Rio de Janeiro will host the 2024 Legends World Cup
The city of Rio de Janeiro is preparing to host the first edition of the World Legends Cup, a tournament that will bring together 160 emblematic figures of world football. The event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, with the participation of legends from eight countries. Among the confirmed footballers are names such as the Brazilian Romário, the Spaniard Carles Puyol, the Argentinian Sergio Agüero, and the Frenchman Thierry Henry. The tournament, which has already assigned its next editions to Saudi Arabia, China, and the United States, seeks to create a space where new generations can meet their idols and the old ones relive memories.“It won’t just be an exhibition. It will also be a competition and the players who have already accepted the invitation have said they are very excited to compete again and for the possibility of competing for a world title,” said Nasr Jawid Buyadi, founder and president of the World Legends Cup.
Nasr Jawid Buyadi
Tournament Details
Although the exact date of the tournament has not yet been defined, it is expected to be held in the second half of the year. The qualifying matches will be played at the Nilton Santos stadium, while the final will take place at the mythical Maracanã.The participating teams in this first edition will be:
- Argentina, captained by Sergio Agüero and managed by Gabriel Batistuta.
- Brazil, led by Cafu and with Zico as coach.
- Spain, with Carles Puyol as captain and Fernando Hierro as strategist.
- France, with Thierry Henry as captain and Patrick Vieira as coach.
- Italy, captained by Gianluigi Buffon and coached by Paolo Maldini.
- Netherlands, with Clarence Seedorf on the field and Ruud Gullit on the bench.
- Saudi Arabia, whose captain will be Yasser Al-Qahtani and the coach Majed Abdullah.
- Nigeria, led by Nwankwo Kanu and with Khalilou Fadiga on the bench.
Stars’ Statements
In the presentation event, Clarence Seedorf, one of the main organizers, and former soccer players such as Javier Saviola, Alessandro Nesta, Emerson, and Athirson were also present.“It’s very special for those of us who already play football to have the opportunity to play in a World Cup like this. I am very happy to be one of the Brazilians who will have the opportunity to return to the field to do what I like most, which is playing football, especially in my city and at the Maracanã,” said Romário.
Romário
Seedorf revealed that around 120 former soccer players have been contacted, who have shown great interest in participating. The definitive date of the tournament will be announced soon.“We will come with the usual grit and competitiveness, although we know we will face very tough teams. The most important thing is that we can enjoy the tournament and that the children can meet their parents’ idols,” said Saviola.
Javier Saviola
