Zanzibar to host historic football match with Brazil legends, featuring Ronaldinho
What you need to know:
- The event will not only offer a spectacle of skill and nostalgia but will also shine a spotlight on Zanzibar, positioning it as a rising sports tourism destination.
Unguja. Zanzibar is gearing up to host a thrilling and historic football match between the Zanzibar Legends and the Brazil Legends in June 2025. The exciting event, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, promises to be a landmark occasion, bringing together two of the world’s most passionate football cultures in a celebration of sport and diplomacy.
The match will feature some of Brazil’s most iconic football stars, including the legendary Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Romário de Souza.
Their participation is expected to attract football fans from around the world, eager to witness these footballing icons grace the pitch once again.
The event will not only offer a spectacle of skill and nostalgia but will also shine a spotlight on Zanzibar, positioning it as a rising sports tourism destination.
Ronaldinho of Brazil celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA 2005 Confederations Cup Final between Brazil and Argentina at the Waldstadion on June 29, 2005, in Frankfurt, Germany. PHOTO | GETTY IMAGES
A key meeting held on March 18, 2025, in collaboration with the Honorary Consulate of Brazil in Zanzibar, laid the groundwork for this ambitious event. Representatives from various sectors, including the Ministry of Health, Information, Culture, and Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), and the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF), gathered to discuss preparations and explore avenues to deepen cooperation between Zanzibar and Brazil through sports.
“This friendly match is more than just a game; it is a stepping stone to strengthen bilateral relations between Zanzibar and Brazil, particularly in the field of sports,” said a statement from the Zanzibar Football Federation.
“The event provides a unique opportunity for talent exchange and long-term development in local football, something that we hope will inspire future generations of players in Zanzibar and across Tanzania.”
The friendly match between the Zanzibar Legends and Brazil Legends is expected to be more than just a sporting event. It is set to have significant cultural and economic impacts, attracting international tourists, enhancing the region’s reputation as a sports hub, and potentially boosting trade and investment between Zanzibar and Brazil.
For Zanzibar, this event also holds the potential to inspire local football talent, offering young players a glimpse of their dreams in action as they watch their heroes on the field.
The match is anticipated to create lasting legacies in both sporting and cultural exchanges, strengthening the ties between two nations that share a deep love for football.
