Ronaldinho Gaúcho returns to football as a partner and player for Ravenna FC in Italy, aiming for his 300th official goal in an ambitious internationalization project.
At 46 years old, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, one of the greatest names in the history of the sport, has officially confirmed his long-awaited return to professional football. This time, the stage is Italy, where the star will not only wear the jersey of Ravenna FC, a team in the Italian Serie C, but will also take on a strategic position as a shareholder. The idol’s arrival in the country this Thursday, the 20th, marks the beginning of a new phase in his career and in the club’s journey.
This move is part of an ambitious project envisioned by Ignazio Cipriani, who has been the owner of Ravenna since 2024. The main goal is to transform the club, raising its international profile, attracting new sponsors, and paving the way to the top tier of Italian football. Ronaldinho‘s presence is seen as the fundamental catalyst for this transformation.
A return with a purpose: the final goal and the 300 mark
Businessman Ignazio Cipriani clarified that Ronaldinho‘s arrival goes beyond a simple marketing stunt. The plan includes the player’s participation in an official match with a very specific objective: to reach his 300th official career goal. This historic milestone is one of the centerpieces of the partnership, adding an element of celebration and legacy to the superstar’s return.
Presentation and debut expectations
Ronaldinho Gaúcho‘s presentation to the fans is scheduled for a beach festival, where approximately six thousand supporters are expected to welcome the idol. The anticipation surrounding his comeback is immense, but the Ravenna coaching staff is adopting a cautious approach regarding his physical condition.
Ravenna will begin its season next Monday, the 24th, against Reggiana. However, it has already been confirmed that Ronaldinho will not be on the pitch for this first match. The exact date and the star’s playing time will be determined by the board in conjunction with the coaching staff following upcoming training sessions and assessments.
A decade away from official pitches
Since 2015, when he played for Fluminense, Ronaldinho Gaúcho had not participated in an official match. In recent years, he has dedicated himself to exhibition events and promotional activities, staying connected to the football world in other ways. A two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and a key player in the Brazil national team‘s 2002 World Cup triumph, the star now returns to the country where he once shone wearing the Milan jersey.
His new challenge is to lead the rebuilding of a club with tradition in the third division, combining his experience and genius on the pitch with his strategic vision as a shareholder. The M360 team believes this return could be a landmark for Ravenna FC and a gift to football fans worldwide.
Ronaldinho‘s return to professional football, now as a player-partner of Ravenna FC, symbolizes an unprecedented chapter for the sport. Ignazio Cipriani‘s ambitious project and the quest for the 300th goal promise to attract global attention to the Italian Serie C. Ronaldinho and Ravenna‘s next steps will be followed with great interest, marking a potential turning point in the club’s history and the star’s career.
