The former Rangers, Sunderland and Tottenham player is set to clash with a footballing icon.
A Rangers and Sunderland hero is set to square off with Ronaldinho after a unique clash was announced at the Stadium of Light.
Jermain Defoe is fondly thought of at Ibrox after helping the club win title 55 in 2021, following an extensive playing career in England, where he played for the likes of Tottenham, West Ham United and Sunderland. He struck up a special relationship with fans of the latter and he’s now set to lead a team out at their home ground against a Ronaldinho XI.
The Barcelona and Brazil icon has craved a chance to play again in the UK and Defoe will now aid the mercurial former trickster in getting that chance at Sunderland. Some familiar faces from the Premier League days of the past have already been announced for the match while the ex-Rangers and Sunderland man is yet to unveil his side.
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Who will Jermain Defoe face at the Stadium of Light this year?
A statement reads: “We are delighted to announce that the Stadium of Light will play host to Ballon D’Or winner Ronaldinho for a Ronaldinho & Friends former players match on Monday 25 May (KO 5pm). The Brazilian footballing icon will be making the trip to Wearside, leading his Ronaldinho & Friends side against Jermain Defoe’s UK icons team.
“The game will take place one day after the Premier League season finishes, with Sunderland taking on Chelsea in the final fixture on Sunday 24 May. The other players confirmed to be playing alongside the two-time World Player of the Year are former Sunderland striker Djibril Cisse, Kléberson, Heurelho Gomes, former Manchester United full backs Fabio & Rafael, Fernando and Anderson.”
Sunderland’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.”
Why is Ronaldinho coming to Sunderland?
Marcel Nalyan, Chief Curator of the Ronaldinho and 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.”
Since retiring, Defoe has moved into coaching. He was most recently a coach at Tottenham, having completed part of his process towards a non-playing career while at Rangers, and will seek a chance to become a manager in his own right one day.
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