According to Globo.com, Ronald has been presented as a new signing for Criciúma, where he arrives on a loan deal from Vitória. The same source states Criciúma secured the player until the end of the year after securing the deal ahead of at least four other Série B teams. Ronald expressed that returning to Criciúma was always his desire and that he knew it would happen one day. He also mentioned making an effort to join the club, stating that he identified a lot with it.

On Friday, Criciúma announced the signing of 29-year-old Brazilian midfielder Ronald on loan from Vitória. The move had been previously reported by ge. This is a return for the player, who was part of Criciúma's Série A team in 2024 before leaving the club. His contract will run until the end of the 2026 Série B season, and he is expected at the CT Antenor Angeloni in the coming days to undergo medical exams and sign the deal. Ronald joined Vitória in January 2025 and is under contract with the club until June 2028. He has made 7 appearances in the 2025/2026 Série A season. His current market value is €700k, according to Transfermarkt.