Van der Sar: “I still remember facing FC Porto…” | OneFootball

«I still remember facing FC Porto in the quarter-finals of the 2008/09 Champions League with Manchester United. Keeping a clean sheet in that second leg was a moment of pride, especially against a Portuguese team known for its fierce and relentless style of play. The Legends Charity Game is a fantastic opportunity to return to Portugal and relive that excitement. I feel truly honored to be part of such a significant event,» said Edwin van der Sar.

Sport Global Group is bringing together some of the most prominent figures in football history for one of the largest charity gatherings in Europe, scheduled for September 15, 2025, in Lisbon – an event that precedes the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host. The legends will perform in front of over 50,000 fans at the Alvalade Stadium and millions of viewers who will follow the game online or on television.

With the support of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), the match will pit former Portuguese internationals against stars from other countries, in an initiative aimed at raising over 1 million euros for charities that assist communities and families in situations of great vulnerability.

Joining Figo from the historic Euro 2016 victory will be Ricardo Quaresma, Nani, Eliseu,

On the other side, the World Legends team will feature a lineup of high-caliber players, including Peter Schmeichel (Denmark), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands), Petr Cech (Czech Republic), Roberto Carlos (Brazil), Carlos Puyol (Spain), John Terry (England), Cafu (Brazil), Javier Zanetti (Argentina), Diego Lugano (Uruguay), Marco Materazzi (Italy), Patrice Evra (France), Gaizka Mendieta (Spain), Youri Djorkaeff (France), Christian Karambeu (France), Marek Hamsik (Slovakia), Giorgos Karagounis (Greece), Krassimir Balakov (Bulgaria), Gheorghe Hagi (Romania), Henrik Larsson (Sweden), Javier Saviola (Argentina), Michael Owen (England), Del Piero (Italy), Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria), and Kaka (Brazil).

This game marks a new chapter in Portugal Legends – an initiative by the FPF aimed at recognizing, celebrating, and strengthening the lasting bonds between former internationals, the National Team, and Portuguese football.

The match will take place at the Alvalade Stadium.

The Legends Charity Game aims to surpass the goal of 1 million euros to support various charitable causes, both national and international, in an initiative where the football family seeks to give back to the communities that need it most. The funds raised will be channeled to organizations providing essential assistance to vulnerable populations.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO of Sport Global Group, organizer of the Legends Charity Match, explains: «This year we want to elevate our charitable efforts even further, with this spectacular football game, to raise funds for truly important causes. By associating the game with the SBC Summit, which takes place in Lisbon the same week, we can unite the football and business communities to help other communities facing unimaginable hardships.»

The Sport Global Charitable Foundation is a restricted fund under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund (a UK registered charity with number 1099682). All profits from the Legends Charity Game will support the foundation's beneficiary institutions, including the Ukrainian Red Cross and Caritas Portuguesa.

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