Ronaldinho joins Serie C Ravenna at 46, Miami unveiling set for June 23
Ronaldinho Gaucho, 46-year-old Brazilian football icon and former Ballon d'Or winner, has joined Italian Serie C club Ravenna in a surprise move. The club confirmed he'll be officially unveiled at a special event in Miami on June 23, 2026. While the signing generates global attention, uncertainty remains about whether he'll feature in competitive matches for the third-division side.
Club owner Ignazio Cipriani says the acquisition fulfills a personal ambition after 24 years in the US, calling Ronaldinho his idol. However, conflicting signals emerge from management: vice-president Ariedo Braida initially stated Ronaldinho would only do marketing events and not play, but later told ANSA that an appearance "is not ruled out," leaving open the possibility of a competitive comeback.
Should Ronaldinho play, it would mark his first competitive appearance since 2015 with Fluminense. His legendary career includes Ballon d'Or-winning spells at Barcelona and PSG, plus 26 goals in 95 appearances for AC Milan. For Ravenna, currently preparing for Serie C life, signing one of football's most recognizable figures represents a major visibility boost ahead of the 2026/27 campaign under manager Andrea Mandorlini.
The core question persists: Is this a symbolic ambassadorship, a commercial stunt, or witnessing an unlikely return of one of football's greatest entertainers to the pitch? As Ravenna puts it: "We'll see!".