Ronaldinho to make competitive return for Ravenna FC in Italian Serie C derby

Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho will make his competitive return for Ravenna FC against Forli in an Italian Serie C derby on November 15, 2026. The 46-year-old player will start the match as one of three forwards, according to manager Andrea Mandorlini. This appearance marks the first competitive match for the former FC Barcelona player since September 2015, when he played for Fluminense.

Match preparations and stadium upgrades

Ronaldinho arrived in Italy on Friday, November 13, 2026, to prepare for his upcoming debut. The veteran footballer is scheduled to participate in one training session on Saturday, November 14, 2026. To accommodate the anticipated interest in the derby, officials have erected a temporary grandstand at the Stadio Bruno Benelli. This new structure provides an additional 1,800 seats for spectators attending the match.

The player has expressed enthusiasm regarding his return to professional football. Ronaldinho stated that he wants to bring joy to new fans and is happy to return to the pitch. During this comeback, the Brazilian footballer aims to score his 300th career goal.

Ravenna FC strategic objectives

The signing of Ronaldinho represents a significant strategic move for Ravenna FC. The club currently holds second place in their division with 29 points and is competing for promotion to Serie B. Ignazio Cipriani, the owner and president of Ravenna FC, indicated that the signing is a project to make Ravenna internationally recognized and attract new fans.

Ronaldinho joined the club as an investor and co-owner in June 2026. His presence on the pitch is expected to bolster the team's efforts to ascend to a higher division. While the manager confirmed that Ronaldinho will start the match as one of three forwards, Andrea Mandorlini noted that specific playing time will be decided during the game.

Historical context and player career

The return of Ronaldinho to competitive football highlights a significant chapter in the history of the sport. The player's career includes a highly successful period between 2003 and 2008, during which he played for FC Barcelona. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 2005.

Ravenna FC continues to build momentum in the league under the leadership of Ignazio Cipriani. The club's current standing in second place positions them as a strong contender for promotion. The upcoming derby against Forli serves as a critical fixture for the club as it pursues its goal of reaching Serie B.

Glossary

• Serie C — Serie C is an Italian football league. It has been organized as a single group league or in multiple groups.
• Serie B — Serie B is an Italian football division. It is a higher division that teams compete to be promoted into.
• Ballon d'Or — The Ballon d'Or is an award in football. It is a ranking that players can appear in.
• Ravenna FC — Ravenna FC is a football club. The club is currently competing for promotion to Serie B.