Ravenna VP Braida clarified on 20 June that the 46-year-old will only take part in a branding event, not official matches.
Early statements by Braida on 19 June suggested Ronaldinho could be registered and might play, leading to global speculation.
The partnership will be formally unveiled in Miami on 23 June 2026, with club owner Ignazio Cipriani present.
On Thursday, Italian media reported that the 46-year-old Brazilian legend had ended his retirement to join Ravenna FC, a club in Italy's third division. Club vice-president Ariedo Braida told ANSA that Ronaldinho would be "tesserato" (registered) and called the move a "colpo straordinario" (extraordinary coup). The news quickly circulated internationally, with outlets suggesting he might play a single match or become a shareholder. Braida did not rule out an appearance: "Giocherà? Lo vedremo, ma non è escluso" (Will he play? We'll see, but it's not excluded).
By Friday, Braida walked back the playing talk. "Ronaldinho farà un evento di marketing con noi, ma non giocherà nel Ravenna nella prossima stagione," he clarified. Adding ruefully, "Magari fosse ancora in grado di giocare..." (If only he were still able to play). The partnership is a branding exercise, designed to raise the club's profile globally.
“Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but he will not play for Ravenna next season.”
Ronaldinho himself greeted the deal with enthusiasm, issuing a statement through Italian media.
“New colours, same smile. I can't wait to get back to dancing on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family.”
The formal announcement is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, in Miami, where Cipriani will present the partnership. The timing coincides with Ronaldinho's role as an ambassador at the World Cup; on Friday he was photographed alongside Ronaldo watching Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia. Vice-president Braida will not attend: "Fa troppo caldo per un viaggio così" (It's too hot for such a trip), he joked.
Ronaldinho last played professionally in 2015 for Fluminense and officially retired in 2018. His glittering career includes a World Cup (2002), Champions League (2006), two La Liga titles, and a Serie A title. His fame now extends into music, with 91 songs registered as a composer in Brazil. For Ravenna, a club that narrowly missed promotion to Serie B last season, the association with a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year is a clear marketing boost, even without him on the pitch.
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Ronaldinho's much-hyped return to football with Italian third-tier side Ravenna is a promotional partnership, not a competitive playing role, the club's vice-president clarified on Friday.
AI text based on reports by Le Figaro.fr, ANSA.it, 20 Minuten and other publishers. Changed .