Post by : Meena Ariff

Dubai recently hosted an inspiring closing session at the World Sports Summit, bringing together six iconic football legends who have all lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy. These football greats gathered to share their stories, reflecting on their journeys with their national teams and the values that shaped their success.

The panel featured France’s Didier Deschamps, Brazil’s Cafu and Ronaldo, Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro, and Spain’s Carles Puyol and Andres Iniesta. The session was moderated by Italian football star Alessandro Del Piero. Together, these legends have an unparalleled record, including 810 international caps, 10 World Cup wins, 10 UEFA Champions League titles, 35 domestic league trophies, and five Golden Boot awards.

They emphasized that winning the World Cup is not a final destination but the result of relentless hard work, sacrifice, and deep-rooted human values like leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

Didier Deschamps, who won the World Cup both as a player in 1998 and as a coach in 2018, shared how the joy of lifting the trophy remains unchanged despite the different roles. He highlighted that teamwork was crucial, calling France’s 1998 victory over Brazil a dream fulfilled, while coaching required intense focus on every detail.

Cafu, captain of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning side, described football as a way of life in Brazil. He credited their triumph to the team’s strong unity and clear tactics, which made them confident in facing any opponent, contrasting it with Brazil’s 1998 campaign.

Ronaldo, who overcame a serious injury before the 2002 tournament, spoke about his comeback fueled by determination and willpower. His exceptional performance, scoring eight goals, proved his resilience and helped Brazil reclaim the title.

Fabio Cannavaro reflected on Italy’s 2006 victory, explaining that success came from a complete team effort, not just Italy’s famed defense, alongside a coach who inspired greatness. He expressed hope that Italy’s renewed focus will bring the nation back to World Cup glory.

Carles Puyol highlighted the chemistry between players from rival clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona as a key factor in Spain’s 2010 World Cup win, emphasizing team spirit and cooperation. Andres Iniesta recalled scoring the winning goal in the 2010 final as Spain’s greatest football moment, a memory that still resonates strongly after 15 years.

This unique gathering of champions reminded fans worldwide that behind every trophy lies dedication, unity, and respect — values that inspire generations both on and off the pitch.

#Global News