Legends Charity Game 2025
The Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon witnessed a night to remember as some of the biggest football legends of all time reunited for the first ever Legends Charity Game. Portugal’s greatest icons lined up against a World XI in front of nearly 60,000 fans, and millions more followed the action through global broadcasts.
The match was more than just nostalgia. It was football with a purpose, designed to raise over €1 million for charities including the Portuguese Red Cross, Cáritas Portugal, International Alert, and the Ukrainian Red Cross. On the pitch, it delivered drama, goals, and plenty of smiles, making it a perfect celebration of the beautiful game.
Portugal Legends Deliver a Statement Win
From the first whistle, Portugal’s team played with cohesion and flair. Pauleta opened the scoring with the same predatory instincts that once made him his country’s leading striker. Soon after, Hélder Postiga rolled back the years with a neat finish.
The second half brought more joy for the home fans. Luís Figo, still the star of the show, converted with class, and Pepe surprised many by adding his name to the scoresheet. It was a fitting reminder of the impact each of these players has had on Portuguese football history.
Michael Owen Finds the Net for World XI
"It's easier to defend, or spoil, than it is to create."
Well it certainly easier for you, Owen. 😉 pic.twitter.com/H2SdlIQxo7
— Legends Charity Game (@legendsmatch1) September 15, 2025
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The World XI may have lacked the sharpness of their opponents, but they still produced moments of magic. Alessandro Del Piero showed flashes of his genius and even assisted Michael Owen, who coolly finished to make it 2-1 at the time. That goal proved to be the only highlight for the visitors, but it still sparked a wave of applause from fans delighted to see Owen back in scoring form.
John Terry marshalled the defence with his trademark intensity, while Kaka, Roberto Carlos and Puyol all gave the crowd moments to cherish. Even Oleksandr Usyk, the boxing champion, featured in this unique football occasion, adding a fresh twist to the evening.
Funny Moment: Terry and Quaresma Roll on the Ground
Amid the goals and celebrations, one of the funniest moments came when John Terry and Ricardo Quaresma got tangled up in a duel near the touchline. Both men lost balance and ended up rolling on the ground together, laughing as they tried to untangle themselves.
The crowd erupted in amusement, cheering the light-hearted scene. It was a perfect reminder that this match was about joy and camaraderie rather than rivalry, showing legends enjoying themselves just as much as the fans did.
A Broadcast Glitch but Spirit Unbroken
The only minor hitch came after the first half when ITV’s stream on ITVX suffered an audio glitch. Viewers briefly lost sound, and ITV had to put up an on-screen apology. Thankfully, the issue was resolved quickly, and the half-time entertainment featuring Calema, a popular Portuguese music duo, went ahead without problems.
The glitch didn’t spoil the evening. Instead, it highlighted the enthusiasm of fans across the world who were eager not to miss a second of this special occasion.
A Night of Football for a Greater Cause
The Legends Charity Game was not just about football but about humanity. The funds raised will support families in crisis and organisations working for peace, relief, and social welfare. With a stadium nearly full and donations pouring in, the event achieved its mission of blending sport with generosity.
Players spoke with pride before the match, with Figo describing it as a privilege to represent Portugal again, and Quaresma calling it an honour to wear the shirt for a cause greater than the game. Those words summed up the atmosphere perfectly, football’s power to unite and inspire.
Portugal Legends’ 4-1 victory over the World XI will live long in memory. For fans, it was a chance to see their heroes together again. For the players, it was a reunion filled with laughter and respect. For the world, it was football proving once more that it can make a real difference beyond the pitch.
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This was more than just a game, it was a festival of legends, goals, and goodwill. And the best part? It is only the beginning, as the Legends Charity Game is set to return every year until 2030.
FAQs
Q1. Who won the Legends Charity Game 2025?
A. Portugal Legends defeated World Legends 4-1 in Lisbon.
Q2. Who scored the goals in the match?
A. Pauleta, Hélder Postiga, Luís Figo, and Pepe scored for Portugal, while Michael Owen scored for the World XI.
Q3. What charities will benefit from the event?
A. Funds will support the Portuguese Red Cross, Cáritas Portugal, International Alert, and the Ukrainian Red Cross.
Q4. Were there any funny moments in the game?
A. Yes, John Terry and Ricardo Quaresma got tangled up and rolled on the ground together, leaving everyone in the stadium laughing.
Q5. Will the Legends Charity Game be held again?
A. Yes, the event is planned to take place annually until 2030, coinciding with Portugal’s role as a World Cup host nation.
Also Read- The Forgotten Football Nations That Disappeared From Football History
