Ronaldinho is officially lacing up his boots again at 46 years old, signing a deal in summer 2026 to hit the pitch for Ravenna, an Italian third division club. Seriously, the legend is back. He played his last professional match way back in 2015 and even announced his retirement in 2018, but now, he is expected to play some minutes this weekend on Sunday, November 15.
The Icon’s Shocking Comeback
Can you believe it? Ronaldinho, the dude who won the 2005 Ballon d’Or and absolutely lit up PSG, Barcelona, and AC Milan at the peak of his European career, is making a comeback to pro soccer. He will be 47 next year, which just blows your mind. This weekend, the focus is on Italy where he is expected to get some playing time in Ravenna’s home derby against Forli. You can even catch all the action live on Paramount+. He sounds ready, too. The man himself said, “I’m really looking forward to this moment and coming back to Italy once more.” Plus, he is not just coasting, he is putting in the work: “Today I do a lot of Footy Volley. I’m training differently.” That’s the dedication of a true legend, even after all these years.
Ravenna’s Bold Vision: More Than Just Football
So, why Ravenna? This isn’t some Champions League powerhouse, it is a club with a history of playing in Italy’s lower divisions. The answer lies with the new owner, Ignazio Cipriani, who acquired the club in 2024. He is the nephew of Arrigo Cipriani, the founder of the iconic Harry’s Bar in Venice. This isn’t just about a local Italian club anymore, it is part of something way bigger. The Cipriani Group operates high-end restaurants, swanky private members’ clubs like Casa Cipriani, luxury hotels, event venues, and branded residences all over major international cities. We are talking New York City, London, Monaco, Miami, Dubai. They are positioning themselves as a global luxury lifestyle and real estate player, not just a restaurant group.
And they are bringing serious talent to the football side too. Cipriani has created links with some of the most notable figures in the world, from soccer players to politicians, singers, and actors. When they jumped into soccer, they brought in people who worked at the highest level of the game. Take Ariedo Braida, for example. He was the former AC Milan sporting director for 27 years and was key alongside former AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani in building that club’s legacy under Silvio Berlusconi’s presidency. Ravenna’s current head coach, Andrea Mandorlini, spent several years coaching in Serie A and even played for Inter between 1984 and 1991. The connection is already there: Ronaldinho actually joined AC Milan in 2008 during Braida’s tenure there. This project is clearly more than just a typical third-division club.
So, what happens next? All eyes are on Sunday, November 15, when Ronaldinho steps onto the Stadio Bruno Benelli pitch against Forli. Will we see flashes of that old magic? What will his “some minutes” actually bring to Ravenna? This isn’t just a comeback; it is a statement from a club with massive ambitions and a legend who just can’t quit the beautiful game. You absolutely do not want to miss this.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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