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Q: What’s the Legends Charity Sport?
RS: The Legends Charity Sport is one thing we’ve been dreaming about for a very long time, and now it’s lastly occurring.
On Monday, 15 September, proper within the coronary heart of Lisbon, a crew of Portugal’s best soccer legends will step onto the pitch to tackle a world lineup of soccer legends from internationally.
These legends are the gamers so many people grew up watching, idols who formed our love for the sport, now coming collectively for a match that’s about greater than nostalgia. It’s about charity, and our objective is to lift over €1,000,000 for 4 unimaginable organisations: the Ukrainian Purple Cross Society, which continues to help these affected by the conflict in Ukraine, the Portuguese Purple Cross, Worldwide Alert, and Caritas Portugal, which all do very important work with weak communities in Portugal and past.
The match will welcome 60,000 followers to the stadium, both Estádio da Luz or Estádio José Alvalade, relying on Champions League scheduling introduced on the finish of August, and shall be broadcast to hundreds of thousands world wide.
The Legends Charity Sport is how we have now chosen to open SBC Summit 2025. With actual coronary heart and goal. So if you’re planning to be in Lisbon for the Summit, please be sure that to reach earlier than this Monday night charity occasion.
We’ve poured all the pieces into making it particular, not as a result of we needed to, however as a result of we consider in it. The gamers consider in it too. It will be emotional and genuinely wonderful, and we will’t wait to share it with everybody.
I may go on about this for hours, however right here’s the brief model. That is about celebrating soccer’s greats, uniting individuals by means of sport and charity, and elevating cash for many who want it most. I’m proud we’re making it occur.
Q: What impressed you to launch the Legends Charity Sport?
RS: Soccer has been a part of my identification since I used to be a child. I performed it from the age of 5, lived it, breathed it. Like so many youngsters of my era, I grew up idolising the greats from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, whose names appeared on each journal cowl and match spotlight.
I performed on muddy pitches and even dreamed of a profession within the sport. And in a method or one other, I did construct my profession round it, didn’t I?
In the event you had advised me as a child, sitting in entrance of my display screen for hours enjoying Championship Supervisor, choosing the likes of Figo, Mendieta, Cafu, Zanetti, Hagi, Del Piero, and Schmeichel for my final squad, that sooner or later I’d be organising a real-life legends match, I wouldn’t have believed it.
However that’s precisely what has occurred.
At SBC and Sport World, we have now all the time centered on creating distinctive experiences, not simply numbers. It has all the time been about making individuals really feel one thing, creating reminiscences, and bringing worth and pleasure. The Legends Charity Sport is a pure evolution of that mission.
Over time, we have now welcomed well-known footballers to our occasions in many various methods. Some have performed within the SBC Soccer Championship, like Mendieta. Others have hosted our awards, like Ruud Gullit, Marcel Desailly and Clarence Seedorf. We have now had keynote audio system like Figo, Baresi and Peter Schmeichel, and visits from Brazil legends Cafu and Ronaldinho. Mixing soccer with enterprise has all the time been a part of the SBC story.
Now, we’re taking it a step additional.
This sport means loads to me. It brings collectively all the pieces I’ve liked since I used to be a child. Soccer, group, and creating one thing memorable with individuals who share that very same ardour. However greater than something, it’s about doing a little good and giving again. With a lot battle and hardship on the earth, it felt essential to make use of all the pieces we’ve constructed to help others. It’s a method to give again and hopefully, make an actual distinction.
Q: Inform us a bit extra concerning the sport. Which soccer legends are confirmed for Portugal?
RS: It nonetheless feels surreal seeing all these names on the identical crew sheet. The Portugal Legends embody gamers like Luís Figo, Deco, Carvalho, Simão, Maniche, Fábio Coentrão, Vitor Baia, Nuno Gomes, Hélder Postiga, and lots of extra who’ve given followers unforgettable moments through the years.
Portugal made good sense for this match. Over the previous few a long time, the nation has produced among the most formidable, technical, and passionate gamers on the earth. From the Euro 2016 win to this 12 months’s comeback within the UEFA Nations League in opposition to Spain, and the star gamers within the PSG Champions League-winning facet, they’ve constructed a footballing tradition that constantly punches above its weight. Portuguese soccer is on fireplace, and it’s clear even simply by trying on the variety of high gamers in elite golf equipment.
