Ronaldinho to star in Stadium of Light legends match as Sunderland confirm post-season showpiece | OneFootball

Ronaldinho will star at the Stadium of Light this summer, with Sunderland confirming a special legends match on Monday 25 May, kick-off 5pm.

The Brazilian will lead a Ronaldinho & Friends side against a UK Icons team captained by former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe. According to Sunderland Echo, it comes one day after the club finish their Premier League season at home to Chelsea.

Confirmed names alongside him include Djibril Cissé, World Cup winner Kléberson, goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, Fábio, Rafael, Fernando and Anderson.

Tickets are on sale via the club’s website, priced from £25 for adults and £20 for concessions. Hospitality offers Quinn’s Sports Bar access at £100, and executive boxes at £1,500 for 10. Parking at the stadium will cost £10.

Chief business officer David Bruce said the game underlines the stadium’s appetite for big occasions and a chance to showcase the city to a global audience. He called it a privilege to host one of the sport’s most iconic figures.

Curator Marcel Nalyan said Ronaldinho’s love of football endures and that he had long wanted to play in the UK again. He added the player immediately warmed to the Wearside fans and the stadium.

Ronaldinho is a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner who shone for Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. He helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup, earned 97 caps and scored 33 goals, appearing at two tournaments.

Source: Sunderland Echo