Brazilian Ronaldo set to return to football at 46 with Italian third-tier club Ravenna

Brazilian former forward Ronaldo is preparing to come out of retirement at 46 and join Italian third-division side Ravenna, according to Italian media reports. The move would mark his return to competitive football a decade after he retired in 2015. The transfer is expected to be announced at an official ceremony in Miami on Tuesday, 23 June, where the club plans to unveil its new kit. A portion of the event's proceeds is set to be directed to youth-focused charitable causes. The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner, who previously played for Barcelona and AC Milan and won the 2002 World Cup and a Champions League title with Brazil, said he was looking forward to the comeback, using the phrase "new colours, same smile." Ravenna's owner described the development as an "extraordinary achievement" for the club. Ronaldo is expected to join the team's pre-season camp ahead of the 2026-2027 season. Further details on the length of his contract and playing role were not immediately available.