Ronaldinho arrives in Italy: All you need to know about his Ravenna job
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has arrived in Italy to begin a stint with Serie C club Ravenna at age 46. The club has expanded stadium capacity to accommodate the high demand for his debut match.
Why it matters
The return of a global sports icon to professional play generates significant commercial and cultural interest in lower-tier leagues.
Ronaldinho has landed on Italian soil ahead of Sunday's Serie C debut for Ravenna, his return to football at the age of 46, with his coach assuring he'll 'play around half an hour.'
His private jet arrived this afternoon , accompanied by Ravenna President Ignazio Cipriani, and director Lorenzo Tonetti.
The Brazilian had hung up his boots 11 years ago following an experience at Fluminense, deciding to call it a day in September 2015.
Following his time at Gremio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Milan, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro, Queretaro and Fluminense, as well as winning the World Cup with Brazil and the Ballon D'Or, his playing career seemed to be over.
However, Ravenna talked the legend into a comeback in Serie C , the third tier of Italian football, signing the contract on June 23, 2026 in Miami.
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