Ronaldinho to wear number 10 as 46-year-old returns to competitive football

Ronaldinho is set to make his first competitive appearance for more than 11 years after being named in Ravenna’s starting XI for their Italian third-tier derby against Forli on Sunday.

The 46-year-old Brazilian retired in 2015 following his final professional spell with Fluminense, but has now returned to action as part of Ravenna’s project. He is expected to start on the left side of a front three in a 4-3-3 formation and will wear the number 10 shirt, according to Football Italia.

Ravenna manager Andrea Mandorlini confirmed before the match that Ronaldinho would begin the game, explaining that his side usually lines up with three forwards and that the former Brazil international would form part of that attacking trio.

Mandorlini added that the length of Ronaldinho’s involvement would be decided in consultation with the player during the match, given the long period since his last competitive appearance.

Ronaldinho joined Ravenna’s project during the summer in a deal that combined a sporting role with investment in the club. As part of that arrangement, he had promised to play at least one competitive match for the Italian side.

The match against Forli, scheduled for Sunday, 15 November 2026, is a local derby and forms part of the 14th round of the Italian third division. Ronaldinho’s return has attracted considerable interest because of his status as one of the most celebrated players of his generation.

He will also be aiming to score the 300th goal of his career during the match.

Ravenna’s starting line-up is Venturi in goal, with Donati, Zaro, Esposito and Bani in defence. Lunardi, Vinicius and Duca make up the midfield, while Da Pozzo, Rabi and Ronaldinho lead the attack.

The appearance marks an unexpected new chapter for the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, who ended his professional career more than a decade ago. His return brings him back into an official match at an age rarely associated with competitive football, while offering Ravenna a high-profile moment in their campaign.