Ronaldinho Set for “Joyful Football” Return with Italian Club Ravenna

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is reportedly considering a remarkable return to the sport for a single match with Italian fourth-tier club Ravenna. The 46-year-old, who has been retired from professional football for nearly a decade, is said to be keen on scoring one final goal in his career.

Club President Ignazio Cipriani revealed the ambitious plan, stating that bringing Ronaldinho to Ravenna was about inspiring local passion for football. Cipriani acquired the club in 2024 with the objective of making the people of Ravenna fall in love with the sport again.

Por que importa

“Ronaldinho is the emblem of joyful football,” Cipriani told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I don’t think there’s a player who inspires love for the ball like him, so we think it’s truly the best to have him with us.”

The move also carries significant marketing potential for Ravenna. The club will be the first to wear the R10 technical brand, associated with the Brazilian superstar, and Ronaldinho is also set to become a shareholder in the club.

Contexto

While Ronaldinho will not join the team for pre-season training, his participation is expected in the team’s presentation on August 21. Cipriani confirmed that the legendary player is aiming to play at least one league match, with a preference for a home game.

“His goal is to score his last career goal with this jersey,” Cipriani added.

Ravenna’s ambitions extend beyond this high-profile signing. Cipriani expressed a dream of reaching Serie A, emphasizing a commitment to building an avant-garde club without shortcuts. The project also benefits from the expertise of Ariedo Braida, described as a legendary director.

Cipriani drew a distinction between Ravenna’s project and that of Como, another club that saw a high-profile player return. He highlighted that Ravenna’s ownership is local and deeply rooted in the territory. The club faces significant work ahead, particularly in developing its facilities, with the “Ronaldinho project” seen as just the beginning of many ideas and ambitions.

The potential involvement of Ronaldinho, a player celebrated for his flair and skill, could indeed reignite enthusiasm for Ravenna and its footballing journey. His presence, even for a single match, would undoubtedly draw attention to the club and the Italian lower leagues.

Key facts

This development offers a fascinating glimpse into how clubs in lower divisions might leverage the star power of former legends to boost interest and commercial opportunities. For fans of football history and nostalgic returns, the prospect of seeing Ronaldinho on the pitch one last time, even in a less prominent setting, is a compelling narrative.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb – https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/cipriani-ronaldinho-emblema-calcio-gioia-vuole-l-ultimo-gol-carriera-ravenna-2247069