It’s not a surprise to see Brazil survive the group stage at the World Cup. It might be a bit more surprising to learn that Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is coming out of retirement after more than a decade away from organized club football.
to join Ravenna FC, marking a return to organized club football
The 46-year-old Ronaldinho will join Italian third-tier club Ravenna FC after not playing competitive club soccer since 2015. He last appeared for Fluminense in Brazil, appearing in just seven games and making six starts, according to Sports Reference.
“I cannot wait to dance with the ball,” Ronaldinho said in announcement about the move. “Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!”
Will Ronaldinho, who turns 47 in March, actually take the field for Ravenna? Here’s what we know.
Former Brazil World Cup star Ronaldinho makes a return to football
Ravenna FC officially announced Ronaldinho’s signing at a high-profile launch event in Miami on June 23, framing the move as the start of the club’s global expansion.
Club officials described the signing as both a football move and part of a broader rebranding and international growth strategy.
When did Ronaldinho last play soccer?
Ronaldinho won a World Cup with Brazil in 2002, tallying two goals and three assists, but he has hasn’t played competitively since 2015, when he appeared in seven games for Brazilian club Fluminense. He didn’t record a goal or assist in those games.
The previous season, Ronaldinho tallied seven goals and six assists over 20 appearances for Mexican club Querétaro, according to Sports Reference.
Will Ronaldinho actually play for Italy’s Ravenna FC?
He is “officially registered as a player,” according to Ravenna FC, but it remains unclear how often he will feature in competitive Serie C matches, according to Flashscore.
RTL Today and other outlets describe the move as a mix of sporting comeback and marketing initiative, suggesting he may appear mainly in friendlies, special events or limited minutes.
However, Reuters reported that Ronaldinho said the move is about more than nostalgia and that he hopes to inspire younger players.
World Cup 2026 weekend schedule, channels for June 26-30
The World Cup runs June 11 to July 19. Here’s what the schedule through the weekend, plus when and where the matches will air, according to USA TODAY and ESPN.
Knockout games in the Round of 32 begin on June 29.
June 26 World Cup schedule
June 27 World Cup schedule
June 28 World Cup schedule
Ronaldinho career highlights
In addition to winning a World Cup with Brazil, Ronaldinho won FIFA’s Ballon d’Or in 2005 and made the FIFA FIFPro World XI three times from 2005–2007 as he helped Spain’s Barcelona capture consecutive La Liga titles in 2005 and 2006.
Ronaldinho also played for Italian side AC Milan in 2010-11 as the club won the title in the top-flight Serie A division.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Brazil World Cup star ends retirement for Italian comeback
Reporting by Alex Perry, USA TODAY NETWORK / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alex Perry, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
