Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona midfield maestro dazzled the football world, winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice and the prestigious Ballon d'Or.
On May 25, 2026, the Brazilian legend brings his magic back to Wearside as Sunderland’s Stadium of Light hosts a special evening, where he will lead his friends against a UK Icons side captained by Jermain Defoe in a rare celebration steeped in emotion, nostalgia, and the timeless beauty of the game at its very finest.
With greats such as Djibril Cisse, Kleberson, Heurelho Gomes, Anderson, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Nicklas Bendtner involved, it becomes a living spectacle of memories that will linger in fans’ hearts long after the final whistle.
Behind this remarkable occasion stands Chief Curator Marcel Nalyan. In this exclusive conversation with Flashscore, he explains that Ronaldinho & Friends extends far beyond the idea of simply organising a match, evolving instead into a heartfelt tribute to football’s emotional heartbeat.
What first inspired the idea of bringing Ronaldinho & Friends to Sunderland, and what was the deeper vision you hoped the event would fulfil?
"Ronaldinho’s passion for the ball was already visible when he was a child and actively playing, and that love has never faded. People who admired him - or even discovered their love for football through him - are now scattered all over the world.
"Reconnecting with them and playing matches in those places forms the foundation of our idea for bringing a game like this to life. Our aim is therefore to create shared nostalgia, identity, and emotional connection, while presenting football as a cultural, intergenerational experience that exists beyond competition and commercialisation."
You have brought together global stars like Ronaldinho, Djibril Cisse, and Jermain Defoe. How challenging was it to align all these iconic names and get them on board at the same time?
"At the end of the day, when the setup is right, and the players can truly identify with the project, it naturally leads to a simple, authentic, and great collaboration - and that was essentially the case with all the players involved. Those who heard about it immediately said, 'yes, I’m in'."
Some may not immediately picture Sunderland as the stage for an event of this scale. What made it the perfect choice and what unique energy does the city bring to the occasion?
"The love for the game in Sunderland and the North East in general is raw and unfiltered - football there is often not just entertainment, but identity.
"And this is exactly what players like Ronaldinho embody: a return to the beauty and creativity of the game, bringing back a sense of nostalgia where fans can once again feel that same kind of euphoria, alongside Sunderland’s own icons."
Looking back on putting this event together, what has been the toughest part behind the scenes that fans would never really notice?
"The entire coordination and planning behind an event like this is, of course, enormous. It requires tailored scheduling and close alignment with every single player and partner involved. But working hand in hand with Sunderland A.F.C. as a club, and with their support, everything is well managed."
Outside of the 90 minutes on the pitch, what sort of experience are you hoping fans will enjoy on the day?
"The euphoria around a match like this - as we have experienced in other countries - goes far beyond the game itself. From Sunderland to the entire region and even across the country, there is a strong resonance when such icons arrive, spend time in the city, and then finally face each other on matchday.
"The vibrant atmosphere will be complemented by many fan-interactive moments, challenges, and smaller tournaments, allowing fans of all generations to actively participate."
As the event gets closer, should fans be keeping an eye out for any surprises or last-minute additions to the lineup?
"We always have a few aces up our sleeve, but we’ll keep them under wraps for now."
Do you see this as a one-off spectacle, or is the plan to build something that can grow and return year after year?
"No, the goal is definitely long-term and sustainable: to keep the legacy of the icons who inspired us alive, and to celebrate the positive cultural values that this sport brings through events like this."
With exhibition matches taking place all over the world, what makes you confident this one will stand out and leave fans with a truly memorable experience?
"What is most important - and should remain at the forefront - is the authenticity behind such events. As is also visible in our squad, it is not about assembling players randomly, but about carefully tailoring everything to the region or country.
"This was also very important to both hosts, Ronaldinho and Defoe. That uniqueness is arguably the most remarkable aspect of this campaign, as a constellation like this is unlikely to ever be seen again - or, to be honest, perhaps even the first and last of its kind."
Before calling time on his football career in 2018 at the age of 37, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps for Brazil, scoring 33 goals and playing a key role in the Selecao’s triumphant 2002 World Cup campaign in Japan and South Korea.
He began his European journey at Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Gremio, before reaching dazzling heights at FC Barcelona between 2003 and 2008. There, he inspired consecutive LaLiga titles and the 2006 UEFA Champions League triumph, while also winning the Ballon d'Or in 2005.
Later spells with AC Milan, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, Queretaro, and Fluminense added further chapters to a globe-spanning career defined by flair, joy, and unforgettable brilliance.
Confirmed squad
Team Brazil: Ronaldinho, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Helton, Djibril Cisse, Gilberto Silva, Fabio Rochemback, Maicon, Andre Santos, Kleberson, Fernando, Nicklas Bendtner
UK Icons: Jermain Defoe, Heurelho Gomes, Michael Dawson, Lee Cattermole, Patrick van Aanholt, Kevin Phillips, Phil Bardsley, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Pascal Chimbonda, Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Pennant