Barcelona set for epic legends clash against Real Madrid in Tokyo this December
FC Barcelona have officially announced that the Barça Legends will face off against Real Madrid Leyendas in a special exhibition match in Tokyo on 15 December.
This exciting event will feature beloved former players like Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Javier Mascherano, and Rafa Marquez, marking their first appearance in a legends match since retiring from professional football.
This will be the first time these two legendary teams meet in Japan, with Tokyo’s Ajinomoto Stadium set to host the showdown.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the event, especially with the recent news that Iniesta, who announced his retirement just last month, will take part.
Special game for Iniesta
For Iniesta, this game holds extra significance as he spent five years playing in Japan for Vissel Kobe. The match is being dubbed ‘The Last Dance’ for Iniesta, giving fans a chance to see him on the field in the Barça colours once more.
The match will also feature other Barcelona greats. Xavi, who only recently stepped down as Barça’s head coach, will take the pitch again, representing the club where he made his name.
🚨 Barça Legends to play Real Madrid Leyendas in Tokyo on December 15 as Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, Javier Mascherano, and Rafa Márquez to feature for the first time since retiring!
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 12, 2024
Joining him will be Mascherano and Marquez, both of whom have made significant contributions to the club in various roles after their playing days.
This will be a nostalgic moment for Barça fans, as each of these players brings a unique legacy back to the field.
Alongside these legends, Barça’s lineup will include stars like Rivaldo, Bojan Krkic, Javier Saviola, Ludovic Giuly, Adriano Correia, and Gaizka Mendieta, ensuring a thrilling match for fans in Tokyo.
The Ajinomoto Stadium, with a capacity of over 48,000 spectators, is expected to be packed with supporters eager to relive the golden days of these football icons.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid Leyendas will field a lineup featuring some of their most celebrated players from the ‘galácticos’ era.
Fans can expect to see the likes of Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo, Iker Casillas, Steve McManaman, Savio, Julio Baptista, and Ivan Campo, reuniting on the pitch over a decade since their last appearance in Japan.