Brazil legend Ronaldinho will headline a star-studded legends match at the Stadium of Light in a major post-season Sunderland event.
Sunderland have confirmed that Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho will play at the Stadium of Light this summer as part of a special legends fixture on Wearside.
The Brazilian icon will headline a Ronaldinho & Friends side against a UK Icons team led by former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, with the match scheduled for Monday 25 May (kick-off 5pm). The exhibition game will take place just one day after Sunderland conclude their Premier League campaign at home to Chelsea, ensuring a high-profile end to the season on and off the pitch.
A number of former players have already been confirmed to feature alongside Ronaldinho, including ex-Sunderland forward Djibril Cissé, World Cup winner Kléberson, goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, former Manchester United full-backs Fábio and Rafael, as well as Fernando and Anderson.
Tickets for the event are now on sale via the club’s official ticketing website, with adult prices starting at £25 and concessions available from £20. Hospitality packages are also being offered, including access to Quinn’s Sports Bar for £100 and executive boxes priced at £1,500 for 10 guests. Parking will be available at the Stadium of Light for £10.
The occasion represents a significant coup for Sunderland, with Ronaldinho widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. A two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner, the Brazilian enjoyed a glittering career with clubs including Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as playing a key role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph. Renowned for his creativity, flair and technical brilliance, he remains one of the sport’s most recognisable global figures.
Sunderland’s Chief Business Officer, David Bruce, welcomed the announcement, highlighting both the prestige of the event and the opportunity to showcase the city on a global stage. “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, also emphasised the player’s enthusiasm for returning to the UK and his connection to the Sunderland supporters. “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.”
The event is expected to draw significant attention, with Sunderland set to host one of football’s most iconic figures for a unique post-season occasion. In his international career with Brazil, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps, scored 33 goals, and represented them in two FIFA World Cups.
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