Ronaldinho Set for One-Match Comeback with Ravenna to Score Final Career Goal
Eleven years after retiring, Ronaldinho will play one official match for Italy’s Ravenna FC aiming to score the final goal of his storied career.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 21, 2026
2 min read
Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho is making a surprising return to the pitch after an 11-year retirement. The former world-class playmaker has signed with Ravenna FC, a club competing in Italy’s Serie C, with the specific intention of playing a single official match.
Ignazio Cipriani, the hotel magnate leading Ravenna’s ownership group, revealed that Ronaldinho’s participation is focused on scoring the final goal of his illustrious career. Cipriani emphasized that this move is not a publicity stunt but part of Ronaldinho’s deeper involvement, as the player will also become a shareholder in the club.
The match is scheduled to be Ravenna’s season opener against Reggiana, set for Monday at 3 pm Eastern Time. Cipriani described Ronaldinho’s appearance as a "gift" to both the city and the club, highlighting the romantic ambition behind the gesture.
Despite signing, Ronaldinho has not participated in Ravenna’s preseason training under coach Andrea Mandorlini. His illustrious career began in 2001 with Paris Saint-Germain, followed by notable spells at Barcelona and AC Milan. He later played briefly for clubs in Brazil and Mexico before retiring in 2015.
On the international stage, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps for Brazil, winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup. His individual accolades include two FIFA World Player of the Year awards (2004, 2005) and the Ballon d’Or in 2005. He remains the only player to have secured all major titles including the World Cup, Champions League, Copa America, Confederations Cup, and Copa Libertadores.
