Bahrain's football enthusiasts enjoyed the privelege of meeting football greats Maradona and Ronaldinho, as well as American women’s national team star Carli Lloyd in the West Wing of Seef Mall in Seef District today.
Some of football’s greatest stars will be taking to the pitch tomorrow at the National Stadium in Riffa for a series of informal friendly games to be held on the sidelines of the 67th Fifa Congress (on Thursday), but behind closed doors, according to organisers.
Argentina’s legend and World Cup hero Diego Maradona and Brazil and Barcelona’s great Ronaldinho will be headlining the event, along with his equally famous Brazilian compatriot Cafu.
French superstar striker David Trezeguet, Spain and Real Madrid defender Miguel Salgado and Colombian national team star Carlos Valderrama will be joined by a host of federation officials in a number of ‘casual’ matches.
Other big names said to be taking part are US women’s national team captain Carli Lloyd, midfielder Pablo Aimar from Argentina, goalkeeper Jorge Campos from Mexico, Emmanuel Okocha of Nigeria, forward Saeed Al Owairan of Saudi Arabia and former Bahrain national team captain Talal Yousif.
These footballing greats will be sharing the pitch with executives from the various federations participating in the Fifa Congress in Bahrain.
According to organisers, the National Stadium grounds will be divided into smaller pitches and matches will be held simultaneously… behind closed doors.