Ronaldinho to start for Ravenna as Brazil legend reveals two reasons for his comeback at 46
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to return to competitive play at age 46 for the Italian Serie C club Ravenna. He stated that his friendship with the club's president and a desire to bring joy to fans motivated his comeback.
Why it matters
The return of a high-profile global icon to a lower-tier league highlights the enduring influence of legacy players in professional sports.
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho will start for Ravenna in a Serie C derby against Forlì on Sunday, saying his 'friendship' with Ravenna President Ignazio Cipriani convinced him to play a competitive match more than ten years after retiring.
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho will come back from retirement tomorrow, Sunday, November 15, to play for Ravenna in a Serie C match against local rivals Forlì.
Ravenna coach Andrea Mandorlini has already confirmed that Ronaldinho will start and play for circa 30 minutes.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 19: Ronaldinho attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Ronaldinho already played in Italy from 2008 to 2011 with Milan and scored his first goal with the Rossoneri in a derby against Inter.
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