Brazil legend Ronaldinho has been confirmed to play his first professional match in over a decade for Italian Serie C side Ravenna.The World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner will don his boots again, aged 46, in his team’s derby against Forlì on November 15.Ronaldinho’s ‘R10’ brand also supplies its shirtsAFPRonaldinho, who is a minority owner at Stadio Bruno Benelli, was announced to have signed with the club as a player this summer.Ravenna have now confirmed the move wasn’t a publicity stunt, as the Barcelona icon will indeed return to the pitch next month.“[It is] an event set to turn the world’s gaze toward the Stadio Bruno Benelli,” Ravenna said in a statement.“The whole soccer world thought it too good to be true, instead we can now officially confirm a grand return: The return of the magic, the smile, and a talent that has captivated generations of fans, regardless of their team loyalties or soccer allegiances.”When did Ronaldinho retire?The 97-cap Brazilian international officially hung up his boots in 2018 after a brief spell with Fluminense in 2015.Widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, Ronaldinho enjoyed a star-studded career for both club and country.He was a key part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup success, having scored 33 goals across a near century of caps between 1997 and 2013.Ronaldinho is best remembered for his stint at Barcelona, in which he claimed two LaLiga titles and the Champions League title in 2006.He was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2005, and was also named FIFA World Player of the Year twice (back-to-back in 2004 and 2005).Ronaldinho is one of only 11 players to win the Ballon d’Or, Champions League and World Cup, with Rodri the latest to join the list in July.In his prime, Ronaldinho was one of the best players in world footballGettyWho are his Italian club Ravenna?Ronaldinho is already part of the club’s ownership group fronted by Ignazio Cipriani, of the Cipriani restaurant brand, having previously come on board to help with Ravenna’s marketing.“From the announcement in Miami … To the warm welcome from fans on the beach in Marina di Ravenna, the anticipation has grown, fueled by a mix of excitement, curiosity, and disbelief,” Ravenna said.“The vision of President Cipriani, which ignited the fans’ imaginations and sparked debate well beyond Italy’s borders, now has a concrete date. “Ronaldinho will play at the Benelli, opening a new chapter in a story that never ceases to surprise.”Ravenna currently sit second in Group B of Serie C, the regionalised third tier of Italian football, and are pushing for promotion.Ronaldinho starred alongside Ronaldo Nazario as Brazil lifted the World Cup in 2002AFPThe Giallorossi, who are managed by former Inter Milan defender Andrea Mandorlini, have rebuilt themselves up the leagues from amateur level following bankruptcy in 2012.Ravenna are eight points adrift of Serie C leaders Spezia after 10 games, with only the table toppers earning automatic promotion.Ronaldinho’s debut will mark his second spell in Italy, having previously enjoyed a three-year spell at AC Milan from 2008-11.“There are footballers who are remembered for what they have won and others also for how they made people feel,” Ravenna added.Ronaldinho was presented to fans in a ceremony in August but is yet to make his debutGetty“Ronaldinho belongs to that rare breed of champions capable of turning soccer into pure joy — through an unexpected move, a moment of creative brilliance, a smile that has bridged stadiums and generations alike.” “The wait is almost over. The magic is coming back to the field.”