Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to return to competitive action after more than a decade, joining Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC as both a player and shareholder. The 46-year-old will make his comeback against Forli on November 15, with the Brazilian targeting his 300th career goal.Ronaldinho is set to come out of retirement.
Courtesy: PTINew Delhi,Nov 11, 2026 23:32 ISTBrazilian football icon Ronaldinho is set to return to competitive football after more than a decade away from the professional game, with the 46-year-old preparing to pull on the Ravenna FC jersey in Italy's third tier.The former Barcelona and AC Milan star will make his comeback for Ravenna in their Serie C derby against Forli on November 15. The club confirmed the date in October, bringing an end to months of speculation over whether the Brazilian would actually feature on the pitch after joining the club earlier this year.Ronaldinho's return is particularly special because he will be involved with Ravenna in two capacities: as a player and a shareholder.
The Brazilian signed for the Italian club in June and subsequently acquired a stake in the team, which is owned by his friend Ignazio Cipriani.Also Read: Manchester United and Mauricio Pochettino: Has the moment finally arrived? The comeback will mark his first competitive appearance since September 2015, when he turned out for Brazilian club Fluminense.
Although he officially announced his retirement in 2018, the prospect of seeing one of football's most entertaining players back in action has generated considerable excitement.RONALDINHO EYES ONE LAST MOMENT OF MAGICThe comeback also gives Ronaldinho an opportunity to achieve one final milestone. The Brazilian is aiming to score the 300th goal of his professional career, having finished his playing days with 299 goals.
Ravenna's fixture against Forli at the Stadio Bruno Benelli will provide the stage for his much-anticipated return. The club announced that the Brazilian would wear its colours in the derby, describing the occasion as a moment that would turn the world's attention towards the stadium.Ronaldinho, meanwhile, has expressed his excitement about returning to the game.
Following his signing, he said he could not wait to play with the ball again and write a new story with the club. For the former Brazil international, football has always been about joy, and he hopes to bring that spirit to Ravenna.The Brazilian's association with the club is also part of an ambitious project to raise its profile.
His presence as a shareholder and player is expected to bring international attention to the Italian side and help strengthen its connection with supporters.Ronaldinho, of course, needs little introduction. He was part of Brazil's 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team and won the Ballon d'Or in 2005 after a remarkable spell at Barcelona.
He also represented Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, dazzling fans with his dribbling, creativity, outrageous skills and trademark smile.At Barcelona, he played a key role in the club's rise to prominence in the mid-2000s, winning two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2006.Now, more than 11 years after his last competitive appearance, the Brazilian is preparing to return to the pitch. Ravenna's supporters will hope that the man who made football look effortless can deliver one more magical moment — and perhaps find that elusive 300th goal.- Ends