Q: What is the Legends Charity Game?
RS: The Legends Charity Game is something we’ve been dreaming about for a long time, and now it’s finally happening.
On Monday, 15 September, right in the heart of Lisbon, a team of Portugal’s greatest football legends will step onto the pitch to take on a global lineup of football legends from across the world.
These legends are the players so many of us grew up watching, idols who shaped our love for the game, now coming together for a match that is about more than nostalgia. It’s about charity, and our goal is to raise over €1,000,000 for four incredible organisations: the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, which continues to support those affected by the war in Ukraine, the Portuguese Red Cross, International Alert, and Caritas Portugal, which all do vital work with vulnerable communities in Portugal and beyond.
The match will welcome 60,000 fans to the stadium, either Estádio da Luz or Estádio José Alvalade, depending on Champions League scheduling announced at the end of August, and will be broadcast to millions around the world.
The Legends Charity Game is how we have chosen to open SBC Summit 2025. With real heart and purpose. So if you are planning to be in Lisbon for the Summit, please make sure to arrive before this Monday evening charity event.
We’ve poured everything into making it special, not because we had to, but because we believe in it. The players believe in it too. It is going to be emotional and genuinely amazing, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.
I could go on about this for hours, but here’s the short version. This is about celebrating football’s greats, uniting people through sport and charity, and raising money for those who need it most. I’m proud we’re making it happen.
Q: What inspired you to launch the Legends Charity Game?
RS: Football has been part of my identity since I was a kid. I played it from the age of 5, lived it, breathed it. Like so many kids of my generation, I grew up idolising the greats from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, whose names appeared on every magazine cover and match highlight.
I played on muddy pitches and even dreamed of a career in the sport. And in one way or another, I did build my career around it, didn’t I?
If you had told me as a kid, sitting in front of my screen for hours playing Championship Manager, picking the likes of Figo, Mendieta, Cafu, Zanetti, Hagi, Del Piero, and Schmeichel for my ultimate squad, that one day I would be organising a real-life legends match, I wouldn’t have believed it.
But that is exactly what has happened.
At SBC and Sport Global, we have always focused on creating unique experiences, not just numbers. It has always been about making people feel something, creating memories, and bringing value and joy. The Legends Charity Game is a natural evolution of that mission.
Over the years, we have welcomed famous footballers to our events in many different ways. Some have played in the SBC Football Championship, like Mendieta. Others have hosted our awards, like Ruud Gullit, Marcel Desailly and Clarence Seedorf. We have had keynote speakers like Figo, Baresi and Peter Schmeichel, and visits from Brazil legends Cafu and Ronaldinho. Blending football with business has always been part of the SBC story.
Now, we are taking it a step further.
This game means a lot to me. It brings together everything I’ve loved since I was a kid. Football, community, and creating something memorable with people who share that same passion. But more than anything, it’s about doing some good and giving back. With so much conflict and hardship in the world, it felt important to use everything we’ve built to support others. It’s a way to give back and hopefully, make a real difference.
Q: Tell us a bit more about the game. Which football legends are confirmed for Portugal?
RS: It still feels surreal seeing all these names on the same team sheet. The Portugal Legends include players like Luís Figo, Deco, Carvalho, Simão, Maniche, Fábio Coentrão, Vitor Baia, Nuno Gomes, Hélder Postiga, and many more who have given fans unforgettable moments over the years.
Portugal made perfect sense for this match. Over the last few decades, the country has produced some of the most ambitious, technical, and passionate players in the world. From the Euro 2016 win to this year’s comeback in the UEFA Nations League against Spain, and the star players in the PSG Champions League-winning side, they’ve built a footballing culture that consistently punches above its weight. Portuguese football is on fire, and it’s clear even just by looking at the number of top players in elite clubs.
We’ve been lucky enough to work closely with the FPF (Portuguese Football Federation) to bring some of these great players along, and it’s been amazing to feel the excitement building in Lisbon. Portugal will be co-hosting the World Cup in 2030, so this match also feels like a tribute to the road that brought them here and the legends who paved the way.
Many of the players taking part were part of that legendary Euro 2004 squad. They made it to the final, only to lose to Greece in one of the biggest upsets in football history.
By the way, Georgios Karagounis, who captained that victorious Greek side in 2004, will now be lining up for the World Legends team, facing off against many of the same Portuguese players he beat in that final. Quite poetic.
Q: What about the World Legends squad?
RS: As mentioned, Karagounis will be lining up for the World Legends team, and I have no doubt some of the Portuguese players will be itching for a little revenge after that Euro 2004 final. That kind of history adds so much depth to this game. It’s not just about who’s playing, it’s about the stories, the rivalries, the shared memories that come flooding back.
They’ll be managed by Peter Schmeichel, an absolute legend, with Diego Lugano serving as assistant manager. Lugano captained Uruguay to Copa América success in 2011 and, while a recent injury keeps him off the pitch, he’ll be bringing his defensive leadership.
