The former Ballon d’Or winner arrived in Italy on Thursday ahead of his official presentation, which is expected to be the centrepiece of a lavish “Ronaldinho Day” celebration on the Adriatic coast.
Thousands of supporters are expected to attend the beach event, where Ravenna will unveil its squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Ronaldinho’s return comes more than 11 years after his last competitive appearance for Fluminense in 2015. His decision to join Ravenna was announced in June as part of a wider agreement involving the club’s ownership group.
Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani, a member of the family behind the famous Cipriani restaurant and hospitality business, has stressed that Ronaldinho’s involvement goes beyond publicity.
“This is not window dressing or a marketing stunt,” Cipriani said.
🚨 Ronaldinho has arrived in Italy ahead of signing for Ravenna! 🤯
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 20, 2026
The Brazilian legend will be officially unveiled tonight and has one final ambition in mind: to score the last professional goal of his career in a Ravenna shirt.
(Source: @BFMTV) pic.twitter.com/69ef8mg6bh
Ronaldinho is set to become a shareholder in the club and, remarkably, is also expected to take part in at least one official match during the season.
Cipriani has revealed the Brazilian has a particularly romantic ambition for his comeback: to score one final goal before bringing the curtain down on his playing career.
“His goal is to score his final goal in a Ravenna shirt,” Cipriani said.
It remains unclear exactly when Ronaldinho will take to the pitch. He has not been part of Ravenna coach Andrea Mandorlini’s pre-season preparations, meaning he is unlikely to feature in the club’s opening Serie C fixture against Reggiana.
Cipriani previously suggested Ronaldinho could play in a home league match, with his involvement dependent on his fitness and other circumstances.
The comeback represents a remarkable second chapter in Italy for Ronaldinho, who spent two and a half seasons with AC Milan after joining the Rossoneri in 2008. He later moved to Flamengo in January 2011.
The Brazilian enjoyed a glittering career that also included spells with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Atletico Mineiro and Mexican club Queretaro.
At international level, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps for Brazil and was part of the team that won the 2002 World Cup. Three years later, he claimed the Ballon d’Or after a sensational spell at Barcelona.
Now, more than a decade after his final competitive appearance, one of football’s most celebrated entertainers is preparing to lace up his boots again.
For Ravenna, the hope is that Ronaldinho can provide one last moment of magic, and perhaps score the final goal of a career that has already delivered countless unforgettable ones.
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