Ronaldinho: “Truly Beautiful” To Return To The Pitch For Ravenna

Brazilian football great Ronaldinho says it will be “truly beautiful” to return to the pitch on Sunday, November 15, 2026, 11 years after his last official match, when he plays for Italian third-tier side Ravenna against neighbours Forlì.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Ravenna coach Andrea Mandorlini has confirmed Ronaldinho will start and play about 30 minutes. At 46, he says he comes to enjoy a special moment, after winning everything he dreamed of.

WHY HE SAID YES

Ronaldinho credits his friendship with Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani, and shared future goals, for the decision. He said he wants to make Ravenna’s fans happy and hopes the day will be exceptional for his teammates too. He is also a shareholder in the club.

A LONG ROAD BACK

He last played an official match for Fluminense in 2015 against Goiás, and formally announced retirement in 2018. His last game for AC Milan came in December 2010 against Roma.

Italian-American businessman Cipriani, who has owned Ravenna since 2024, announced the signing in June at the World Cup in Miami.

Ronaldinho arrived in Italy in August and wears the No. 10 shirt. In August, club officials played down his playing role.

Ravenna’s sporting director at the time, Braida, called it a marketing initiative. The club later said it would not rule out a playing return.

THE 300TH GOAL

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Ronaldinho has said he is fit and feels good, and that scoring a 300th career goal would make the moment “even more beautiful.”

This week he flew into Italy on Friday, had dinner with teammates, and joined his first training session on Saturday.

MILAN MEMORIES

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he recalled his spell at Milan from 2008 to 2011. He singled out his first Rossoneri goal, scored in a derby against Inter, as one he will never forget.

THE CLUB’S AMBITIONS

Ravenna finished third in Group B last season and wants a return to Serie B, where it has not played since 2008. ValidViewNetwork reports.