The iconic Estádio José Alvalade, home of Sporting CP, will host the inaugural Legends Charity Game, a solidarity event organized by Sport Global that will take place annually until 2030.
The first match is scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025, with Portugal Legends facing World Legends in an effort to raise an ambitious €1 million for charity.
The venue was confirmed following the finalization of the Champions League calendar, allowing the Lisbon stadium to host the opening match of the series. Kick-off is set for 20:00, with player arrivals at 18:00 and gates opening at 18:30. Fans can enjoy a pre-game show at 19:40, while at halftime, the brothers Calema, the São Tomé and Príncipe-born, Portugal-based duo, will deliver a live performance blending pop and Afrobeat in front of 50,000 spectators and millions watching worldwide.
Portuguese Legends Take the Field
The Portugal team will be captained by Luís Figo, who will be joined by some of the greatest stars in the nation’s football history. “It’s always a pleasure to return to my country and play football. I hope to see a packed stadium in my hometown of Lisbon for this incredible Legends Charity Game and raise funds for such important causes,” said the former Ballon d’Or winner.
The squad includes Euro 2016 champions Ricardo Quaresma, Nani, Eliseu, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho, and Pepe, alongside Champions League winners Fábio Coentrão, Maniche, Pauleta, Vítor Baía, José Bosingwa, and Deco. Other confirmed icons are Beto, Jorge Andrade, Dani, Tiago Mendes, Simão, Hélder Postiga, Nuno Gomes, and Costinha, who will also serve as team manager.
Ricardo Quaresma expressed his excitement: “Wearing the Portuguese shirt has always filled me with pride, and winning Euro 2016 was the highlight of my career. I’m thrilled to represent Portugal again, especially for such a good cause. Football has the power to bring hope, and using that to support families affected by war makes this match even more meaningful.”
Nuno Gomes, one of Portugal’s most renowned strikers of the 1990s and 2000s, added: “Being called up to represent Portugal always came with great responsibility and national pride, and that feeling is no different ahead of the Legends Charity Match. Supporting those less fortunate has always been close to my heart.”
A Star-Studded World Legends Team
The World Legends team will offer fierce competition, featuring international icons such as Kaká, Carles Puyol, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Javier Zanetti, Alessandro Del Piero, Michael Owen, Henrik Larsson, and Hristo Stoichkov, as well as legendary goalkeepers Peter Schmeichel (who will also act as manager), Petr Čech, Edwin van der Sar, and René Higuita, among many others.
Football with Purpose
All proceeds from the match will be donated through the Sport Global Charitable Foundation to four charities:
- Portuguese Red Cross: delivering emergency aid, healthcare, training, and social support nationwide.
- Cáritas Portuguesa: providing critical assistance to vulnerable communities in Portugal and abroad.
- International Alert: working across divides to resolve conflict and build lasting peace.
- Ukrainian Red Cross Society: offering urgent care, shelter, food, and psychological support to those affected by war.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder of Sport Global, commented:
“With the Legends Charity Game, we are bringing together fans, legends, music, and communities for something bigger than football itself. This match will unite generations, and Estádio José Alvalade is the perfect stage for what promises to be world-class entertainment for a noble cause. I would also like to thank the Portuguese Football Federation, along with our sponsors and partners, for making this possible.”
Tickets and Donations
The Legends Charity Game will be held annually until 2030. Tickets are already on sale starting at €10 for adults and €6 for children, with premium seats available at €35 for adults and €20 for children under 12. Supporters can also make donations online to contribute to this meaningful initiative.
