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Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to make his competitive return next month in a match for Italian third-division club Ravenna, the team has officially confirmed.
Ronaldinho, who is now 46 years old, joined Ravenna back in June in a signing that was greeted with considerable skepticism. He appeared in a number of promotional events and hints of an on-pitch appearance were dropped by certain club insiders, despite vice-president Ariedo Braida suggesting it would never materialize.
Months on, Ravenna have officially confirmed that Ronaldinho will step onto the pitch for the first time in more than 11 years in an official Serie C fixture against local rivals Forlì on November 15.
"The entire football world thought it was too good to be true, but instead we can officially announce a great return," Ravenna said in a statement. "A return of magic, of a smile, of a talent capable of captivating generations of fans, beyond their colors and footballing allegiance.
"There are footballers who are remembered for what they've won, and others for what they've inspired. Ronaldinho belongs to that rare breed of champions capable of transforming football into happiness: an unexpected gesture, an invention, a smile that has united stadiums and generations. On Nov. 15, that same emotion will meet the passion of the Giallorossi and the atmosphere of a derby deeply felt by the city.
"For Ravenna, it will be a day destined to remain in the club's and its fans' memories. For fans around the world, it will be a chance to see one of the most beloved figures in football history back on the pitch.
"The wait is almost over. The magic returns to the field."
What Is Actually Going on Here?
The prospect of watching Ronaldinho back in action is as thrilling as it is puzzling.
The 46-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers to have ever played the game—and without question one of the most electrifying. Ronaldinho claimed the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and was a key member of the Brazil squad that lifted the 2002 World Cup, while also achieving club glory with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan.
Crucially, however, his European peak came 15 years ago.
After heading back to Brazil with Flamengo in 2011, Ronaldinho moved between several clubs before eventually hanging up his boots with Fluminense in 2015. "He respectfully told us he didn't feel he was able to perform as well as he wanted and that it was a bad situation for him," sporting director Mario Bittencourt revealed at the time.
So, 11 years on, has Ronaldinho had a change of heart?
Ravenna have consistently insisted that their arrangement with Ronaldinho is far more than a mere publicity stunt, yet his upcoming return to competitive football will continue to be viewed as one until he proves otherwise.
Ronaldinho will undoubtedly draw enormous attention to Ravenna, who currently sit second in their Serie C division, but those hoping for 90 minutes of breathtaking skill and glimpses of the brilliance that captivated the world in the early 2000s are likely to be left disappointed. After all, there is a reason players of his age are seldom seen competing at any level of professional football.