Ronaldinho to headline Sunderland legends match at the Stadium of Light | OneFootball

Brazil icon Ronaldinho will lead a post-season legends match at the Stadium of Light this summer.

The fixture will pit a Ronaldinho & Friends side against a UK Icons team led by former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe on Monday 25 May, kick-off 5pm, Sunderland Echo reports. The exhibition comes one day after Sunderland end their Premier League season at home to Chelsea.

Confirmed names alongside Ronaldinho include ex-Sunderland forward Djibril Cissé, World Cup winner Kléberson and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. Former Manchester United full-backs Fábio and Rafael are listed, as are Fernando and Anderson.

Tickets are on sale via the club's ticketing site, with adult prices from £25 and concessions from £20. Hospitality options include access to Quinn's Sports Bar at £100, and executive boxes at £1,500 for 10 guests. Stadium parking will cost £10.

The occasion has been billed as both a prestigious showcase and a chance to celebrate the city, reflecting the Stadium of Light's record of staging major events. Event organisers also highlight Ronaldinho's enthusiasm to return to the UK and his warm connection with Sunderland supporters.

A two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Ronaldinho shone for Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain and was part of Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph. He earned 97 caps, scored 33 goals and appeared at two World Cups.

Source: Sunderland Echo