World Cup winners join charity match, delight children at Pacaembu | OneFootball

The Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu hosted, on this Children's Day Sunday afternoon, a special event aimed at children. Influencers and football legends played a charity match in partnership with UNICEF, bringing together world champions Cafu, Mauro Silva, Juninho, Paulo Sérgio, and Ricardinho, as well as stars like Zé Roberto and Formiga.

The first game, between digital influencers, featured team Podpah against Desimpedidos. Right after, it was the footballers' turn to take the field.

Show by Cafu

The former athletes were divided into: All Stars and Estrelas do Bem. Estrelas do Bem won 6 to 4, with two goals by Cafu, a world champion with the Brazilian National Team in 1994 and 2002. He was, in fact, one of the most sought-after by the children in the stadium.

Cafu left the Pacaembu field surrounded by children (Photo: André da Silva Costa/Gazeta Press)

Additionally, Paulo Sérgio, a commentator for TV Gazeta, also scored twice.

Children's celebration

The children enjoyed the presence of the former players to celebrate at Pacaembu. Hundreds of young people watched the match from the stands, and some even managed to access the field to meet their idols.

Besides the football games, the day included other activities for children at Pacaembu. There was also a youth and adolescent opportunity fair, panels on social impact, as well as musical and cultural performances.

“Today is Children's Day, and we are also celebrating UNICEF's 75th anniversary. The possibility of having a game with Brazilian football legends and internet influencers is a great combination for everyone. Our message is that we need to invest in children and the human capital they have, which brings prosperity to the country. This event is very important for us, as we will be able to raise money to continue working. For 75 years, we have been working on education, protection against violence, hygiene, health... We are very happy to be here in São Paulo for this event,” said Joaquin Gonzalez-Alemán, UNICEF representative in Brazil.

(Photo: André da Silva Costa/Gazeta Press)

Partnership with FPF

The UNICEF charity match had the support of the São Paulo Football Federation, as Joaquin mentioned. He valued the partnership with the entity.

“The São Paulo Football Federation, with Mauro Silva at the helm, also worked with us. He is a person of great human quality. We want to convey the message that football is a way of development for young people. They will have socialization, better performance in school. Sport, and especially football, is very important for the development of children. We are very grateful,” he stated.

Mauro Silva, vice-president of the FPF, who participated in the match on the field, also spoke about the initiative to Gazeta Esportiva. “It's important for us to unite football with the incredible work UNICEF does in Brazil. May we inspire other organizations to collaborate and support the future of Brazil's children and adolescents.”

All proceeds from the event will be donated to UNICEF, aiming to impact the lives of more than 300,000 boys and girls.

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