RAVENNA, Italy — Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho returned to professional football Thursday, Aug. 20, more than a decade after his last competitive match, as he was formally presented as the new number 10 for Ravenna FC, an Italian third-division club, in a beachside ceremony that drew thousands of fans.

The 46-year-old former Ballon d'Or winner attended an induction ceremony in Ravenna, meeting with local supporters as the club officially unveiled him as part of its roster for the 2026-27 season. Ravenna declared the day "Ronaldinho Day" to mark the occasion, and approximately 6,000 fans gathered near the venue on the Adriatic coast, waving flags and cheering as Ronaldinho made his appearance.

According to Colombia One, Ronaldinho will also become a shareholder in the club, combining an investment role with his commitment to potentially contribute on the field. Ravenna club president Ignazio Cipriani, who is part of the family behind the well-known Cipriani restaurant brand, first announced the surprise signing in June, describing the move as part of a broader effort to raise the club's profile as it competes to climb through Italy's football pyramid.

Ravenna vice-president Ariedo Braida initially suggested Ronaldinho's role would be limited strictly to marketing activities rather than actual playing time. "Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us but will not play for Ravenna in Serie C next season. Also because he's 46, I wish he could still play," Braida said at the time,........

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