Ronaldinho set for competitive return with Ravenna after 11-year absence

Former Brazil international Ronaldinho will return to competitive football on Sunday when he starts for Ravenna against Forli in Italy’s third division, 11 years after retiring from the game.

Ravenna manager Andrea Mandorlini has confirmed the 46-year-old will be in the starting XI and is expected to play for about 30 minutes in the fixture on 15 November 2026.

Ronaldinho said his friendship with Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani, along with their shared ambitions for the future, were the main reasons he agreed to take part.

“I am here to have a unique, special and different experience in my life,” Ronaldinho told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I believe it will be an exceptional day for the other players too, or at least I hope it will be.”

He added: “The friendship between me and Ignazio Cipriani, the president of Ravenna, and the goals we want to achieve in the future are the reasons I accepted.”

The Brazilian arrived in Italy on Friday and had dinner with his new team-mates on Saturday evening. He is due to join them for his first training session with Ravenna on Sunday before the local fixture against Forli.

“I want to make Ravenna’s supporters happy because of the great passion they have,” he said. “I am happy to be able to return to the pitch after such a long time. I like the idea of being able to bring joy to these new supporters who are now my fans.”

Ronaldinho played in Italy for Milan between 2008 and 2011, scoring his first goal for the club in a derby against Inter Milan.

“That was my first goal in Italy and it was a special one. I certainly have not forgotten it, especially because people remind me of it almost every time I return to Italy,” he said.

He described his time at Milan as “wonderful for everyone”, referring to the welcome he received, his goals, training at Milanello, the derby goal, his team-mates and the victories.

“Milan will always represent a wonderful memory for me in every respect,” he added.

Ronaldinho’s last official appearance came in 2015 for Fluminense against Goias. His final match for Milan was in December 2010, when they faced Roma.

He said his return offered him the chance to do something new in football and to give the supporters an enjoyable occasion.

“All I hope is that we can all spend a pleasant day together,” Ronaldinho said.