Brazilian star Ronaldinho is set to come out of retirement at the age of 46 to join Ravenna, a club competing in Italy's third division, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to AFP, confirming what was reported by the sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian sports newspaper indicated that Ronaldinho, who is in the United States to attend the 2026 World Cup, will be officially presented as a Ravenna player at an event in Miami on June 23.
According to statements carried by Gazzetta dello Sport, the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner said he was excited "to return to dancing with the ball and to write a new story with Ignazio Cipriani" — the Italian-American owner of Ravenna — "and his whole family."
The former Paris Saint-Germain (2001–2003), Barcelona (2003–2008), and AC Milan (2008–2011) player added: "Football has always been a source of happiness for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna."
Ronaldinho, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002 who earned 97 international caps and scored 33 goals, played his last competitive match in September 2015 wearing the shirt of Brazilian club Fluminense. However, Ravenna's vice-president, Ariedo Braida, tempered the enthusiasm of those hoping to see Ronaldinho play a full third-division season, hinting that the deal is primarily of a marketing nature.
In a statement to the Canadian digital outlet La Presse, he said: "He is a magical player and he will receive a playing licence — it is a major deal for us. Will he play at 46? That depends on his ability, but let's say he will get his licence." In remarks carried by the Italian news agency ANSA, he added: "Will he play? We will see; it is not out of the question. A champion like him is in a class of his own and has no age."
Ravenna finished third in Group B of the third division last season and were eliminated in the play-offs by Salernitana, denying them a return to the second division, which they have been absent from since 2008.