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The iconic trophy was unveiled at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Thursday by two legendary footballers
Iker Casillas and Ricardo Kaka unveiled the FIFA World Cup trophy in Dubai on Thursday. (Photo by Shihab)
The 2022 FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour kicked off with a grand ceremony in Dubai on Thursday – 193 days before the opening match between Senegal and the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
The arrival of World Cup winners Iker Casillas and Ricardo Kaka was the icing on the cake, as two legendary footballers unveiled the most iconic sports trophy at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
“I can’t describe the feeling, what it’s like to be close to the trophy again,” said Kaka, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner and member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winning team.
“It’s been 20 years since Brazil won. I was on that team in 2002. So it’s really special to be close to the trophy again. It’s the dream of all kids who play football to lift this beautiful trophy.
“So I’m very, very happy to be in Dubai, the first step in the Coca-Cola Trophy journey. It’s an honour and I hope the fans enjoy this feeling and these emotions as I do with Ike right now.”
Casillas, who led Spain to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa under his captaincy, led Spain to their greatest moment in football, and says getting closer to the trophy still gives him goosebumps .
“It was our first (World Cup) trophy. It was such a wonderful moment in our lives for me and my teammates and a truly magical moment for my country. Those I can never describe emotions, this is the most beautiful trophy in Spanish history,” Casillas said.
While Kaka backed Brazil to end their 20-year World Cup drought in the Qatar desert, Casillas believes it will be a battle between Germany, Belgium and Brazil for the coveted trophy.
“But, of course, I want Spain to win. They are also a very good team,” said the former Real Madrid goalkeeper.
Members of the 1990 UAE team – the greatest team in the country’s history that qualified for the 1990 World Cup in Italy – also attended the ceremony.
32 countries
For the first time, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour will include all 32 participating countries and all GCC members.
“We have been FIFA’s longest-standing partners, a relationship dating back to 1974. This trophy tour is about passion, about the love of the game for fans around the world and giving them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Brad Ross, Coca-Cola’s vice president of global sports and entertainment marketing and partnerships, said:
The 2022 World Cup will kick off with four matches on November 21, with the final on December 18.
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