One of football’s most recognisable names is back in Italy — and there is still a possibility that fans could see him wearing football boots in a competitive match again.
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has arrived at Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC as an investor, more than a decade after his last professional appearance.
But the 46-year-old former Barcelona and AC Milan star has also left the door open to something few football fans would have expected: a potential return to the pitch.
Could Ronaldinho really play again?
For now, this should not be treated as confirmation of a full-scale comeback.
Asked about the possibility of playing for Ravenna, Ronaldinho stopped short of committing himself to a regular playing role, indicating that any appearance would depend on discussions involving the coach and club management.
The possibility, however, has not been ruled out.
Ravenna’s ownership has also spoken positively about potentially seeing the Brazilian feature on the pitch, meaning his involvement with the club could eventually extend beyond his role as an investor.
Ronaldinho will not play in Ravenna’s opening league match against Reggiana.
A return to Italy more than a decade later
Ronaldinho’s arrival brings him back to a country where he previously spent several seasons with AC Milan.
His last professional appearance came for Brazilian side Fluminense in 2015, bringing an extraordinary playing career towards its conclusion.
The Brazilian was one of the defining footballers of his generation.
He helped Brazil win the 2002 FIFA World Cup before reaching even greater individual heights at Barcelona, where his performances made him one of the biggest stars in world football.
He won the Ballon d’Or in 2005, two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League during his time with the Catalan club.
His career also included spells with Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan before he eventually returned to Brazil.
One more appearance?
That history is what makes even the possibility of another competitive appearance so intriguing for football followers — including the many Maltese fans who grew up watching Ronaldinho during his peak years in European football.
For now, Ronaldinho is a Ravenna investor rather than a confirmed member of the playing squad.
Whether that changes will depend on what happens between the Brazilian, the club and its coaching staff.
More than a decade after his professional career appeared to have ended, however, the prospect remains open: football fans might just get another chance to see Ronaldinho take the field in an official match.