In goal, we’ve got none other than Edwin van der Sar, the Dutch giant and Manchester United legend. Two more keepers are yet to be announced!
In defence, we have a line of some of the best defenders the game has ever seen. Let’s start with Cafu, who captained Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 and was also part of their 1994 winning squad. Cafu is joined by Marco Materazzi, who won five Serie A league titles in a row, a Champions League, and, of course, the 2006 World Cup. Then we’ve got Argentina’s Javier Zanetti, France’s Christian Karembeu — all Champions League winners — and another United and Champions League winner, Patrice Evra. But the rock in defence will be none other than Barcelona one-club legend and Spain 2010 World Cup winner Carles Puyol.
In midfield, we have a historic European dream lineup. Karagounis will be joined by Slovakia’s Marek Hamšík (Mr. Mohawk himself), a Napoli icon and Slovak captain who led his country to their first-ever World Cup. There’s also Gaizka Mendieta, a good friend of mine, representing Spain. I’ve admired Mendieta as one of the best playmakers in the world, especially during those unforgettable Champions League finals with Valencia, which made him the most expensive player in the world when he was sold to Lazio.
From France, we have Youri Djorkaeff, a World Cup winner and now CEO of the FIFA Foundation. Romania will be represented by Gheorghe Hagi, a player who, for me, ranks among the greatest of all time. Representing Bulgaria, we have Krassimir Balakov, a national legend and former national team manager.
And then there’s Kaka. One of the greatest players of all time. He is one of the nine players in the world to win the World Cup, Champions League, and Ballon d’Or.
Up front, we have the legendary Henrik Larsson from Sweden, and rest assured, he will be bringing his finishing touch. He is joined by Argentina’s Javier Saviola, who many Benfica fans will remember fondly (and many Sporting fans, maybe not so fondly)! Representing England, we have Michael Owen, Ballon d’Or winner and England striker ace. And from Italy, we have none other than Del Piero, Juventus superstar and Italy’s 2006 World Cup winner.
We wanted the World Legends squad to reflect the global spirit of football. To show that this is more than just a one-country tribute, but a celebration of the sport’s greatest names from every corner of the globe. Players who’ve shaped football history, brought joy to millions, and now come together for a cause that’s bigger than the game itself.
Q: Why do you believe football, and in particular the Legends Charity Game, is uniquely positioned to rally people behind meaningful causes?
RS: Football has this incredible, almost magical power to bring people together, often in ways nothing else can. I’ve seen total strangers become best friends (or mortal enemies) over a last-minute goal. It’s one of the only things that can make grown adults paint their faces, cry on live TV, and believe that “this year is our year”… every single year. But behind all the passion and drama, football also has a serious superpower: it connects people. That’s what makes it such a powerful platform for rallying people behind meaningful causes.
When legends of the game take to the pitch, people pay attention. And when that spotlight can be used to raise awareness, funding, and momentum for causes that truly matter, it becomes an opportunity to do something that goes beyond the pitch. That’s the spirit behind the Legends Charity Game.
The World Legends and the Portugal Legends appeal to generations. Many of us have grown up idolising these players and watching them play the beautiful game for decades.
Younger generations still admire the legends when they watch streams or YouTube clips of the likes of Ronaldinho bringing his magic to the game like few other players have ever been able to achieve. They are also playing with the Legends in the EA Sports FC game titles (former EA Sports FIFA series), and now they get to watch them play live at the Legends Charity Game.
In a few words, the Legends Charity Game has a generational appeal. Father, son, and grandfather will want to watch the game together.
Q: What guided your decision to aim for over €1,000,000 and choose the charities you’re supporting?
RS: Setting a goal of €1,000,000 was about being honest with ourselves about what this match could achieve. If we’re going to bring together global football icons, fill a stadium in Lisbon, and broadcast this around the world, then we owe it to the cause to aim high. We wanted a goal that felt bold, that actually moves the needle, and that reflects the power of football when it’s used as a force for good.
As for the charities, it was important for us to connect both globally and locally to honour the people in Lisbon welcoming us, and to stand with those who need solidarity the most. This game is our way of doing that. This landmark event supports four incredible charities working on the frontlines of crisis.
- The Red Cross in Ukraine continues to provide emergency aid and medical care to civilians devastated by the war in Ukraine
- The Portuguese Red Cross brings relief to communities affected by natural disasters and economic hardship at home.
- International Alert is working tirelessly to build peace and protect vulnerable lives in conflict-affected regions around the world.
- Caritas Portugal ensures that families in Portugal facing poverty and displacement are given dignity, support, and shelter.
By supporting this game, fans and players alike are turning their love for football into a force for good. It’s a powerful reminder that the global football family can do more than entertain. It can heal, empower, and restore hope. Together, we can make this more than a game. We can make it a movement.
Q: Will the match be streamed or televised? How can fans actively take part in this initiative before, during, or after the match?
