By Our Reporter
Brazil legend Ronaldinho has returned to club football after accepting a marketing role with Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC.
The 46-year-old former Barcelona and AC Milan star will not be making a sensational return to the pitch but will instead help the club expand its global profile through marketing and promotional activities.
Announcing the partnership, Ronaldinho said he was excited to begin a new chapter with the club.
“New colours, same smile. Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna,” he said.
Ronaldinho is expected to be officially unveiled in Miami next week.
Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani described the acquisition as an extraordinary moment for the club, revealing that the Brazilian icon had been his idol for many years.
“Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but he won’t play for Ravenna in Serie C next season,” Cipriani said.
“I wish he were still able to play. Dinho was a phenomenon and a wonderful player. I have a beautiful relationship with him from our days at AC Milan.”
Ronaldinho has not played professional football since leaving Brazilian side Fluminense FC in 2015 and officially retired several years later.
Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest entertainers, he won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2005.
The Brazilian icon was recently in attendance at Brazil’s World Cup match against Haiti, where he received a warm reception from supporters when he appeared on the stadium’s giant screen alongside fellow legend Ronaldo Nazário.
Brazil responded to their opening draw with Morocco by defeating Haiti 3-0, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice and Vinícius Júnior adding a third goal before halftime. However, the victory was overshadowed by an apparent injury to winger Raphinha, who limped off during the match.