The Stadium of Light played host to some genuine legends of football on Bank Holiday Monday as a team led by Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho faced a UK Icons side including Sunderland legends Kevin Phillips and Jermaine Defoe.
A glittering array of players walked out at the Black Cats home just over 24 hours after Regis Le Bris’ side had secured a seventh placed finish in the Premier League and a spot in next season’s Europa League. That means more big names could be on Wearside next season after the likes of AC Milan, Juventus and Olympique Marseille also landed a spot in UEFA’s secondary club competition.
But there have been few bigger names than Ronaldinho in world football over the last two decades and The Echo’s Richard Mennear was on hand to capture some images of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star taking part in a remarkable day at the Stadium of Light.
Action from the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear)
1. Action from the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear)
Action from the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear) | Richard Mennear
Action from the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear)
2. Action from the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear)
Action from the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear) | Richard Mennear
Pre-match at the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear)
3. Pre-match at the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear)
Pre-match at the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear) | Richard Mennear
Pre-match at the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear)
4. Pre-match at the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear)
Pre-match at the Ronaldinho & Friends vs UK icons match held at the Stadium of Light (photo Richard Mennear) | Richard Mennear