MILAN, Italy — One of the most decorated and globally recognizable soccer stars in history, Brazil’s Ronaldinho, has touched down in Italy, kicking off a highly anticipated return to the country more than 12 years after he retired from top-tier professional play. The small northern Italian city of Ravenna, best known for its sun-soaked Adriatic coastline rather than its competitive soccer program, is gearing up to welcome the 46-year-old icon on what local organizers have officially named “Ronaldinho Day” this Thursday.
Ronaldinho’s surprise move to Serie C, Italy’s third-tier league, first sent shockwaves through the global soccer community when the deal was announced back in June, more than a decade after he hung up his boots following a 20-year legendary career. The Brazilian great arrived via private jet at Forlì Airport, located roughly 19 miles outside Ravenna, around midday local time on the eve of his official welcome. After landing, he stopped to sign autographs on a pair of soccer balls for airport staff before heading directly to his vehicle on the runway, bypassing a small crowd of fans waiting in the terminal arrivals area.
Joining Ronaldinho on his arrival was Ignazio Cipriani, president of Ravenna Calcio and heir to the globally renowned Cipriani restaurant hospitality brand. The public is set to get its first look at the soccer legend at a star-studded ceremony held on Ravenna’s iconic waterfront on Thursday evening. The event will double as the official seasonal presentation of the entire Ravenna squad, with event planners confirming that Ronaldinho will be the final player introduced to the crowd, building up to a highly anticipated moment of fanfare.
A formal press conference with the Brazilian star is scheduled to take place ahead of the public beach ceremony. While excitement is running high, the club has confirmed that Ronaldinho will not feature in Ravenna’s opening Serie C match of the 2024-25 season, an away fixture against Reggiana scheduled for Monday. To date, details remain unconfirmed regarding how much match time the 2002 World Cup winner will see during the campaign. Still, Cipriani has shared that his personal dream for the historic deal is to see Ronaldinho score the final goal of his legendary professional career with Ravenna.
Ronaldinho’s last appearance in top professional competition came in 2015, when he played for Brazilian top-flight side Fluminense. This new spell with Ravenna marks Ronaldinho’s second run of play in Italy, having previously suited up for Serie A giant AC Milan from 2008 to 2011. Over his career, Ronaldinho has claimed the sport’s highest honors, including a FIFA World Cup title with Brazil in 2002 and the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best men’s player in 2005.