Ronaldinho at Ravenna: Explaining comeback aged 46, how to watch in UK

Ronaldinho will make his comeback to professional football on Sunday for Italian side Ravenna.

The stunning return was confirmed earlier this summer, on a stage near the beach, when the 46-year-old icon jetted in via a private jet.

What seemed unlikely is now on the verge of becoming reality, with Ronaldinho's debut for his new club set. 

Here's everything you need to know about the remarkable tale, and how you can watch it unfold.

When is Ronaldinho's comeback for Ravenna?

Ravenna play Forli on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 4.30 p.m. GMT. It's a home game at the Stadio Bruno Benelli which seats around 12,000 people.

Who are Ravenna?

Ravenna are a third-tier club in Italy, based in the Emilia-Romagna region.

They play in Serie C which is a league that includes three divisions running parallel to each other. From these divisions, four clubs are promoted to Serie B.

Ravenna are second in their Serie C division. After 13 games they are six points behind Spezia.

Over the years there have been several incarnations of the club, due to financial issues, most recently in 2019.

These days, aside from their famous new Brazilian No. 10, their most recognisable player is Giulio Donati. Now 36, the right-back used to play in Serie A for Lecce and Monza, and in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen and Mainz.

"The Ronaldinho project is just a starting point; we have many ideas and great ambitions," club president Ignazio Cipriani told Gazzetta dello Sport about his desire to reach the top flight of Italian football.

Why is Ronaldinho, now 46, playing for Ravenna?

Eleven years after Ronaldinho retired, after a short stint with Fluminense in Brazil, he is back at the age of 46. Ronaldinho was unveiled as a Ravenna signing in June but it has taken a further five months to reach the brink of his debut.

The objective is to score a 300th career goal, it has been said, after the Brazil legend retired on 299 in 2015.

"[It is] an event set to turn the world's gaze toward the Stadio Bruno Benelli," Ravenna said in a statement.

President Cipriani confirmed that Ronaldinho would also become a shareholder of the club.

"It's not just about marketing, it's not just international visibility," Cipriani was quoted by The Guardian. "It is the chance to create a new enthusiasm around the club and the yellow and red jersey."

Cipriani, 38, told Gazzetta dello Sport: "[Ronaldinho] also wants to launch his technical brand, R10, in the style of Michael Jordan, if you will, so Ravenna will be the first team to wear this brand."

Cipriani added: "Bringing Ronaldinho to Ravenna FC by Cipriani is an extraordinary moment for the club.

"He was my idol growing up, and his impact on the game extends far beyond football. Beyond what he brings to the club, I hope his involvement inspires a new generation of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna FC and become part of what we're building for the future."

Ronaldinho said: "New colours, same smile.

"I cannot wait to dance with the ball and write a beautiful new story with Ignazio Cipriani and the Cipriani family.

"Football has always been joyful for me, and I'm excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!"

Ronaldinho's return for Ravenna: How to watch in UK

You can watch Ronaldinho's comeback match for free on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.

Or, you could tune into Ronaldinho's dedicated KICK broadcast channel, R10 Comeback, which will also have live, free coverage.

What were Ronaldinho's career accolades?

Ronaldinho had huge success with Barcelona and Brazil and has won some of the biggest accolades in the sport. He won the World Cup in 2002, scoring twice, including the famous free kick against England in the quarterfinals.

He was crowned FIFA World Player of the Year back-to-back in 2004 and 2005 and in the same year he won the Ballon d'Or after an impressive season at Barcelona.

He has won multiple La Liga titles during his successful seasons at Barcelona and also lifted the Champions League trophy in 2006.