We’ve been fortunate sufficient to work intently with the FPF (Portuguese Soccer Federation) to convey a few of these nice gamers alongside, and it’s been wonderful to really feel the joy constructing in Lisbon. Portugal shall be co-hosting the World Cup in 2030, so this match additionally appears like a tribute to the highway that introduced them right here and the legends who paved the best way.
Lots of the gamers participating had been a part of that legendary Euro 2004 squad. They made it to the ultimate, solely to lose to Greece in one of many largest upsets in soccer historical past.
By the best way, Georgios Karagounis, who captained that victorious Greek facet in 2004, will now be lining up for the World Legends crew, dealing with off in opposition to lots of the similar Portuguese gamers he beat in that closing. Fairly poetic.
Q: What concerning the World Legends squad?
RS: As talked about, Karagounis shall be lining up for the World Legends crew, and I’ve little doubt among the Portuguese gamers shall be itching for slightly revenge after that Euro 2004 closing. That type of historical past provides a lot depth to this sport. It’s not nearly who’s enjoying, it’s concerning the tales, the rivalries, the shared reminiscences that come flooding again.
They’ll be managed by Peter Schmeichel, an absolute legend, with Diego Lugano serving as assistant supervisor. Lugano captained Uruguay to Copa América success in 2011 and, whereas a current harm retains him off the pitch, he’ll be bringing his defensive management.
In objective, we’ve received none apart from Edwin van der Sar, the Dutch large and Manchester United legend. Two extra keepers are but to be introduced!
In defence, we have now a line of among the finest defenders the sport has ever seen. Let’s begin with Cafu, who captained Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 and was additionally a part of their 1994 successful squad. Cafu is joined by Marco Materazzi, who gained 5 Serie A league titles in a row, a Champions League, and, in fact, the 2006 World Cup. Then we’ve received Argentina’s Javier Zanetti, France’s Christian Karembeu — all Champions League winners — and one other United and Champions League winner, Patrice Evra. However the rock in defence shall be none apart from Barcelona one-club legend and Spain 2010 World Cup winner Carles Puyol.
In midfield, we have now a historic European dream lineup. Karagounis shall be joined by Slovakia’s Marek Hamšík (Mr. Mohawk himself), a Napoli icon and Slovak captain who led his nation to their first-ever World Cup. There’s additionally Gaizka Mendieta, a superb pal of mine, representing Spain. I’ve admired Mendieta as probably the greatest playmakers on the earth, particularly throughout these unforgettable Champions League finals with Valencia, which made him the most costly participant on the earth when he was bought to Lazio.
From France, we have now Youri Djorkaeff, a World Cup winner and now CEO of the FIFA Basis. Romania shall be represented by Gheorghe Hagi, a participant who, for me, ranks among the many best of all time. Representing Bulgaria, we have now Krassimir Balakov, a nationwide legend and former nationwide crew supervisor.
After which there’s Kaka. One of many best gamers of all time. He is likely one of the 9 gamers on the earth to win the World Cup, Champions League, and Ballon d’Or.
Up entrance, we have now the legendary Henrik Larsson from Sweden, and relaxation assured, he shall be bringing his of entirety. He’s joined by Argentina’s Javier Saviola, who many Benfica followers will bear in mind fondly (and lots of Sporting followers, perhaps not so fondly)! Representing England, we have now Michael Owen, Ballon d’Or winner and England striker ace. And from Italy, we have now none apart from Del Piero, Juventus celebrity and Italy’s 2006 World Cup winner.
We wished the World Legends squad to mirror the worldwide spirit of soccer. To point out that that is greater than only a one-country tribute, however a celebration of the game’s best names from each nook of the globe. Gamers who’ve formed soccer historical past, introduced pleasure to hundreds of thousands, and now come collectively for a trigger that’s larger than the sport itself.
Q: Why do you consider soccer, and particularly the Legends Charity Sport, is uniquely positioned to rally individuals behind significant causes?
