Ronaldinho set for competitive return with Ravenna in Serie C derby

Brazil legend Ronaldinho will return to competitive football next month after Ravenna confirmed he will play against local rivals Forli on 15 November.

The 46-year-old former Barcelona and AC Milan forward has not appeared in a competitive match since representing Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015. He officially retired from football in 2018.

Ronaldinho won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and received the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

Ravenna, who play in Italy’s third tier, announced on Friday that the former forward would feature in the Serie C Group B derby at the club’s Stadio Bruno Benelli.

The match will be Ronaldinho’s first competitive appearance since his return to the game. He joined Ravenna in June and later acquired a stake in the club, which is owned by his friend Ignazio Cipriani.

Cipriani said the decision was made “to bring the whole city closer to the team”.

Ronaldinho did not confirm that he would play when he arrived in Italy in August, but suggested he could still pursue the 300th goal of his career.

“I’m here to help,” he said at the time.

Ravenna are second in Serie C Group B after collecting 20 points from their opening 10 games. They are eight points behind leaders Spezia.