Ronaldinho unexpectedly signs a contract with an Italian club at age 46

At 46, the Brazilian icon surprised supporters when he inked a deal with Ravenna, a team currently playing in Italy's third division.

The news of Ronaldinho joining Ravenna quickly sparked a frenzy across the global football community. Many fans had hoped the Brazilian legend would return to the pitch at 46, but the reality is entirely different. The former Barcelona and AC Milan star is merely taking part in a brand promotion project, not making a professional comeback.

Ronaldinho retired in 2015 after a brief stint with Fluminense. Though he has been away from the field for over a decade, the "Brazilian Magician" remains as captivating as ever. According to the plan, the partnership between Ronaldinho and Ravenna will be officially announced at an event in Miami next week.

Speaking about this decision, the former Brazilian star expressed his excitement: "A new jersey but the same familiar smile. I can't wait to keep bringing joy to football and to write a new story with Ignazio and the Cipriani family. Football has always brought me happiness, and I want to bring that spirit to Ravenna."

Ravenna currently plays in Serie C, Italy's third-tier league. The club just finished a memorable season but missed out on promotion. Owner Ignazio Cipriani aims to make a big splash to elevate the club's image and sees Ronaldinho as the perfect piece for that plan.

Cipriani didn't hide his excitement about bringing his childhood idol to his hometown club. He stated: "I've lived in the US for 24 years, but Ravenna will always be my home. Bringing Ronaldinho to the club is something very special. He is my idol, and his influence goes far beyond what he showed on the pitch."

However, as speculation about Ronaldinho returning to play began to spread, Ravenna's management quickly clarified the situation. The club's honorary vice president, Ariedo Braida, confirmed that the Brazilian legend will not take the field in Serie C for the 2026/27 season.

He emphasized: "Ronaldinho will take part in promotional activities with the club, but he won't play for Ravenna in Serie C next season. I wish it could happen, because Ronaldinho was a phenomenon and a fantastic player. We have a very good relationship from our time at AC Milan, but he won't return to the pitch."

Though fans won't see Ronaldinho make a comeback in official matches, Ravenna supporters still have reason to be excited. The presence of one of football's greatest-ever players promises to draw significant international media attention to the Italian club.