Ravenna, August 20, 2026 – The yellow-red people are in jubilation for their champion. And the one at Marina di Ravenna is a real wedding on the beach. A loud request to which Ronaldinho (photo) could only say yes. “I am here – he said in front of the crowd of 6000 people – because here are friends, because it is a beautiful project. I am happy to be here and here we expect many beautiful things. I want to thank you: it was wonderful to arrive here and have this welcome.”
There are many yellow-red flags waving on the beach of Marina di Ravenna, in the sky there are also fireworks: about six thousand people gathered to cheer for a team and see a champion they never thought they would cheer for in their own city.
The 2005 Ballon d’Or Ronaldinho at 46 years has decided to return to Italy with the number 10 and wear the jersey of Ravenna Football Club.
The poster in the childhood room, the champion wearing the colors of the favorite team
And the yellow-red fans responded loudly. “As a child I had the poster in my room, I never thought I would have him just down the street.” Niccolò from Marina di Ravenna tells. “The dream? It would be to see him score a goal at Benelli,” adds a friend.
Lorenzo says: “I have followed Ravenna forever, I have been going to the stadium since I was a child. And back then in my room there was a poster of Ronaldinho. For me it is a dream come true. I never would have thought it, but today I am ready to cheer for Ravenna even more.”
Matteo, wearing Dinho’s jersey, says: “As a Milan fan, Ronaldinho has always been an idol for me. And the idea of having him in my city honors me. I still can’t believe it.”
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The Brazilians: “We decided to use our vacation to come and greet Dinho”
The front lines are occupied by the Curva Mero which cheers the managers, players and keeps the crowd alive. Behind, the whole city. And not only. Laura, holding a Brazilian flag, says: “I come from Florianópolis in Brazil but I live in Rimini. I have always followed Ronaldinho. We are here for him. When we found out he was in Ravenna we said: we have to go.”
Not only that, another Brazilian, upon learning that Ronaldinho would be in Ravenna, decided to spend the weekend here. “We decided to use our vacation like this: to come and greet Dinho.”
But there are also tourists. “I come on vacation here every summer from Milan, always. I never thought I could see Ronaldinho here live. Will I come to see Ravenna? If Dinho plays, certainly. I can’t wait.”
As the whole club gradually arrives at the park, the atmosphere gets warmer. Vice president Ariedo Braida heats up the spirits: “You and we all together are Ravenna, we must overcome all difficulties. Together all difficulties are overcome and the highest goals are achieved.”
