Sunderland confirm Ronaldinho for Stadium of Light legends match | OneFootball

Ronaldinho will headline a legends match at the Stadium of Light this summer, with Sunderland having confirmed the Ballon d’Or winner for a 5pm kick-off on Monday 25 May.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Brazilian will front a Ronaldinho & Friends side against a UK Icons team led by former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe. The exhibition is scheduled one day after the club end their Premier League campaign at home to Chelsea.

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

Tickets are on sale via the club’s website, with adult prices from £25 and concessions from £20. Hospitality includes access to Quinn’s Sports Bar at £100 and executive boxes at £1,500 for 10 guests. Stadium parking will be available for £10.

Widely considered among the game’s greats, Ronaldinho won the FIFA World Player of the Year twice and the Ballon d’Or, and starred for Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. He played a key role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph.

Sunderland’s Chief Business Officer David Bruce described the fixture as a privilege for the club, pointing to the event’s prestige and a chance to showcase the city.

Marcel Nalyan, curator of Ronaldinho & Friends, said the player’s passion remains undimmed, that he had long wanted to return to the UK, and that he embraced the Sunderland opportunity and its fanbase from the outset.

The occasion is expected to draw major attention. Ronaldinho won 97 caps for Brazil, scoring 33 goals, and represented his country at two FIFA World Cups.

Source: Sunderland Echo