Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho, 46, is making a surprising return to the pitch, signing to play for Italian Serie C club Ravenna. The move has sparked a whirlwind of attention in the city, better known for its historical sites than its football prowess.
Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani, who acquired the club in 2024, confirmed that Ronaldinho will wear the team's yellow and red shirt as a player. Cipriani stated that the idea of involving Ronaldinho was a dream he cultivated since taking over the club.
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While some Ravenna supporters view the signing as a commercial operation, they also express a deep-seated hope of seeing the 2005 Ballon d’Or and 2002 World Cup winner play. A special-edition shirt featuring Ronaldinho's 'R10' logo sold out within hours of its release, highlighting the immediate impact of the news.
Cipriani, whose family is behind the Harry's Bar hospitality dynasty, has ambitious plans for Ravenna, aiming for Serie A and ultimately the Champions League. He views Ronaldinho's arrival as a way to build a bridge between different eras of football and cultivate a global fanbase for the club.