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In what would be great news for Ronaldinho fans, the Brazil legend is making a comeback to competitive football. The 46-year-old shall represent Italian club Ravenna FC in the Serie C on November 15. They will take on Forli. This will be his first competitive match in over 11 years. The last time Ronaldinho played top level football was for Brazilian side Fluminense in September 2015. He retired from professional football in 2018.
The man who helped Brazil win the FIFA World Cup in 2002, the last of their five titles as of now, is set to defy age and time as he just cannot stay away from the beautiful game. Not only is he a player, but also a stakeholder at his new club. His friend Ignazio Cipriani owns Ravenna FC.
© X/FIFA
The 46-year-old is also closing in on a special milestone and shall hope to achieve it with his new club. The man has 299 career goals to his name and an elusive 300th one beckons. When it does happen, he will join the 300-goal club which contains a special bunch of players. He represented Brazil from 1999 to 2013 and found the back of the net 33 times in 97 matches.
“New colours, same smile. I cannot wait to dance with the ball and write a beautiful new story with Ignazio Cipriani and the Cipriani family. Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!” he said after it was official.
© X/LaLiga
The man had two goals and three assists to help Brazil become the World Cup winners 24 years back. His freekick vs England in the quarters is part of football lore. That was the goal that took Brazil into the semis, a game Ronaldinho missed because he picked up a red card later on in the quarterfinal. He was back for the final and played his part as a brace from Ronaldo Nazario gave Brazil the title with a 2-0 win vs Germany.
He's also played for some top clubs in Europe during his prime. Ronaldinho played for PSG, Barcelona and AC Milan. It was atBarcelonathat the Brazilian showed his true class as he helped the Spanish giants win two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2006. In 2005, Ronaldinho won the Ballon d'Or. For Ravenna fans, his return will be a special occasion as Ronaldinho is known for his entertaining style. That is why he was so popular during his playing days and his supporters shall want that same magic to be recreated which made him a global star.