Newly recruited Brazilian football player Ronaldinho poses on stage with the jersey of Ravenna FC next to the president of the club, Ignazio Cipriani (R) during the team presentation in Marina di Ravenna on August 20, 2026. Former Ballon d'Or and World Cup winner Ronaldinho is set to come out of retirement aged 46 to play for Ravenna in the Italian third tier. CREDIT: AFP Kindly share this story: Brazil legend Ronaldinho will make his playing return at age 46 next month for Ravenna, the third-division Italian club announced on Saturday. The 2002 World Cup winner’s move to Ravenna was announced in June. He is aiming to score his 300th career goal. The former Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker retired in 2015, 10 years after claiming the Ballon d’Or, and has become a shareholder in Ravenna, located between Venice and San Marino. “The wait now has a date: Sunday, November 15,” Ravenna said in a statement. “The Brazilian legend will wear the Ravenna FC shirt in the derby against Forli. “An event that will turn the eyes of the world toward the Bruno Benelli Stadium.” Ravenna are second in Group B of the Italian third tier, six points below leaders Spezia, and are aiming for a return to Serie B for the first time since 2008. Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues. Kindly share this story: All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected] ATTENTION NIGERIANS: You can now comfortably earn US Dollars when you acquire premium domains for as low as $3000 and profit $15,000-$35,000. Ideal for professionals like Entrepreneurs, Doctors, Civil/Public servants, IT Experts, Accountants ETC. CLICK HERE TO START. Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now! Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.