Ronaldinho & Friends: Marcel Nalyan reveals vision behind global football celebration
Acknowledged as one of the all-time football greats, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona midfielder captivated the sport with his skills, claiming the FIFA World Player of the Year honour twice along with the celebrated Ballon d'Or.
On 25 May 2026, the Brazilian star revives his flair in Wearside, as Sunderland's Stadium of Light stages a unique event, featuring him captaining his team against UK Icons led by Jermain Defoe in an emotional, nostalgic tribute to football's pure artistry.
Featuring legends like Djibril Cisse, Kleberson, Heurelho Gomes, Anderson, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Nicklas Bendtner, the match promises a vivid collection of memories that will stay with supporters well beyond the end.
Orchestrating this special gathering is Chief Curator Marcel Nalyan. In an exclusive chat with Flashscore, he shares how Ronaldinho & Friends goes much further than just arranging a game, serving as a sincere homage to the sport's emotional core.
What sparked the notion of hosting Ronaldinho & Friends in Sunderland, and what broader purpose did you envision for the event?
"Ronaldinho's enthusiasm for the ball shone through even in his childhood days on the pitch, and that passion endures to this day. Fans who idolised him, or found their passion for football via him, are now spread worldwide.
"Linking back with them and staging games in such locations underpins our concept for events like this. We seek to foster collective nostalgia, a sense of belonging, and deep emotional ties, while portraying football as a cultural bridge across generations that transcends rivalry and profit."
You've assembled international talents such as Ronaldinho, Djibril Cisse, and Jermain Defoe. How difficult was it to unite these legends and secure their commitment simultaneously?
"Ultimately, with the right framework in place and players genuinely connecting to the initiative, it sparks effortless, genuine partnerships, which is precisely what happened here. Everyone who learned of it quickly agreed, 'count me in'."
Not everyone might envision Sunderland as the venue for an occasion of this magnitude. What positioned it as the ideal spot, and what distinctive vibe does the city add?
"Sunderland and the North East harbour a profound, genuine devotion to the sport, where football often represents more than recreation, but a core part of identity.
"This mirrors what icons like Ronaldinho represent: recapturing the game's creativity and joy, evoking nostalgia so fans can relive that thrill, joined by local heroes."
Reflecting on organising this, what backstage challenges, invisible to fans, proved most demanding?
"Coordinating and planning for such an affair is immense, demanding custom timetables and tight collaboration with each participant and collaborator. Yet partnering closely with Sunderland A.F.C. and their backing has kept it all smooth."
Beyond the pitch action, what kind of day out do you want supporters to have?
"The buzz surrounding matches like this, as seen elsewhere, extends well past the action. From Sunderland to the wider region and nation, icons visiting, mingling in the area, and clashing on the day creates powerful echoes.
"A lively vibe will enhance with interactive fan sessions, contests, and mini-tournaments, letting people from every age join in actively."
As the date approaches, are there surprises or late lineup boosts fans should watch for?
"We hold a couple of surprises in reserve, but they stay secret for the moment."
Is this a singular highlight, or do you aim to develop it into an ongoing annual tradition?
"No, our vision is enduring and viable: sustaining the influence of the stars who motivated us, and honouring the sport's uplifting cultural elements via repeated occasions like this."
Amid global exhibition games, what gives you assurance this will distinguish itself and deliver an indelible memory for attendees?
"Authenticity must stay central to these gatherings. As shown in our teams, it's not haphazard assembly, but a thoughtfully crafted fit for the locale or nation.
"This mattered greatly to hosts Ronaldinho and Defoe. That distinctiveness likely makes this venture unparalleled, perhaps a once-only alignment unlikely to repeat."
Prior to retiring in 2018 at 37, Ronaldinho collected 97 Brazil appearances, netting 33 times and starring in the Selecao's victorious 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
His European adventure started at Paris Saint-Germain post-Gremio, escalating to peaks at FC Barcelona from 2003 to 2008. There he drove back-to-back LaLiga crowns and the 2006 UEFA Champions League win, plus the 2005 Ballon d'Or.
Subsequent stints at AC Milan, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, Queretaro, and Fluminense enriched a career marked by skill, delight, and lasting excellence.
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