Ravenna sign Ronaldinho: Ex-Fulham man who rejected Nigeria twice teams up with Brazil great

Legendary Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho has come out of retirement to complete a surprise move to Italian Serie C club Ravenna, Soccernet.ng reports.

The stunning move could see the Barcelona legend share a dressing room with former Fulham striker Stefano Okaka, the Italy international who twice rejected opportunities to represent Nigeria.

Ronaldinho, who hung his boots 11 years ago, has officially signed an agreement with Ravenna at the age of 46, according to SkySports. However, questions remain over whether the 2002 FIFA World Cup winner will actually play a competitive match for the club during the 2026–27 season.

The former AC Milan star will be officially unveiled at a major event in Miami on June 23, where Ravenna are also expected to present details of the partnership and launch their new kits.

https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/2068248459581198770

The deal goes beyond a normal player contract. Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani has brought Ronaldinho in as a global ambassador for the club, with provisions that could eventually see the Brazilian become a shareholder and co-owner.

Speaking after the announcement, Ronaldinho said: “New colours, same smile.

“I can't wait to be able to dance on the ball again to write a new story together with Ignazio and the whole Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna.”

Cipriani, who spent much of his life in the United States before taking charge of the Italian club, described the acquisition as a landmark moment.

“I spent 24 years of my life in the United States, but I still consider Ravenna my home. Acquiring Ronaldinho is something absolutely extraordinary for the club; he was my idol, and his impact on football goes beyond what he did on the pitch.”

Okaka could line up with Ronaldinho

If Ronaldinho is given any minutes on the pitch, one player who could feature alongside him is veteran striker Stefano Okaka.

The 36-year-old forward joined Ravenna in September 2025 and scored three goals during the 2025–26 Serie C campaign. He also featured in the club's promotion play-off run as Ravenna narrowly miss out on a place in Serie B.

Okaka is well known to Nigerian football fans because of his decision to represent Italy despite repeated approaches from Nigeria.

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, he first turned down an invitation from the Nigeria Football Federation in 2006 when he was just 17 years old and eligible for the Flying Eagles. He later rejected another approach before the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Explaining his decision at the time, Okaka said that although he respected his Nigerian roots, he did not know the country's language or culture well enough and would have felt “like a foreigner” playing for Nigeria.

Months after declining Nigeria's offer for a second time, Okaka accepted a senior Italy call-up from Antonio Conte. He crowned his debut in November 2014 by scoring the winning goal against Albania and went on to earn five caps for the Azzurri.

Ravenna are coached by 65-year-old manager Andrea Mandorlini, who previously handled Atalanta, Bologna and Sassuolo.