Members of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team to play exhibition match against India legends in Chennai

Members of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team to play exhibition match against India legends in Chennai

Chennai is set to get a taste of Samba flavour as it prepares to host an exhibition match between Brazil Legends and Indian Legends at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on March 30.

The game is part of Football Plus Summit, a two-day event set to be organised on March 31 and April 1, and will feature members of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad like Ronaldinho, Kaka, Rivaldo, Edmilson and Kleberson along with Dunga, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994.

David Anand, founder of the Football Plus academy in Chennai, which is organising the summit, also announced a collaboration with Brazil Sports Academy at a city hotel on Friday.

The world champions from Brazil will engage with the Indian football community through panel discussions and workshops during the summit. They will focus on grassroots development and hope to foster a deeper connection between India and global football networks.

The summit will also aim to inspire, educate, and chart the future of football in India.

“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.”

As per reports, former India captains Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri are two players who have been approached to participate in this Legends exhibition match.

Anand said that the aim of calling the Brazilian legends is not just to make them participate in a legends match but to take their help in bridging the gaps between grassroots football and global recognition along with improving the football ecosystem in Chennai,” Anand said.

“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.”

Bringing in such big names would require a significant monetary investment. David said that the logistics are almost in place, and he has been able to rope a major brand like Puma. There are also a couple of other partners who did not wish to be named.

“We also have a meeting with the Deputy CM and the Tamil Nadu CM in the coming days, where we will ask for their support. We want the Government to support us not only for monetary reasons but also to improve the football ecosystem in Chennai,” said Anand.

Ricardo Xiemenes, a representative of Brazil Sports Academy present during the press conference, said, “India has immense potential, and we are thrilled to be part of this transformative journey.”

Xiemenes added that the Brazilian legends were coming to India not just to play football in the exhibition match but also to connect personally with the fans through clinics and meet-and-greets.

“Brazil and India share a deep love for football, and this collaboration marks a unique opportunity to inspire and mentor aspiring talent,” Xiemenes added.