Ronaldinho to headline Stadium of Light legends match after Sunderland season finale | OneFootball

Ronaldinho will headline a post-season legends match at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland confirming a Ronaldinho & Friends side will face a UK Icons team led by former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe on Monday 25 May, kick-off five pm.

The exhibition is scheduled for the day after Sunderland end their Premier League season at home to Chelsea, promising a showpiece close to the campaign.

Former players already confirmed alongside Ronaldinho include ex-Sunderland forward Djibril Cissé, World Cup winner Kléberson, goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, full-backs Fábio and Rafael, plus Fernando and Anderson.

Tickets are on sale via the club’s ticketing site, priced from £25 for adults and £20 for concessions. Hospitality includes access to Quinn’s Sports Bar at £100 and executive boxes at £1,500 for 10 guests. Stadium parking costs £10.

Sunderland’s chief business officer David Bruce called the game a privilege to host and said it underlines the venue’s reputation for major occasions while showcasing the city to a global audience.

Marcel Nalyan, chief curator of the Ronaldinho & Friends game, said the Brazilian was eager to return to the UK, quickly accepted the Sunderland opportunity and was enthused by the Wearside supporters and the stadium.

Widely regarded as one of the game’s greats, Ronaldinho won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year twice, starred for Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, and helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup. He won 97 caps and scored 33 goals for his country.

Source: Sunderland Echo