AFCON 2025
A glittering cast of football greats reunited at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Saturday for the 2025 ICON Match, a charity exhibition that blended nostalgia, entertainment, and a good cause.
The sold-out crowd of more than 65,000 watched FC Spear, led by Arsène Wenger, take on Rafael Benítez’s Shield United. The star-studded squads featured Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Káká, Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard, Alessandro Del Piero, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Bale, Rio Ferdinand, Carles Puyol, Claude Makélélé, and Iker Casillas, alongside Korean icons Park Ji-Sung, Lee Young-Pyo, Seol Ki-Hyeon, and Park Joo-Ho.
On the pitch, the action was lively despite its friendly spirit. Rooney struck early for FC Spear, only for Shield United to turn it around through Maicon and Park Joo-Ho, sealing a 2-1 win for the defenders.
Fans roared as Ronaldinho produced trademark flicks, Gerrard drove forward with intent, and Buffon and Casillas reminded the world of their enduring class.
While the goals and tricks delighted supporters, organisers stressed the bigger picture: proceeds from the match will support youth football initiatives and grassroots development.
