in 2030, so this match also feels like a tribute to the road that brought them here and the legends who paved the way. Many of the players taking part were part of that legendary Euro 2004 squad. Tey made it to the final, only to lose to Greece in one of the biggest upsets in football history.
By the way, Georgios Karagounis, who captained that victorious Greek side in 2004, will now be lining up for the World Legends team, facing off against many of the same Portuguese players he beat in that final. Quite poetic.
What about the World Legends squad?
As mentioned, Karagounis will be lining up for the World Legends team, and I have no doubt some of the Portuguese players will be itching for a little revenge after that Euro 2004 final. Tat kind of history adds so much depth to this game. It’s not just about who’s playing, it’s about the stories, the rivalries, the shared memories that come flooding back.
Tey’ll be managed by Peter Schmeichel, an absolute legend, with Diego Lugano serving as assistant manager. Lugano captained Uruguay to Copa América success in 2011 and, while a recent injury keeps him off the pitch, he’ll be bringing his defensive leadership. In goal, we’ve got none other than Edwin van der Sar, the Dutch giant and Manchester United legend. Two more keepers are yet to be announced!
In defence, we have a line of some of the best defenders the game has ever seen. Let’s start with Cafu, who captained Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 and was also part of their 1994 winning squad. Cafu is joined by Marco Materazzi, who won five Serie A league titles in a row, a Champions League, and, of course, the 2006 World Cup. Ten we’ve got Argentina’s Javier Zanetti, France’s Christian Karembeu — all Champions League winners — and another United and Champions League winner, Patrice Evra. But the rock in defence will be none other than Barcelona one-club legend and Spain 2010 World Cup winner Carles Puyol.
In midfield, we have a historic European dream lineup.
Karagounis will be joined by Slovakia’s Marek Hamšík (Mr. Mohawk himself), a Napoli icon and Slovak captain who led his country to their first-ever World Cup. Tere’s also Gaizka Mendieta, a good friend of mine, representing Spain. I’ve admired Mendieta as one of the best playmakers in the world, especially during those unforgettable Champions League finals with Valencia, which made him the most expensive player in the world when he was sold to Lazio.
From France, we have Youri Djorkaeff, a World Cup winner and now CEO of the FIFA Foundation. Romania will be represented by Gheorghe Hagi, a player who, for me, ranks among the greatest of all time. Representing Bulgaria, we have Krassimir Balakov, a national legend and former national team manager. And then there’s Kaka. One of the greatest players of all time. He is one of the nine players in the world to win the World Cup, Champions League, and Ballon d’Or.
Up front, we have the legendary Henrik Larsson from Sweden, and rest assured, he will be bringing his finishing touch. He is joined by Argentina’s Javier Saviola, who many Benfica fans will remember fondly (and many Sporting fans, maybe not so fondly)! Representing England, we have Michael Owen, Ballon d'Or winner and England striker ace. And from Italy, we have none other than Del Piero, Juventus superstar and Italy’s 2006 World Cup winner.
We wanted the World Legends squad to reflect the global spirit of football. To show that this is more than just a one-country tribute, but a celebration of the sport’s greatest names from every corner of the globe. Players who’ve shaped football history, brought joy to millions, and now come together for a cause that’s bigger than the game itself.
Why do you believe football, and in particular the Legends Charity Game, is uniquely positioned to rally people behind meaningful causes?
Football has this incredible, almost magical power to bring people together, often in ways nothing else can. I’ve seen total strangers become best friends (or mortal enemies) over a last-
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