Ronaldinho's comeback game confirmed after 11 years in retirement

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Martin Macdonald | Writer

Ronaldinho will officially come out of retirement to play his first match in 11 years next month.

In August, the Brazil legend landed in Italy to complete an unbelievable football comeback with Serie C side, Ravenna.

Ronaldinho’s return to Italian football was announced in June by Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani, an Italian-American businessman.

Initially, there were doubts over whether the former Brazil international would genuinely return to competitive football or whether the announcement was simply a publicity stunt. However, the plan is for the 46-year-old to play again, with Ronaldinho even hoping to reach the milestone of 300 career goals.

Speaking in the summer, he expressed his excitement about joining the club and his belief that the team could achieve something special.

“I’m very happy to be here with friends, we have a team that can do something good,” he said.

Ronaldinho admitted that his involvement would depend on the coach, adding: “Will you see me play? I don’t know, only the coach knows that. Coming back to Italy is wonderful, I’m here to help my teammates win.

“As you can see, I’m in shape, I feel good... If I could score my 300th goal, that would be even more beautiful.”

He will make his debut for Ravenna in the derby against Forlì on Nov. 15. He last played professionally in 2015 for Fluminense.

"[It is] an event set to turn the world's gaze toward the Stadio Bruno Benelli," Ravenna said in a statement.

"The whole soccer world thought it too good to be true, instead we can now officially confirm a grand return: The return of the magic, the smile, and a talent that has captivated generations of fans, regardless of their team loyalties or soccer allegiances.

"From the announcement in Miami ... To the warm welcome from fans on the beach in Marina di Ravenna, the anticipation has grown, fueled by a mix of excitement, curiosity, and disbelief.

"The vision of President Cipriani, which ignited the fans' imaginations and sparked debate well beyond Italy's borders, now has a concrete date. Ronaldinho will play at the Benelli, opening a new chapter in a story that never ceases to surprise.

"There are footballers who are remembered for what they have won and others also for how they made people feel. Ronaldinho belongs to that rare breed of champions capable of turning soccer into pure joy -- through an unexpected move, a moment of creative brilliance, a smile that has bridged stadiums and generations alike."

Ravenna are based in Emilia-Romagna, with roots dating back to 1913. The club has spent most of its history outside Italy’s top two divisions, although it enjoyed notable spells in Serie B, including between 1996 and 2001.

The club has entered a new era since being acquired by Cipriani and investment partner Black Duck in 2024. After an impressive 2025-26 campaign in Serie C (Group B Centre), when they finished as the highest-ranked third-placed side, Ravenna are aiming to push towards promotion