RS: Soccer has this unimaginable, virtually magical energy to convey individuals collectively, typically in methods nothing else can. I’ve seen complete strangers turn into finest buddies (or mortal enemies) over a last-minute objective. It’s one of many solely issues that may make grown adults paint their faces, cry on reside TV, and consider that “this 12 months is our 12 months”… each single 12 months. However behind all the fervour and drama, soccer additionally has a critical superpower: it connects individuals. That’s what makes it such a robust platform for rallying individuals behind significant causes.
When legends of the sport take to the pitch, individuals listen. And when that highlight can be utilized to lift consciousness, funding, and momentum for causes that really matter, it turns into a possibility to do one thing that goes past the pitch. That’s the spirit behind the Legends Charity Sport.
The World Legends and the Portugal Legends attraction to generations. Many people have grown up idolising these gamers and watching them play the gorgeous sport for many years.
Youthful generations nonetheless admire the legends once they watch streams or YouTube clips of the likes of Ronaldinho bringing his magic to the sport like few different gamers have ever been in a position to obtain. They’re additionally enjoying with the Legends within the EA Sports activities FC sport titles (former EA Sports activities FIFA collection), and now they get to look at them play reside on the Legends Charity Sport.
In just a few phrases, the Legends Charity Sport has a generational attraction. Father, son, and grandfather will wish to watch the sport collectively.
Q: What guided your determination to goal for over €1,000,000 and select the charities you’re supporting?
RS: Setting a objective of €1,000,000 was about being trustworthy with ourselves about what this match may obtain. If we’re going to convey collectively world soccer icons, fill a stadium in Lisbon, and broadcast this world wide, then we owe it to the trigger to goal excessive. We wished a objective that felt daring, that really strikes the needle, and that displays the ability of soccer when it’s used as a power for good.
As for the charities, it was essential for us to attach each globally and domestically to honour the individuals in Lisbon welcoming us, and to face with those that want solidarity probably the most. This sport is our approach of doing that. This landmark occasion helps 4 unimaginable charities engaged on the frontlines of disaster.
- The Purple Cross in Ukraine continues to supply emergency assist and medical care to civilians devastated by the conflict in Ukraine
- The Portuguese Purple Cross brings reduction to communities affected by pure disasters and financial hardship at dwelling.
- Worldwide Alert is working tirelessly to construct peace and shield weak lives in conflict-affected areas world wide.
- Caritas Portugal ensures that households in Portugal dealing with poverty and displacement are given dignity, help, and shelter.
By supporting this sport, followers and gamers alike are turning their love for soccer right into a power for good. It’s a robust reminder that the worldwide soccer household can do greater than entertain. It may heal, empower, and restore hope. Collectively, we will make this greater than a sport. We are able to make it a motion.
Q: Will the match be streamed or televised? How can followers actively participate on this initiative earlier than, throughout, or after the match?
RS: Sure, the match shall be each streamed and televised. We’re working intently with broadcasters to verify the Legends Charity Sport may be watched by followers world wide, whether or not you’re in Portugal or elsewhere. The manufacturing is being dealt with by SBC, and we’re treating it like a top-tier broadcast. Suppose Champions League-level protection, with a number of digicam angles, spider cams, and a full stadium setup. We wish individuals watching from dwelling to really feel each second, similar to these within the stands.
As for getting concerned, there are many methods to be a part of this. You should purchase a ticket and be a part of us in Lisbon. In the event you can’t be there in individual, you’ll be able to nonetheless help the trigger: tune into the livestream, donate on-line, share the occasion together with your community, or enter the charity raffle that may happen throughout halftime.
Q: How did you persuade sponsors that this wasn’t only a “CSR checkbox” however a significant motion?
RS: We’re extremely grateful to the sponsors who believed on this from the very starting.
Oftentimes, individuals view a sponsorship as simply placing logos on a display screen. That is when it’s arduous to promote — when you can’t persuade those who there’s one thing actual and strong behind the concept. On this case, it was very easy. It was about standing behind one thing actual.
We by no means approached sponsors with a slick CSR deck or a “feel-good” checkbox. That’s not what that is about. From day one, the Legends Charity Sport has been one thing constructed with coronary heart, goal, and an actual want to make use of soccer for one thing better.
We’re constructing one thing with substance. A world-class lineup of true soccer legends. A transparent, formidable objective to lift €1,000,000. 4 unimaginable charities. And most of all, a perception that soccer has the ability to convey individuals collectively and encourage motion.
