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Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho has arrived in Italy ahead of his formal unveiling as a Ravenna player, beginning an extraordinary return to professional football at the age of 46.
The former Ballon d’Or winner arrived at Forlì Airport in Emilia-Romagna on Thursday ahead of a series of events organised by the Serie C club to mark the start of the new season. Ravenna confirmed his arrival by publishing images of the football great on its social media platforms.
Ronaldinho, who announced his return to professional football in June, is expected to feature for Ravenna in at least one official match. However, the club has not disclosed when the former Brazil international will make his competitive debut.
The move is being driven not only by football considerations but also by Ravenna’s commercial and international ambitions. The club sees the arrival of one of the most recognisable players of his generation as an opportunity to raise its profile, attract international attention and strengthen its commercial appeal.
Ronaldinho also has a close relationship with Ravenna president, Ignazio Cipriani, the Italian businessman who acquired the club in 2024. Cipriani, whose family owns the Cipriani restaurant group, took over Ravenna as a personal project and has expressed an ambition to help the club grow.
The agreement involving Ronaldinho is similarly structured around international promotion and brand expansion, with partners including Black Duck and sportswear giant Nike involved in the commercial project.
Before travelling to Emilia-Romagna, Ronaldinho stopped in Milan, where he spent two-and-a-half seasons during his illustrious career. He also met former Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and shared the encounter on social media.
At his official presentation in Miami nearly two months ago, Ronaldinho made clear that his motivation for returning to football was rooted in his enduring love for the game. “Football has always been joy for me, and I am excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!”, he said.
The return gives Ravenna an unusual combination of sporting experience and global visibility, while Ronaldinho now faces the prospect of adding a competitive appearance in Italy’s third tier to a career that includes the World Cup, Champions League and Ballon d’Or.
