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

Brazil great Ronaldinho will headline a summer legends match at the Stadium of Light, closing Sunderland’s season with a high-profile post-season event.

According to Sunderland Echo, he will front a Ronaldinho & Friends side against a UK Icons team led by former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, with kick-off at 5pm on Monday 25 May, the day after the club finish their Premier League campaign at home to Chelsea.

A number of former players are confirmed to join him, including 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 official website, priced from £25 for adults and from £20 for concessions. Hospitality options include access to Quinn’s Sports Bar at £100 and executive boxes at £1,500 for 10 guests. Stadium parking costs £10.

The club has billed the occasion as a major coup. Ronaldinho is a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner, with glittering spells at Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, and a pivotal role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph.

Chief business officer David Bruce said hosting Ronaldinho underlines the Stadium of Light’s reputation for big events and offers a chance to showcase Sunderland to a global audience.

Marcel Nalyan, curator of Ronaldinho & Friends, said the Brazilian was eager to return to the UK and quickly embraced the opportunity to play on Wearside, praising the fans and the stadium.

Source: Sunderland Echo