By Ghazali Ibrahim
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has made a stunning return to the game, agreeing to join Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC nearly a decade after ending his professional playing career.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan star, now 46, is set to be officially unveiled by the club at a special event in Miami on June 23, a move that has generated excitement and speculation across the football world.
Reports indicate that Ronaldinho has signed an agreement with the Italian third-division outfit, although questions remain over whether he will feature in competitive matches or assume a largely promotional role.
Ravenna officials have not ruled out the possibility of the Brazilian icon returning to the pitch.
The club’s vice-president, Ariedo Braida, described Ronaldinho as a “timeless champion” and suggested that a playing comeback remains possible.
“Will he play? We will see, but it is not ruled out,” Braida was quoted as saying, fueling anticipation among fans eager to see one of football’s greatest entertainers back in action.
Ronaldinho also expressed enthusiasm about the new chapter in his career.
“New colours, same smile,” the former Ballon d’Or winner said, adding that he looked forward to “dancing on the ball again” and writing a new story with the club and its ownership group.
The move marks a remarkable development for a player who officially retired from professional football in 2018 after a glittering career that saw him win the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil, the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, two FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and the 2005 Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldinho last played professional football for Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015, though he has remained active in exhibition matches and charity games around the world.
His arrival is expected to significantly raise Ravenna’s profile as the club prepares for life in Italy’s third tier.
Whether the Brazilian magician will lace up his boots for competitive football again remains uncertain. But his association with Ravenna has already become one of the most talked-about football stories of the year, reviving memories of the flair, creativity and joy that made Ronaldinho one of the sport’s most beloved figures.
