Brazilian icon Ronaldinho makes sensational return to professional football
Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho has officially joined Italian Serie C side Ravenna, according to Sky Sports.
While initial buzz suggested a return to active football 11 years after his last competitive match for Fluminense, reports clarify that the 46-year-old is arriving in a non-playing role focused on marketing and global promotion rather than a return to the pitch.
The former Ballon d’Or winner has acquired an equity stake in the club alongside a high-profile international investment group, with the aim of injecting fresh capital and revamping the youth academy as Ravenna seeks a return to the top tiers of Italian football.
Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazário were both on hand following match proceedings in North America as Brazil cruised to a 3–0 thumping of Haiti in Philadelphia, claiming their first victory of the 2026 World Cup on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Manchester United ace Matheus Cunha made a memorable impact, netting two goals in the encounter.
Ronaldinho’s transition to club ownership continues what has become a massive trend in modern football. His legendary former international teammate, Ronaldo Nazário, holds majority ownership of Spanish club Real Valladolid. Similarly,
Footballers transitioning to club ownership
David Beckham co-founded MLS powerhouse Inter Miami and owns a stake in English side Salford City alongside his “Class of ’92” Manchester United teammates, joining an elite group of former players who own clubs either partially or fully.
Current 2026 World Cup stars Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi are also among the active players with club ownership stakes. Mbappé, who recently became France’s all-time top scorer, acquired an 80% majority stake in French second-division side SM Caen, while Inter Miami’s Messi took ownership of Spanish third-tier club UE Cornellà to elevate its youth academy.
Ravenna FC 1913 (officially Ravenna Football Club 1913) is a historic Italian football club based in Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna.
Nicknamed the Giallorossi (the Yellow and Reds), the club plays its matches at the Stadio Bruno Benelli, a traditional ground with a capacity of around 12,000.
The club experienced its golden era during the 1990s, when they managed to win promotion to Serie B, and spent several highly competitive seasons playing against some of Italy’s historic heavyweights.
