- Ronaldinho has arrived at Forlì airport before travelling on to Ravenna for an unexpected new chapter in Italian football
- Ignazio Cipriani has said Ronaldinho will become a shareholder in Ravenna FC and intends to play in an official professional match
- The Brazilian, aged 46, said he came to help Ravenna, motivate the squad and pursue a winning season
A High-Profile Arrival In Romagna
Ronaldinho has reached Ravenna to begin one of the most surprising moves in recent Italian football memory, touching down at Forlì airport before making his way into the Romagna city.
The Brazilian’s arrival gives Ravenna a signing of remarkable profile, with the project involving club owner and president Ignazio Cipriani. According to Corriere dello Sport, Ronaldinho was “convinced by friendship and passion,” a view confirmed by Cipriani.
Ravenna’s senior structure also features Ariedo Braida, the former Milan sporting director, adding another notable football figure to the background of the deal.
🚨🇧🇷 46-year-old Ronaldinho is coming out of retirement for ONE more match.
He’ll play for Serie C side Ravenna, where he is also a shareholder.
💬 “He’ll play one game in the hope of scoring the final goal of his career with us.” — Ignazio Cipriani
The match is this Monday at… pic.twitter.com/2Jc94tV8ll
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) August 20, 2026
Cipriani Explains The Project
Cipriani has personally pushed the operation and wants to see Dinho appear on the pitch at least once more at the age of 46. He said the Brazilian became passionate about the project and described the move as an operation designed to bring the whole city closer to the team.
Setting out the wider purpose behind the deal, Cipriani added: “This is not window dressing or a marketing stunt. Ronaldinho will become a shareholder in Ravenna FC — that is the central point of the operation.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Ronaldinho |
| Club | Ravenna FC |
| City | Ravenna |
| Age | 46 |
| Key president | Ignazio Cipriani |
| Senior figure involved | Former Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida |
| Planned role | Shareholder in Ravenna FC and player in an official professional match |
Ronaldinho Sets Out His Motivation
Ronaldinho made clear that the move is about more than reputation, stressing his desire to contribute to Ravenna’s season and energise the squad.
He said: “I’m very happy to be here, with friends, we hope things go well for the team. I came here to help, to excite the other players, to have a spectacular season and win.”
Milan Memories Still Resonate
Asked about his earlier spell in Italy with Milan, Ronaldinho highlighted a derby moment as the standout memory from that period.
Reflecting on his time in Serie A, he said: “My time in Italy? I had many good moments but the goal in the derby is one of the memories that gives me the most pleasure.”
For Ravenna, the move blends sporting romance, civic engagement and a rare chance to connect a global football icon with the club’s current project.
