Ronaldinho vs Sunil Chhetri: Brazilian and Indian Legends to Clash in Chennai

Indian football fans are in for a treat as the vibrancy of Samba football heads to Chennai.

On March 30, 2025, the Jawaharlal Nehru Complex will host an unforgettable exhibition match featuring Brazil’s footballing greats against Indian Legends. This marquee event is part of the Football Plus Summit, a two-day celebration of the beautiful game scheduled for March 31 and April 1.

Legends of Brazil Set to Grace Chennai

The legendary lineup from Brazil includes icons who have etched their names in footballing history. Among the stars expected to take the field are Ronaldinho, Kaka, Rivaldo, Edmilson, and Kleberson—key members of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad. Adding to this stellar roster is Dunga, the captain of Brazil’s victorious 1994 World Cup team.

David Anand, the visionary founder of the Chennai-based Football Plus Academy, which is hosting the summit, expressed his excitement. “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,” he revealed at a press conference on December 27.

Indian Legends: A Stellar Squad in the Making

The Indian Legends team promises to bring its own flair to the contest. Rumors suggest that Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, India’s most celebrated footballers, have been invited to participate.

The final roster is being curated by a dedicated scout, ensuring a strong and competitive side to face the Brazilian legends.

More than a Match: A Vision for Indian Football

The Football Plus Summit is not just about the game. It aims to inspire, educate, and develop football at the grassroots level in India. As part of the event, the visiting Brazilian legends will engage with the Indian football community through panel discussions and workshops.

These interactions aim to build bridges between Indian football and global networks. David Anand emphasized the broader objectives: “The goal of inviting the Brazilian legends 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.”

Chennai: A City with a Sporting Heritage

For Anand, the choice of Chennai as the venue is deeply personal. “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,” he shared.

The event also highlights Chennai’s potential as a hub for football development. With its deep-rooted sporting culture, the city is poised to benefit from this international collaboration.

Making It Happen: Behind the Scenes

Organizing an event of this magnitude requires extensive planning and resources. David Anand acknowledged the challenges but credited the support of sponsors like Puma for making it possible.

“It would cost a lot of money to bring in such well-known names,” he admitted, while also hinting at additional partners who chose to remain unnamed.

A Game to Remember

As the countdown to March 30 begins, anticipation is building among fans and players alike. This exhibition match promises to be more than just a game—it’s a celebration of football, a bridge between cultures, and a step towards elevating Indian football to international standards.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Complex will undoubtedly be the stage for an extraordinary event, showcasing not only the skills of legends but also the enduring passion for football in India.

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