RS: Yes, the match will be both streamed and televised. We’re working closely with broadcasters to make sure the Legends Charity Game can be watched by fans around the world, whether you’re in Portugal or elsewhere. The production is being handled by SBC, and we’re treating it like a top-tier broadcast. Think Champions League-level coverage, with multiple camera angles, spider cams, and a full stadium setup. We want people watching from home to feel every moment, just like those in the stands.
As for getting involved, there are lots of ways to be part of this. You can buy a ticket and join us in Lisbon. If you can’t be there in person, you can still support the cause: tune into the livestream, donate online, share the event with your network, or enter the charity raffle that will take place during halftime.
Q: How did you convince sponsors that this wasn’t just a “CSR checkbox” but a meaningful movement?
RS: We’re incredibly grateful to the sponsors who believed in this from the very beginning.
Oftentimes, people view a sponsorship as just putting logos on a screen. This is when it’s hard to sell — if you can’t convince people that there’s something real and solid behind the idea. In this case, it was really easy. It was about standing behind something real.
We never approached sponsors with a slick CSR deck or a “feel-good” checkbox. That’s not what this is about. From day one, the Legends Charity Game has been something built with heart, purpose, and a real desire to use football for something greater.
We are building something with substance. A world-class lineup of true football legends. A clear, ambitious goal to raise €1,000,000. Four incredible charities. And most of all, a belief that football has the power to bring people together and inspire action.
What really made the difference with sponsors was the sincerity. They could see this wasn’t just a one-off. We’re not aiming for a press release headline and moving on. We’re building a tradition. That clarity, combined with the emotion behind the cause, is what resonated.
So, a huge and heartfelt thank you to our early confirmed sponsors like Soft2Bet, Sportingtech, YO Health, Spribe, Amusnet, Vegas Legends, Alea, Playtech, Smartsoft, Superbet and iGP. You didn’t just sponsor a match. You became part of the Legends Charity Game. Your support is helping us do something that goes beyond football, something that will genuinely make a difference in people’s lives. So yes, for our sponsors, it was a show of solidarity. A reminder of what good football can do when we put our hearts into it.
Q: As Lisbon prepares to host 60,000 fans, what role are local and global partners playing in helping you spread the word across borders?
RS: Local and global partners have played a huge role in making this more than just a one-night event in Lisbon. From day one, our goal was to create something that resonated well beyond the stadium walls, and that wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support we’ve had across the board. The Portuguese Football Federation, Benfica, and Sporting CP have been instrumental in giving this project a true home in Portugal. They’re part of the country’s identity, and having their backing has rooted the event in local pride and credibility from the very beginning.
But to spread this message globally, we’ve also leaned on the strength of our media and strategic partners such as A Bola, Ringier Sports Media Group, MARCA, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Better Collective, Sport1, SofaScore, Flashscore, Record, Stats Perform, and more. They’re helping us tell the story, one about legacy, community, and purpose. With their help, we’re reaching fans in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Denmark, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Mexico and beyond.
We are working closely with MediaPro to create the live broadcast of the event, which we aim to share with millions of people around the world. Several broadcasting partners have been lined up across Europe, Brazil, and Latin America.
Our own experience as an events company helped us scale this quickly, but it’s the trust we’ve built over time, as SBC and through Sport Global, that opened doors and made people want to get involved. And of course, none of this would be possible without the unbelievable team behind the scenes who turned a big idea into something real in record time.
Q: The Legends Charity Game will take place on September 15, just a day before the SBC Summit 2025 kicks off. How do you envision the synergy between the charity game and SBC Summit?
RS: The timing of the Legends Charity Game on September 15 is obviously very convenient. It’s a way to open SBC Summit 2025 with purpose, emotion, and meaning. The Summit is our biggest show yet, expecting 30,000 attendees from across the global gaming and tech industries. But before all the panels, meetings, and networking kick off, we wanted to ground everyone in what we are really passionate about: a genuine love for sport and a belief in its power to bring people together.
The Legends Charity Game gives us a chance to pause and do something meaningful as a community. It’s about football, connection, and giving back. It brings together iconic players, fans, industry professionals, and local communities around a shared moment. And starting the week that way, not with a handshake, but with heart, changes the tone of everything that follows. Yes, we run major events for the iGaming world, but our mission is bigger than that. We’re here to grow not just the industry, but the impact it can have. That’s the synergy, and it’s what makes this week in Lisbon feel truly special.
And, by the way, on Tuesday, September 16, many of the players from both the Portugal and World Legends squads will appear live on the Super Stage at the MEO Arena. Hosted by Kirsty Gallacher, this will be a rare opportunity for attendees to hear directly from the legends, ask questions, and share a moment with some of football’s most iconic figures. It’s a continuation of the emotion from the night before, and for many, it will be the first time seeing these football greats. What an experience.
Q: Do you think this could become an annual tradition?
RS: Absolutely, it will. With Portugal set to co-host the World Cup in 2030, our goal is to make this an annual fixture, year after year, right here in Lisbon. Honestly, I couldn’t be more excited. It’s a passion project in every sense of the word.