Middlesbrough Football Club marks 150 years of its existence this summer with a landmark legacy match at the Riverside Stadium, drawing together nearly 100 former players and managers for a day that the club's commercial team is billing as "an unbelievable spectacle".

Who is returning to Teesside?

The names on the teamsheet read like a walk through the most cherished chapters of the club's history. Among those confirmed to feature are the Brazilian playmaker Juninho, who made three separate spells on Teesside into something close to folklore, flamboyant Italian striker Fabrizio Ravanelli, powerful forward Yakubu, Cameroonian midfielder Geremi and former manager Aitor Karanka. Defender Daniel Ayala is also on the list, and his words ahead of the occasion capture a sentiment shared by many of those returning.

"I always say that this is the club where I played my best football and where I felt part of something the most," Ayala said. "It will be great to see some old faces again and catch up."

Geremi, who has clearly taken the fixture seriously, noted that he had been putting in some training ahead of the day. "I've not seen a lot of the guys for many years, so it will be very exciting to see them and do what we used to do together: play football," he said.

Format and schedule

The event will see two squads of former Boro players go head-to-head in a competitive format, while others will take part in a non-playing capacity. A Legacy Walk is planned ahead of a 16:00 BST kick-off, with teams expected to arrive outside the West Stand from around 13:00. A presentation of legacy numbers will also take place during the occasion.

More than 30,000 supporters are expected at the Riverside, a figure that underlines just how deep the connection between the club and its community runs even across the decades.

A moment of reflection

The day will not be purely celebratory. A dedicated moment will be held to remember former players and staff who have passed away. Liam McGuinness, the club's head of commercial, was clear that this element is central to the occasion.

"It's massively important for us to recognise those players that are sadly no longer with us so we can pay our respects as a football club, as a team of staff and as a town to them," he said.

McGuinness also acknowledged the extraordinary range of time periods represented by those returning. "Some haven't been on the pitch for 40, 50, 60 years," he said, "so celebrating all of those memories on the pitch, we think it's going to be an unbelievable day."

What it means for the club

Middlesbrough was formed in 1876, making this anniversary one of the more significant milestones in the history of the Championship. Events of this kind serve a dual purpose: they celebrate heritage while strengthening the bond between supporters and a club that has competed at every level of the English football pyramid across its long existence. For a side currently competing in the second tier, reconnecting supporters with the highs of previous eras, including that famous Uefa Cup run, keeps those memories alive for a new generation of fans.

With a crowd expected in excess of 30,000 and a roster of returning figures that spans multiple generations of Boro history, the occasion promises to be one of the more memorable days at the Riverside in recent memory, regardless of whatever the scoreline turns out to be.

Frequently asked

Who is playing in the Middlesbrough 150th anniversary match?
Almost 100 former Middlesbrough players and managers are taking part, including Juninho, Fabrizio Ravanelli, Yakubu, Geremi, Daniel Ayala and ex-manager Aitor Karanka. Two squads of legends will go head-to-head, with others taking part in a lap of honour and a legacy numbers presentation.
When and where is the Middlesbrough 150th anniversary game?
The match is being held at the Riverside Stadium with a 16:00 BST kick-off. Teams are expected to arrive at the West Stand from around 13:00.
How old is Middlesbrough Football Club?
Middlesbrough FC was formed in 1876, making this their 150th anniversary. The club is currently competing in the Championship.