The Brazilian was presented at a private event in Miami on Tuesday, hosted by Ravenna's owner Ignazio Cipriani — a restaurant entrepreneur who acquired the club in 2024. The club confirmed through official channels that Ronaldinho has been registered as a player.
"I cannot wait to dance with the ball again and write a new, wonderful story with Ignazio Cipriani and the Cipriani family," Ronaldinho said in a statement.
"Football has always been joy for me and I am excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin."
Cipriani called it an extraordinary moment for the club.
"He was my idol growing up," he said. "I hope his involvement inspires a new generation of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna."
Whether Ronaldinho will take to the pitch in Serie C remains genuinely open. Ariedo Braida — the club's vice-president and a former AC Milan sporting director who signed Ronaldinho to the Rossoneri in 2008 — initially said he would be a marketing asset and would not play. He later left the door open.
"Ronaldinho is a timeless champion," Braida told ANSA. "Will he play? We'll see, but it's not ruled out."
His last competitive match came with Fluminense in 2015. He retired formally two years later but has remained visible through exhibition matches and charity events.
Ronaldinho won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005. He won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006 and played two and a half seasons at AC Milan, scoring 26 goals in 95 appearances. Ravenna compete in Italy's third division under head coach Andrea Mandorlini.