Ronaldinho, 46, makes his comeback in Italy's Serie C on Sunday

Yes, really. Ronaldinho is going to play professional football again, more than a decade after he last did.

The 46-year-old Brazilian will turn out for Ravenna FC, an Italian Serie C side (the third tier of Italian football), against Forli FC on Sunday, 15 November. Kick-off is at 4.30pm GMT, and a free live stream is available on YouTube.

What happened?

Ravenna are bringing back one of the most joyful players the game has seen. Ronaldinho is a Ballon d'Or and World Cup winner who starred for PSG, Barcelona and AC Milan.

His last professional spell came with Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015, before he retired. Ravenna unveiled him as their new signing in June, and now the wait is nearly over.

"New colours, same smile," he said after signing. "I cannot wait to dance with the ball and write a beautiful new story with Ignazio Cipriani and the Cipriani family."

Why is everyone talking about it?

Partly because of the numbers. Ronaldinho retired on 299 professional goals, so one more would give him a 300th. That is a tidy milestone for a player who spent his career making the game look like play.

Partly because of the name, too. Club president Ignazio Cipriani did not hide his excitement. "He was my idol growing up, and his impact on the game extends far beyond football," he said.

Cipriani also hopes the signing will inspire "a new generation of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna FC" and join what the club is building for the future.

What's next?

All eyes are on Sunday's match against Forli. Whether Ronaldinho scores, assists or just flicks a few tricks, the occasion itself is the story.

He has promised to bring his spirit to Ravenna. "Football has always been joyful for me," he said. "Let the magic begin!"