THE magic is on its way.

Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho is set to touch down in Jamaica in December for The Magic of Ronaldinho — Jamaica 2026, which promises to be a celebration of world-class football, Jamaica’s sporting heritage and the bond between the Caribbean island and Brazil.

The event was launched at Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston Wednesday before government officials, diplomats, football administrators, corporate leaders and the media.

A video greeting from Ronaldinho stole the show, with the Brazilian superstar expressing excitement at he prospect of visiting the island.

The festivities are set to start Friday, December 4, with the Ronaldinho Tribute Dinner at AC Hotel Kingston. The red carpet rolls out at 8:00 pm for football personalities, corporate partners and special guests honouring Ronaldinho’s contribution to the global game.

Then comes the main event. On Sunday, December 6, Ronaldinho & Friends take on the Jamaica ‘98 Legends at the National Stadium, with kick-off at 7:30 pm. Gates will be open at 2:00 pm, to allow fans to settle in for a full afternoon and evening of football.

The match salutes Jamaica’s historic qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France and gives fans a chance to watch one of the game’s great entertainers in action on home soil.

The next generation will be in the spotlight too. The All Manning Cup Team are scheduled to meet the All DaCosta Cup Team in the 4:30 pm curtain-raiser, putting the best of Jamaica’s schoolboy football on a major stage.

At the launch, Allan Beckford, the Sports Development Foundation general manager, represented Minister of Sport Olivia Grange. Also on hand were Brazilian Ambassador to Jamaica Manuel Adalberto Carlos Montenegro Lopes da Cruz; Robert Dabdoub, chairman of the organising committee, who outlined the December plans; and Keith Wellington, the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association president.

A video message from René Simões, the Brazilian coach who guided Jamaica to its historic qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, added to the occasion.

The event is supported by Jamaica Observer, Television Jamaica, Red Stripe, Popeyes, Cal’s Manufacturing, Tools Hardware and Supplies, Island Car Rentals and New Budget Supplies and KFC.

Tickets are available at ronaldinhojamaica.com or directly at aitix.app/dinhomatch.

The 1998 Reggae Boyz made history. Now a football legend is coming to celebrate it with them.