Brazilian icon Ronaldinho is set to play in Italy’s third division next month, more than ten years after retiring from professional football.

The 46-year-old completed a surprising move to Serie C outfit Ravenna in June, though he is yet to feature. On Friday, the club confirmed the former Brazil international — who last played professionally for Fluminense in 2015 — will make his debut against Forlì on 15 November.

The match is, in the club’s words, "(it is) an event set to turn the world’s gaze toward the Stadio Bruno Benelli."

Ravenna added in a statement: "The whole soccer world thought it too good to be true, instead we can now officially confirm a grand return: The return of the magic, the smile, and a talent that has captivated generations of fans, regardless of their team loyalties or soccer allegiances."

The club is run by Ignazio Cipriani, of the Cipriani restaurant brand, who has stated his dream is for the Brazilian to score the final goal of his career for Ravenna.

Ronaldinho was introduced to supporters at a beachside unveiling in August, shortly before the season began.

"From the announcement in Miami … to the warm welcome from fans on the beach in Marina di Ravenna, the anticipation has grown, fueled by a mix of excitement, curiosity, and disbelief," Ravenna stated.

"The vision of President Cipriani, which ignited the fans’ imaginations and sparked debate well beyond Italy’s borders, now has a concrete date. Ronaldinho will play at the Benelli, opening a new chapter in a story that never ceases to surprise."

It will mark his second spell in Italian football, having represented AC Milan from 2008 to 2011. He also played for Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona during a decorated career that featured a World Cup victory with Brazil in 2002 and the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

"There are footballers who are remembered for what they have won and others also for how they made people feel," Ravenna said. "Ronaldinho belongs to that rare breed of champions capable of turning soccer into pure joy — through an unexpected move, a moment of creative brilliance, a smile that has bridged stadiums and generations alike."

Ravenna are second in their Serie C group, which is divided geographically into three sections.

The club concluded: "The wait is almost over. The magic is coming back to the field."