Some of the most iconic names in world football are coming to BMO field in Toronto in May as the city gears up for the World Cup with North America’s inaugural Living Legends match on May 8.
Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldinho will take the pitch in Toronto fir the first time as he leads his Brazilian legends squad against a team of legends representing Toronto FC in a one-night only showcase celebrating Canadian soccer and its contributions to the beautiful game ahead of the global tournament that kicks off in June.
The event will bring together some of the sport’s most recognizable names, including Adriano, Emerson and Maicon for Brazil and TFC greats Sebastian Giovinco, Dwyne De Rosario, Jozy Altidore and Julian de Guzman.
“Toronto is ready for a moment like this,” said Living Legends co-founder Diogo Snow. “Bringing Brazilian legends to this city together with Toronto FC’s legends and creating something special for the fans is what this is all about. Football has an incredible ability to connect people, and this match celebrates the players and the culture that shaped the game.”
Ronaldinho
Headlining the Brazil Legends squad is Ronaldinho, widely regarded as one of the most creative players in football history.
“I’ve played in many cities around the world, but this will be my first time playing at BMO Field in Toronto,” Ronaldinho said. “I’ve heard a lot about the passion for football here, so I’m excited to experience the energy of the fans and to share a special night of football with them.”
Leading the Toronto FC Legends is Sebastian Giovinco, the 2015 MLS MVP who helped the cub win its only league championship in 2017.
Giovinco, whose electrifying style, sublime free kicks and record-setting performances helped define a generation of soccer in the city, is happy to return to the field and praised Toronto soccer fans for their support over the years.
“Toronto has the best fans in MLS and has always had incredible support for the game,” Giovinco said. “To come back and share the pitch with former teammates and legends of the sport and play in front of the fans at BMO Field will be a special moment for me. It will be a great night for this city and the fans.”
Sebastian Giovinco
With Toronto preparing to host the biggest sporting event in the world, the Living Legends match arrives at a defining moment for the sport in Canada, bringing together international heritage and local pride inside one of the country’s most recognized football venues, said TFC General Manager Jason Hernandez.
“Hosting some of football’s most iconic figures for a memorable night at BMO Field will be an incredible event. Our city is preparing to welcome the world to our backyard in June and a match like this will be a fantastic celebration of the game for those fans who have been the heartbeat of TFC for the past 20 years,” he said. “This is a pivotal moment in time for our sport, city and our community, and it’s events like these that will demonstrate the joy our game brings to fans and continue to inspire the next generation of Canadian talent.”
Tickets for the Living Legends match will start at $45, with the pre-sale for TFC season ticket holders beginning Wednesday. General public sales start Thursday.
Fans will have access to premium hospitality packages, VIP meet-and-greet experiences, and limited-edition merchandise, including official Brazil Legends jerseys designed by Living Legends co-founder Snow.
Living Legends is a global football event platform that brings some of the sport’s most iconic players back to the pitch in stadiums around the world, with the series celebrating the athletes, moments and culture that shaped modern football, creating live experiences that connect generations of fans.
For more information visit www.livinglegends.io
Dwayne De Rosario
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