LEGENDS KICK OFF WORLD CUP trophy tour in Dubai
Samba legend Kaka backs five-time champions Brazil for glory in Qatar
The 2022 Fifa World Cup trophy tour kicked off with a spectacular ceremony in Dubai on Thursday — 193 days before the start of the opening match between Senegal and the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
The presence of World Cup winners Iker Casillas and Ricardo Kaka was the icing on the cake as the most iconic sports trophy was unveiled by the two legendary footballers at the Coca-cola Arena in Dubai.
“I can not describe the feeling, how it is like to be closer to the trophy again,” said Kaka, the 2007 Ballon d’or winner who was a member of the 2002 Brazil World Cup-winning team.
“It’s been 20 years since Brazil won. I was in that team in 2002. So it’s really special to be close to the trophy again. It’s a dream for all the kids who play football to hold this beautiful trophy. So I am very, very happy to be here in Dubai, which is the first step of the trophy tour by Coca-cola. It’s an honour and I hope the fans can enjoy this feeling and these emotions the same way that me and Iker are having now.”
While Kaka backed the Samba Boys to end their 20-year World Cup drought in the Qatari desert, Casillas felt Brazil would face stiff competition from Germany and Belgium for the coveted trophy.
And the members of the 1990 UAE team — the greatest team in this country’s history, that qualified for the 1990 World Cup in Italy — were also present at the ceremony.
“We are honored to begin the highly anticipated Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour in Dubai and celebrate this iconic symbol as it embarks upon its journey around the world,” said Mohammed Hazzam Al Dhaheri, General Secretary, UAE Football Association.
“The Fifa World Cup Trophy is one of the most recognised sports symbols in the world and represents football excellence for the participating national teams over the last four years. The Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour unites nations and brings everyone together to feel a collective sense of awe when they see this most prized trophy.”
For the first time, the Fifa World Cup trophy tour will include all 32 participating countries as well
as all GCC members. “We have been the longest-standing partner of Fifa, a relationship that dates back to 1974. This trophy tour is about the passion, it’s about the love of the game to fans across the world and giving them a once-ina-life-time opportunity to be up close and personal with the Fifa World Cup trophy,” said Brad Ross, Vice-president of Global Sports & Entertainment Marketing and Partnerships, Coca-cola.
The 2022 World Cup will kick off in Qatar with four matches on November 21 and the final will be held on December 18.
It’s been 20 years since Brazil won. I was in that team in 2002. So it’s really special to be close to the trophy again. I am very, very happy to be in Dubai”
Kaka
Former Brazil midfielder
We are honored to begin the highly anticipated Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour in Dubai and celebrate this iconic symbol”
Mohammed Hazzam Al Dhaheri General Secretary, UAE Football Association