The king is back! Ronaldinho officially returns to professional football after 11 years
Football fans are about to witness something extraordinary! Brazilian legend Ronaldinho is officially returning to professional football at the age of 46, with his first competitive appearance in more than a decade now confirmed.
Details: Italian Serie C club Ravenna officially announced on October 23 that Ronaldinho will play against Forlì on November 15, 2026. The derby will take place at the Stadio Bruno Benelli, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 local time. The former Barcelona and AC Milan superstar has not appeared in an official professional match since September 2015, when he represented Brazilian side Fluminense. His comeback will therefore end an extraordinary 11-year absence.
Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani celebrated the announcement, explaining that the club had believed in the ambitious project from the beginning. Ronaldinho became involved with Ravenna earlier this year as both a player and minority shareholder. His return was initially presented in Miami, while supporters welcomed the Brazilian during a public appearance in Marina di Ravenna in August.
The remarkable comeback is more than a publicity stunt, as Ravenna have confirmed that Ronaldinho will participate in an official league fixture. The former Brazil international is expected to wear the club's yellow and red colours against regional rivals Forlì. Details regarding ticket sales will be announced separately, with enormous interest anticipated from supporters around the world.
It's worth noting that Ronaldinho won the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002. He also lifted the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006 and played for AC Milan between 2008 and 2011. His upcoming appearance will make him the first Ballon d'Or winner to represent Ravenna.
Reminder: The magic is back! 46-year-old Ronaldinho comes out of retirement for one last dance.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
