Ronaldinho, 46, comes out of retirement to join Ravenna

Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has officially stepped out of retirement at age 46, signing with Italian Serie C club Ravenna in one of the most surprising moves of the summer. According to Gazzetta, the former Barcelona star will be unveiled at a special event in Miami on June 23rd, though it remains unclear whether he will actually feature on the pitch next season. “New colours, same smile,” Ronaldinho said, expressing his excitement at “dancing on the ball again” and beginning a new chapter with club owner Ignazio Cipriani and his family.

Ronaldinho last played professionally in 2015 during a brief spell with Fluminense. Cipriani, who described the midfielder as his childhood idol, hopes the signing will inspire a new generation of Ravenna supporters. The club has previously featured notable Italian internationals such as Christian Vieri, Fabio Cannavaro, Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Montella, with Ronaldinho now joining that distinguished list.