Legendary Footballer Signs for Ravenna
Ronaldinho Returns to Professional Football With Italian Serie C Side Ravenna
Key Points
Ignazio Cipriani, who leads Ravenna's ownership group, is the grandson of Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of the famed Harry's Bar in Venice, adding a high-society backdrop to Ronaldinho's signing beyond a simple marketing move.
Ronaldinho arrived by private jet at Forlì airport (about 30 kilometers from Ravenna), signed two soccer balls for airport staff, then proceeded to Ravenna, with only a small crowd waiting landside.
The official beach presentation in Marina di Ravenna is expected to draw thousands of fans, with estimates around 5,000–6,000 (commonly cited as roughly 6,000 in reports about the event).
This move marks Ronaldinho's return to football after retiring in 2015 (his last pro club was Fluminense) and follows a second stint in Italy, having previously played for AC Milan from 2008–2011.
The club emphasizes the signing is not a marketing stunt; Cipriani publicly stated Ronaldinho will become a Ravenna shareholder as part of the operation, underscoring a serious project rather than window dressing.
Ronaldinho, the 46-year-old Brazilian legend who retired in 2015, is returning to professional football by signing with Ravenna, a third-tier Italian club in Serie C. Daily Star reported he arrived by private jet near Forlì and will be presented at an extravagant beach ceremony on the Adriatic coast, expected to draw thousands of fans. The signing marks his first professional appearance in more than a decade.
The move is not a marketing stunt, according to club ownership led by Ignazio Cipriani, the grandson of Harry's Bar founder Giuseppe Cipriani. The New York Times confirmed that Ronaldinho will become a shareholder in Ravenna as part of a serious project. His stated goal is to score one final career goal for the club before permanently hanging up his boots.
From Milan and Barcelona to a Beach in Italy
Ronaldinho's career spanned some of the world's biggest clubs. He won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and claimed the Ballon d'Or in 2005. He previously played for AC Milan from 2008 to 2011 during his second stint in Italy, and also spent time at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Fluminense before retiring.
An Extravagant Welcome at Forlì Airport
Ronaldinho landed at Forlì airport, roughly 30 kilometers from Ravenna, on a private jet. NT News reported he signed soccer balls for airport staff before heading to the coastal city. Only a small crowd greeted him at the airport, a stark contrast to what organizers expect at the official beach presentation.
Thousands Expected at Marina di Ravenna Beach Ceremony
The official presentation will take place at Marina di Ravenna on the Adriatic coast. Organizers estimate between 5,000 and 6,000 fans will attend the glamorous beach event. This high-profile ceremony underscores the club's commitment to making Ronaldinho's signing a major moment in world football, not just a local story.
Playing Time Remains Uncertain for Serie C Season
Details about Ronaldinho's actual game participation are still unclear. He will not feature in Ravenna's opening match of the season. However, The New York Times reported there is hope he can appear in at least one league game before year's end, giving him a chance to achieve his final career goal.
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