback or a different role within Ravenna’s ambitious plans. – June 20, 2026