Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is preparing to make an extraordinary return to competitive football at the age of 46, with Italian Serie C club Ravenna confirming that he will feature in an official league match against Forlì on November 15.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan superstar will wear Ravenna’s yellow and red jersey at the Stadio Bruno Benelli, marking his first competitive appearance in more than 11 years.
The match, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. local time, will be part of the 14th round of the Italian third division and will feature a regional derby between Ravenna and Forlì.
Ravenna officially announced the date on Friday, October 23, ending months of speculation surrounding Ronaldinho’s possible return to professional football.
The club celebrated the announcement by emphasizing that the Brazilian’s famous creativity and footballing magic had never disappeared, describing his comeback as an opportunity for supporters to experience his talent once again.
Ronaldinho’s involvement with Ravenna began in June 2026, when the Italian club announced an agreement with the former Brazil international during an event in Miami.
The arrangement was primarily a commercial initiative designed to increase Ravenna’s international visibility and strengthen its connection with supporters.
However, the agreement also included the possibility of Ronaldinho returning to the pitch for at least one official match.
That possibility became a reality when Ravenna confirmed his participation against Forlì.
The Brazilian subsequently acquired a stake in the club, which is owned by his friend Ignazio Cipriani.
Ronaldinho also visited Italy in August, appearing at the club’s official presentation and meeting supporters in Ravenna.
At the time, he avoided guaranteeing that he would play competitively again, although he expressed enthusiasm about helping the organization.
His upcoming appearance represents the sporting component of a partnership that has already attracted international attention.
Ravenna president Cipriani explained that bringing Ronaldinho back to competitive football had initially appeared almost impossible.
However, the club continued working toward the agreement, believing that his involvement could generate excitement throughout the city.
Cipriani emphasized that the November 15 appearance would be particularly meaningful because it would take place during a derby against Forlì.
The president also highlighted the efforts of everyone involved in transforming the original proposal into a confirmed event.
Ravenna’s announcement included footage celebrating Ronaldinho’s career, combining memorable moments from his playing days with images of the Brazilian entering the Bruno Benelli Stadium.
The club described the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate a footballer whose personality, technical ability and creativity captivated supporters around the world.
Ronaldinho last appeared in an official competitive match on September 29, 2015, during his time with Brazilian club Fluminense.
Although he officially announced his retirement in 2018, his professional playing career had effectively ended three years earlier.
His return with Ravenna will therefore mark more than a decade since his last competitive appearance.
The Brazilian previously enjoyed an extraordinary career that included spells with Grêmio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, Querétaro and Fluminense.
His most successful period came at Barcelona, where he established himself as one of the world’s outstanding attacking players.
Ronaldinho helped Barcelona win the UEFA Champions League in 2006 and two La Liga titles.
His performances earned him the 2005 Ballon d’Or, recognizing him as the world’s best footballer.
He was also an important member of Brazil’s national team, helping the country win the 2002 FIFA World Cup alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
Ronaldinho additionally won the 1999 Copa América with Brazil, finishing his international career with 33 goals in 97 appearances.
His playing style made him one of the most recognizable footballers of his generation.
Ronaldinho combined exceptional close control with unpredictable dribbling, precise passing and an ability to create scoring opportunities from difficult positions.
His trademark smile and entertaining approach to the game became closely associated with his success at Barcelona and Brazil.
He was equally capable of producing spectacular individual goals and creating opportunities for teammates through unexpected movements and passes.
Those qualities helped him become a global football icon whose popularity extended far beyond the clubs he represented.
The upcoming appearance also carries sporting significance for Ravenna.
The Italian club is competing near the top of Serie C Group B and remains involved in the promotion race.
Ronaldinho’s participation will take place during an important league fixture rather than an exhibition match, although the club has not specified how many minutes he will play.
His return is expected to attract substantial attention from supporters and international media, with Ravenna preparing to release ticket information through its official channels.
For Ronaldinho, the appearance also presents an opportunity to pursue another personal milestone.
The Brazilian has previously expressed interest in reaching 300 career goals, a target he discussed during his visit to Italy in August.
Whether he can add another goal to his record remains uncertain, particularly after more than 11 years away from competitive football.
Nevertheless, Ravenna have confirmed that the 46-year-old will return to an official league match on November 15.
The former Barcelona star will once again wear a professional club’s jersey, this time representing Ravenna against Forlì in Serie C.
