local
Ronaldinho says 'let the magic begin' after signing with Italian Serie C club Ravenna at age 46
By Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
MIAMI (AP) — Brazil great Ronaldinho has signed with Italian Serie C club Ravenna at age 46, more than a decade after retiring. “I cannot wait to dance with the ball,” Ronaldinho said. “Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!” ...
Key takeaway “I cannot wait to dance with the ball,” Ronaldinho said.
Why this matters in The McAllen
For Valley residents who follow international soccer, Ronaldinho's surprise signing with an Italian club is a reminder that even in retirement, legendary athletes can still inspire. While McAllen may not have a direct connection to the Brazilian soccer star or the Italian Serie C league, the city's own soccer enthusiasts can appreciate the passion and dedication that drives someone like Ronaldinho to continue playing at 46. As local youth soccer programs and leagues continue to grow in popularity, Ronaldinho's example can motivate young players in the Rio Grande Valley to pursue their own soccer dreams, regardless of age or level of competition. The news may also spark interest in international soccer matches and tournaments, which can be watched and followed by fans in McAllen, further bridging the local community with the global soccer scene.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MIAMI (AP) — Brazil great Ronaldinho has signed with Italian Serie C club Ravenna at age 46, more than a decade after retiring. “I cannot wait to dance with the ball,” Ronaldinho said. “Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!” ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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