Brazil legends | OneFootball

Brazil and Mexico legends will face off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in a match celebrating football Credits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

The day has arrived. The much-anticipated meeting between Mexico and Brazil legends is stirring the Mexican capital for the reopening of the Azteca Stadium, now renamed Banorte. A friendly match that will bring together renowned stars from both countries in a celebration of the beautiful game and the magic this sport represents.

Over the last three days, fans have been able to enjoy the presence of historic names who thrilled crowds on pitches around the world. When they take the field at 8 p.m. Brasília time, Brazil Legends will kick off this new CBF project aimed at valuing and honoring players who made the yellow jersey the most feared and important in world football.

In total, there are 12 world champions with the Brazilian National Team, in addition to other athletes and coaching staff members who represented the country in World Cups.

To lead this constellation, none other than Jairzinho, the Hurricane of the 1970 World Cup, the only player to score in every match for his country in a World Cup and the top scorer of that tournament, with 7 goals.

Fitness coach Moraci Santana and Jairzinho together in a Brazil Legends training session in Mexico City Credits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

"It is a memory and a pleasure to be once again in this wonderful city, among these sensational people who have always applauded Brazilian football," highlighted the Hurricane.

For former striker Adriano, even though it is a celebratory match, representing the national team is an honor. "For me, it is always important to wear the national team shirt. We know we have responsibility, and I hope we can put on a great performance."

Gilberto Silva, a 2002 world champion, reveals his joy at representing the Seleção once again. "It is a source of pride above all, and to make this joy even greater, reuniting with friends I played with, others I cheered for a lot, who are idols, and having this moment that ends up becoming very special for all of us."

Kaká in a Brazil Legends training session in Mexico City Credits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Former striker Muller, who played in three World Cups for Brazil (1986, 1990 and 1994), emphasizes the feeling of mission accomplished. "It brings back memories of great achievements. Serving the Brazilian National Team for 12 years is a privilege; when we wear the shirt again, the feeling is one of pride."

Former center-back Aldair, a world champion in 1994, recalls the responsibility the athletes have in representing the country, even in a friendly match. "For everything we did in the past, we have a commitment to the national team. It is important to represent it well, behavior on the field will be important, and it is always good to see old friends again, always with the greatest pleasure to represent our shirt."

Brazil has already been named by the coach. And the nostalgia hits hard when you see the list of the starting eleven:

Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lúcio, Aldair, Junior; Edmílson, Gilberto Silva, Kaká; Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Edílson and Adriano.

Brazil and Mexico legends will face off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in a match celebrating football Credits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Substitutes: Gomes, Anderson Polga, Amaral, Djalminha, Juninho Paulista, Paulo Sergio, Giovani and Muller.

The match will be played in two 40-minute halves, with unlimited substitutions.

The broadcast in Brazil will be on the XSports channel from 7 p.m., on Channel 32 on free-to-air TV and also on YouTube.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.