Zanzibar set to host Ronaldinho, Brazilian Legends in historic match
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR is set to welcome Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho Gaúcho and other retired Brazilian stars in a historic football event scheduled for July 27 this year.
The ‘Match of the Legends’ will take place at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar and is expected to draw thousands of fans and millions of viewers globally.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Golden Tulip Hotel- Airport, KiembeSamaki area yesterday, Zanzibar’s Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Moudrik Ramadhani Soraga, said the event aims to boost international tourism by showcasing the Island as a unique destination for sports and culture.
“Zanzibar’s economy depends heavily on tourism and hosting world football legends is a strategic move to enhance our visibility and appeal,” he said.
The match will feature a friendly game between retired Brazilian stars and veteran players from Zanzibar. It is expected to attract over 18,000 spectators at the stadium and reach more than 500 million viewers worldwide through live broadcasts, particularly from Brazil, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
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According to Soraga, this initiative is part of the government’s broader tourism strategy to attract more international visitors. Zanzibar currently receives around 730,000 tourists annually, to reach 1.5 million by 2027.
“Such events give us a competitive edge over other island destinations,” he noted.
The Honorary Consul of Zanzibar in Brazil, Abdulsamad Abdulrahim, explained that the Brazilian delegation will not only visit as tourists but will also engage in football activities with local teams.
“This is an opportunity for Zanzibar’s youths to interact with global legends and learn from the best in the sport,” he said.
Ronaldinho, who is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest entertainers, rose to global fame in the early 2000s with Brazil’s national team and clubs like FC Barcelona. He won the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and the Ballon d’Or in 2005, earning a lasting legacy as a football legend.
The event is organised by Ocean Business Partners (OBP) in collaboration with Brazil’s Fauzi Sports and supported by the Zanzibar Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Youths, Culture and Sports.
It will include merchandising exhibitions and business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and vendors. Under the leadership of President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Zanzibar has invested in sports infrastructure and youth engagement, with sports increasingly recognised as a key pillar in national development.
The government aims to increase tourism’s contribution to over 29.2 per cent of the GDP by the end of 2025. Organisers have also invited corporate sponsors, influencers and international stakeholders to participate in the event.
Brand exposure, strategic networking, and cultural exchange are among the opportunities available to partners during this highprofile occasion.
As Zanzibar positions itself as a hub for sports tourism, the ‘Match of the Legends’ is expected to leave a lasting impact, uniting cultures through football while promoting investment, tourism and local talent on a global stage.
