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

Brazil great Ronaldinho will top the bill at a post-season legends match at the Stadium of Light this summer.

The club has confirmed the Ballon d'Or winner will front a Ronaldinho & Friends side against a UK Icons team led by former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe on Monday 25 May, kick-off five pm. According to Sunderland Echo, the exhibition follows Sunderland's Premier League finale at home to Chelsea by one day.

Early names alongside Ronaldinho include 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 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 is priced at £10.

The Brazilian twice won FIFA World Player of the Year, starred for Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, and helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup.

Chief business officer David Bruce called it a privilege and said the Stadium of Light is known for big occasions, adding the club wants to showcase the city on a global stage.

Game curator Marcel Nalyan said Ronaldinho's passion endures, that he had long wanted to play again in the UK, and that he immediately embraced the Wearside opportunity, praising the fans and the stadium.

Significant interest is anticipated, with Ronaldinho's Brazil record standing at 97 caps and 33 goals, and two World Cups on his CV.

Source: Sunderland Echo