Ronaldinho to make comeback with Serie C side Ravenna on 15 November

Brazilian great Ronaldinho is coming out of retirement to play competitive football for Ravenna, who compete in Serie C, Italy's third tier. According to Mundo Deportivo, citing the EFE news agency, Ravenna announced on Friday 23 October 2026 that Ronaldinho will feature against Forlì on 15 November 2026.

The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner had been retired since 2018 and joined Ravenna this summer, L'Équipe reported. The French daily also noted that his comeback fixture is a local Romagna derby.

When and where will Ronaldinho play?

Ronaldinho will play in the Serie C Group B derby between Ravenna and Forlì on Sunday 15 November 2026. Italian media report a 17:30 local kick-off at Ravenna's home ground, the Stadio Bruno Benelli. The club said ticket information will follow on its official channels. According to Italian media, Ravenna sit second in the table, 8 points behind leaders Spezia.

How did Ronaldinho end up at Ravenna?

The agreement between Ronaldinho and Ravenna was announced in Miami in the summer of 2026 by club president Ignazio Cipriani. Italian media describe the deal as a commercial partnership that includes the Brazilian playing in at least one home game. The length of the contract and its financial terms have not been disclosed, and it is unclear how many minutes Ronaldinho will play. Ravenna's statement stressed that an idea once seen as impossible had become an event the whole world is waiting for.

1. 2005 — Ronaldinho wins the Ballon d'Or (L'Équipe)
2. 2018 — Announces his retirement (L'Équipe)
3. Summer 2026 — Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani announces the deal in Miami
4. 20 August 2026 — Ravenna fans welcome Ronaldinho on the beach at Marina di Ravenna
5. 23 October 2026 — Ravenna confirm he will play in the Forlì derby (Mundo Deportivo)
6. 15 November 2026 — Ravenna vs Forlì, Stadio Bruno Benelli

How long has Ronaldinho been out of football?

Ronaldinho has been retired since 2018, according to L'Équipe. Since then the Brazilian has only appeared in exhibition and testimonial games, so the Forlì derby will be his first competitive match after a long absence. The return also has an Italian flavour: Ronaldinho spent a significant part of his career in Serie A with Milan.

A former Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Milan star, Ronaldinho became one of the most recognisable players in world football and won the Ballon d'Or in 2005. His decision to pick a third-tier club for this comeback has put Ravenna firmly in the international spotlight.

What happens next?

Ravenna are expected to release ticketing details and matchday arrangements in the coming days. The club has not said whether Ronaldinho will play any further games after the Forlì derby. ScoreLab will update this article with developments ahead of the 15 November 2026 fixture.