What actually made the distinction with sponsors was the sincerity. They may see this wasn’t only a one-off. We’re not aiming for a press launch headline and shifting on. We’re constructing a practice. That readability, mixed with the emotion behind the trigger, is what resonated.
So, an enormous and heartfelt thanks to our early confirmed sponsors like Soft2Bet, Sportingtech, YO Well being, Spribe, Amusnet, Vegas Legends, Alea, Playtech, Smartsoft, Superbet and iGP. You didn’t simply sponsor a match. You grew to become a part of the Legends Charity Sport. Your help helps us do one thing that goes past soccer, one thing that may genuinely make a distinction in individuals’s lives. So sure, for our sponsors, it was a present of solidarity. A reminder of what good soccer can do after we put our hearts into it.
Q: As Lisbon prepares to host 60,000 followers, what function are native and world companions enjoying in serving to you unfold the phrase throughout borders?
RS: Native and world companions have performed an enormous function in making this greater than only a one-night occasion in Lisbon. From day one, our objective was to create one thing that resonated effectively past the stadium partitions, and that wouldn’t be potential with out the unimaginable help we’ve had throughout the board. The Portuguese Soccer Federation, Benfica, and Sporting CP have been instrumental in giving this mission a real dwelling in Portugal. They’re a part of the nation’s identification, and having their backing has rooted the occasion in native pleasure and credibility from the very starting.
However to unfold this message globally, we’ve additionally leaned on the power of our media and strategic companions akin to A Bola, Ringier Sports activities Media Group, MARCA, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Higher Collective, Sport1, SofaScore, Flashscore, File, Stats Carry out, and extra. They’re serving to us inform the story, one about legacy, group, and goal. With their assist, we’re reaching followers in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Denmark, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Mexico and past.
We’re working intently with MediaPro to create the reside broadcast of the occasion, which we goal to share with hundreds of thousands of individuals world wide. A number of broadcasting companions have been lined up throughout Europe, Brazil, and Latin America.
Our personal expertise as an occasions firm helped us scale this rapidly, however it’s the belief we’ve constructed over time, as SBC and thru Sport World, that opened doorways and made individuals wish to become involved. And naturally, none of this is able to be potential with out the unbelievable crew behind the scenes who turned an enormous thought into one thing actual in file time.
Q: The Legends Charity Sport will happen on September 15, only a day earlier than the SBC Summit 2025 kicks off. How do you envision the synergy between the charity sport and SBC Summit?
RS: The timing of the Legends Charity Sport on September 15 is clearly very handy. It’s a method to open SBC Summit 2025 with goal, emotion, and which means. The Summit is our largest present but, anticipating 30,000 attendees from throughout the worldwide gaming and tech industries. However earlier than all of the panels, conferences, and networking kick off, we wished to floor everybody in what we’re actually enthusiastic about: a real love for sport and a perception in its energy to convey individuals collectively.
The Legends Charity Sport offers us an opportunity to pause and do one thing significant as a group. It’s about soccer, connection, and giving again. It brings collectively iconic gamers, followers, trade professionals, and native communities round a shared second. And beginning the week that approach, not with a handshake, however with coronary heart, adjustments the tone of all the pieces that follows. Sure, we run main occasions for the iGaming world, however our mission is greater than that. We’re right here to develop not simply the trade, however the affect it might have. That’s the synergy, and it’s what makes this week in Lisbon really feel really particular.
And, by the best way, on Tuesday, September 16, lots of the gamers from each the Portugal and World Legends squads will seem reside on the Tremendous Stage on the MEO Area. Hosted by Kirsty Gallacher, this shall be a uncommon alternative for attendees to listen to instantly from the legends, ask questions, and share a second with a few of soccer’s most iconic figures. It’s a continuation of the emotion from the night time earlier than, and for a lot of, will probably be the primary time seeing these soccer greats. What an expertise.
Q: Do you assume this might turn into an annual custom?
RS: Completely, it’ll. With Portugal set to co-host the World Cup in 2030, our objective is to make this an annual fixture, 12 months after 12 months, proper right here in Lisbon. Actually, I couldn’t be extra excited. It’s a ardour mission in each sense of the phrase.
