With Romário, Cafu and Rivaldo, a game of legends brought together a crowd

Almost 28 thousand people went to the Ligga Arena, the stadium of Athleticoto see the football stars again this Sunday (17), in the charity game between Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Legends and Barça Legends.

The Catalan team was the victor in the game, with a 2-1 victory. Inside the stadium, the most applauded were Romário, Cafu, Rivaldo and Amaral as they entered for the national anthem.

In addition to them, those in the stands were able to watch Miranda, Ricardinho, Amaral, Edmilson, Zé Roberto, Edmundo and other former players who made history in the sport.

On the outskirts of Baixada, the atmosphere was festive and familiar. Fathers and mothers arrived with their children so they could get to know the idols that the children hadn’t seen play up close.

Traditionally red and black, the streets of the Furacão stadium were painted in the colors of the Brazilian team, representing the hospital fans, and Barcelona, ​​supporting the Barça Legends.

It was also possible to find shirts from several Brazilian teams, such as Flamengo, São Paulo, Remo, Santos and Athletico. According to the organization, team shirts would be restricted at the entrance to the game, except for Barça and the Brazilian team.

Fans wanted a goal from Romário

During the match, the crowd cheered for Romário’s goal and cheered with every touch the little guy touched the ball. The number 10 had chances and, however, ended up leaving the field in the second half without scoring.

The goals came from Rivaldo and Saviola, for Barça, and Richarlyson for Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Legends. The five-time world champion scored in the first half from a free kick, and goalkeeper Prass did not do well in defense.

In the second stage, it was Richarlyson, a commentator for the Globo channels, who equalized with a great goal from outside the area. The former player was widely applauded when he left the field. Even so, in the 40th minute, Saviola declared Barça’s victory.

Júlia Soares gave a presentation at the opening of the game

Before the ball rolled, Olympic medalist Júlia Soares gave an artistic gymnastics presentation and used some of the songs from the solo number he performed at the Paris Olympics. After the number, several fans asked for photos with the gymnast.

The Curitiba native had already performed in the Brazilian team’s game against Ecuador, at Couto Pereira, in September this year. On that occasion, she took an Olympic lap around the stadium to celebrate her bronze medal.

Then, during the break, the drums and cheerleading team from Faculdade Pequeno Príncipe performed on the field. Throughout the game, college students stayed in the stands playing instruments.

Pelé’s daughter handed over the match ball

Flávia Arantes do Nascimento, daughter of King Pelé, handed over the game ball before the opening whistle. She entered the field alongside the director of Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, José Álvaro Carneiro. The pediatric complex has the only social project sponsored by the greatest player in the history of football.

The Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute was created in 2005 and since then has led research in the area of ​​pediatrics, with postgraduate, master’s and doctoral teams.

“I have been a collaborator for over 15 years. Embracing this event, more than anything, is embracing the children of this city. I love Curitiba, it welcomes us very well. My father is establishing his legacy and this is intertwined with the most beautiful things the hospital offers”said Flávia, in a press conference before the game, on Friday (15).