Former Premier League and international stars are set to feature at the Stadium of Light later this month, with more big names expected to be confirmed
Plans for a major end-of-season event at the Stadium of Light continue to gather pace, with further high-profile names expected to be involved on Wearside next month.
Sunderland are set to host the Ronaldinho & Friends fixture on Monday, May 25 (5pm kick-off), just 24 hours after their final Premier League game of the campaign against Chelsea. The exhibition match will see the Ballon d’Or winner captain a side of former stars against a UK Icons team led by Jermain Defoe.
The Echo understands that Fábio Rochemback, Maicon and Gilberto Silva are all currently set to feature. Rochemback, now 44, previously played for Barcelona during the early 2000s before spells with Sporting CP and Middlesbrough, where he became a well-known figure in English football. The former Brazil international also represented clubs including Internacional and Grêmio during a lengthy professional career.
Maicon, 44, enjoyed major success with Inter Milan, playing a key role in their 2009-10 treble-winning campaign under José Mourinho. The former Brazil right-back also featured for Monaco, Manchester City and Roma, earning more than 70 international caps. Gilberto Silva, now 49, was part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad and went on to become a key figure at Arsenal, making over 200 appearances and playing a central role in their unbeaten Premier League title-winning season in 2003-04.
They join a growing list of already confirmed names, including former Sunderland striker Djibril Cissé, Kléberson, Heurelho Gomes, former Manchester United full-backs Fábio and Rafael, as well as Fernando and Anderson. Tickets for the event are on sale now via the club’s official website, starting at £25 for adults and £20 for concessions. Hospitality packages include access to Quinns Sports Bar for £100, while executive boxes are priced at £1,500 for 10 guests. Parking at the ground will also be available for £10.
Sunderland AFC’s Chief Business Officer, David Bruce, said: “It is an absolute privilege to host this game and welcome one of the most iconic legends of the sport. The Stadium of Light is known for hosting big occasions, and this event with Ronaldinho is no different. Sunderland is a major global destination for football fans, and we look forward to welcoming some of the greats while showing off our city.”
Marcel Nalyan, Chief Curator of the Ronaldinho & Friends game, added: “Ronaldinho’s love for football has never faded, not even with the close of his professional career. It had been a long time since he last visited the UK, and he had longed for the chance to play there once more. When the opportunity with Sunderland arose, he said immediately: ‘Let’s do it!’ From the very beginning, he loved everything about the fans on Wearside, the stadium, and all that comes with it.”
All players listed are subject to change, with further additions expected in the coming days as organisers finalise squads. More former Premier League and international stars are anticipated to be confirmed ahead of the event, with the full line-ups for both Ronaldinho & Friends and the UK Icons side still to be announced.
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