Reading the headline, many might be surprised and wonder if Ronaldinho, who bid farewell to professional football in 2015, is making a comeback to the world stage!
However, that is not the actual case.
The Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has indeed come out of retirement, but not for the World Cup or top-tier football. Instead, he is returning for Ravenna, a third-tier club in Italian domestic football. The club’s president, Ignazio Cipriani, confirmed the matter.
Italy’s leading sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport, reported that the 46-year-old former star has signed a contract with Serie C club Ravenna. Furthermore, he has also purchased shares in the club and will invest in its development projects.
Ravenna will officially announce Ronaldinho’s joining on June 23 at a special event in Miami, USA. Club president Ignazio Cipriani had been trying to bring him to the team for a long time.
In response, Ronaldinho stated, “New colours, but the same smile. I am excited to dance with the ball again and write a new story with the Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that joy back to Ravenna.”
Ronaldinho will be seen in certain exhibition matches and will also be involved in the club’s promotional activities.
Winning the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, earning the Ballon d’Or in 2005, and playing a crucial role in Barcelona’s Champions League victory in 2006—all combined, Ronaldinho represents a brilliant chapter in football.
His comeback, nearly a decade after bidding farewell to professional football in 2015, has sparked renewed discussion.