Ronaldinho's move to Ravenna is a marketing partnership, not a playing return, vice-president says
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.
Initial buzz
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).
A swift correction
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.
The partnership details
Ronaldinho himself greeted the deal with enthusiasm, issuing a statement through Italian media.
His exact role remains promotional: modelling the new kit, attending club events, and possibly an exhibition match. Brazilian media reported he would be introduced as a "shareholder" of Ravenna. The club's owner, hotel chain magnate Ignazio Cipriani, is a long-time friend of the former star.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.
Miami unveiling
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.
- Braida first says Ronaldinho will be registered, calls it an extraordinary coup
- Braida clarifies the partnership is a marketing event, not competitive play
- Official presentation event planned in Miami
A legendary name
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.
