Ronaldinho Sets November 15 Return to Professional Football with Ravenna

Eleven years after his last official match, Ronaldinho is returning to professional football. The legendary Brazilian star, who will soon celebrate his 47th birthday, is set to make his debut for Serie C side Ravenna on November 15 in a derby against Forli. The match will take place at the Bruno Benelli Stadium at 18:30 Israel time, and according to Football Italia, it could become the most-watched match in the history of the third tier.

The former Ballon d'Or winner, who has not played an official game since leaving Fluminense in 2015, signed with Ravenna back in June and was initially unveiled in Miami. In August, a festive event was held in his honor at the Marina di Ravenna beach, attended by about 6,000 enthusiastic fans. The 46-year-old Brazilian also holds a minority stake in the club, and the hope is that he will score the final goal of his career at the home stadium.

"They told us it was impossible. On November 15, Ronaldinho will take the pitch at the Benelli in our shirt, and in a match as important as the derby against Forli," said Ravenna President Ignazio Cipriani.

Ravenna is currently ranked second in Group B of Serie C, with 20 points from ten matches, trailing leaders Spezia by eight points. The club is dreaming of a promotion to Serie B, and the arrival of the football legend has brought unprecedented attention to the Italian lower leagues as the countdown to the historic derby begins.