Ronaldinho, Ronaldo & Brazilian legends to face Indian Legends in Chennai

Indian fans will get to experience Samba football soon.

Chennai will experience a little Samba as it gets ready to host an exhibition match between Indian Legends and Brazil Legends on March 30, 2025, at Jawaharlal Nehru Complex.

Players of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team, including Ronaldinho, Kaka, Rivaldo, Edmilson, and Kleberson, as well as Dunga, who claimed the World Cup with Brazil in 1994, will play in the match as part of Football Plus Summit, a two-day event scheduled for March 31 and April 1.

At an area hotel on Friday, David Anand, the creator of the Chennai-based Football Plus academy, which is hosting the summit, also revealed a partnership with Brazil Sports Academy.

During the meeting, the Brazilian champions will participate in panel discussions and workshops with the Indian football community. With an emphasis on grassroots development, they intend to strengthen ties between India and international football networks.

Inspiring, educating, and guiding the development of football in India are further goals of the summit.

“We are trying to get Kaka and Ronaldinho to play in the exhibition match against the Indian legends as well. Since it is Christmas week, we are yet to hear from them, but it is almost confirmed. For the Indian team, we have appointed a scout who will choose the final side.”

According to rumours, two players have been asked to play in this Legends exhibition match: Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, the former captain of India.

The goal of inviting the Brazilian legends, according to Anand, is not just to get them to play in a legends match but also to enlist their assistance in bridging the gap in local football, international recognition and enhancing Chennai’s football scene.

“Why Chennai? I grew up playing football in the slums of Chennai. I remember playing football in Royapettah and Gopalapuram in my childhood days, so I wanted to do something here. Chennai has always had a rich sporting heritage.”

It would cost a lot of money to bring in such well-known names. David said that he had successfully enlisted the help of a well-known company like Puma and that the logistics are nearly ready. A few additional partners declined to be identified.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.