Lisbon is set to host a unique football spectacle on Monday, 15 September, when some of the sport’s greatest names take to the pitch for the inaugural Legends Charity Game. This is what Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC, has to say about the event, the line-up, and its charitable mission.

Q: What is the Legends Charity Game?

Rasmus Sojmark: The Legends Charity Game is something we’ve been dreaming about for a long time, and now it’s finally happening. Portugal’s greatest football legends will face a global line-up of stars in a match that is about more than nostalgia. Our goal is to raise over €1,000,000 for four incredible organisations: the Ukrainian Red Cross, Portuguese Red Cross, International Alert, and Caritas Portugal.

The game will welcome 60,000 fans to either Estádio da Luz or Estádio José Alvalade, depending on Champions League scheduling. It will also be broadcast worldwide. We wanted this to open SBC Summit 2025 with heart and purpose. It’s about celebrating football’s greats, uniting people, and giving back.

Q: What inspired you to launch the Legends Charity Game?

RS: Football has been part of my identity since I was a kid. I grew up idolising players from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, dreaming of a career in the sport. I spent hours on Championship Manager, picking my ultimate squad, players like Figo, Mendieta, Cafu, Zanetti, Hagi, Del Piero, and Schmeichel. I never imagined I would one day organise a real-life legends match.

At SBC and Sport Global, our focus has always been on creating experiences, not just numbers. The Legends Charity Game is the next step: blending football, community, and purpose. It’s a way to do good, raise funds, and create memories.

Q: Which players are confirmed for Portugal?

RS: The Portugal Legends squad features Luís Figo, Deco, Carvalho, Simão, Maniche, Fábio Coentrão, Vítor Baía, Nuno Gomes, Hélder Postiga, and more. Many were part of the Euro 2004 squad that reached the final against Greece, a match now part of football folklore. Portugal’s football culture has consistently produced world-class talent, and it’s fitting they host this match ahead of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.

Q: And the World Legends team?

RS: The World Legends squad is equally star-studded. Georgios Karagounis, captain of Greece’s Euro 2004 winners, will face many of the same Portuguese players. Peter Schmeichel manages the team, with Diego Lugano as assistant. The line-up includes Edwin van der Sar, Cafu, Marco Materazzi, Javier Zanetti, Christian Karembeu, Patrice Evra, Carles Puyol, Marek Hamšík, Gaizka Mendieta, Youri Djorkaeff, Gheorghe Hagi, Krassimir Balakov, Kaka, Henrik Larsson, Javier Saviola, Michael Owen, and Alessandro Del Piero. It’s a true celebration of football from every corner of the globe.

Q: Why is football uniquely positioned to support meaningful causes?

RS: Football has an almost magical power to unite people. Legends attract attention across generations, fans who grew up watching them, and younger fans discovering their brilliance online or in games. Using that platform for charity amplifies impact. The Legends Charity Game appeals to everyone: father, son, and grandfather alike.

Q: Why aim for €1,000,000 and choose these charities?

RS: €1,000,000 felt like a bold yet achievable goal, reflecting the power of football for good. We wanted to connect globally and locally. The charities: Ukrainian Red Cross, Portuguese Red Cross, International Alert, and Caritas Portugal, support communities facing war, poverty, and displacement. This match turns fans’ passion for football into a force for positive change.


Q: How can fans get involved?

RS: Fans can attend the match, watch the live broadcast, donate online, share the event, or enter a charity raffle at halftime. We want everyone to feel part of this movement, whether in Lisbon or watching from home.

Q: How did sponsors respond?

RS: Sponsors believed in this because it’s genuine. This isn’t a “CSR checkbox.” It’s a meaningful initiative with a world-class lineup, ambitious goals, and real impact. Early sponsors like Soft2Bet, Sportingtech, YO Health, Spribe, Amusnet, Vegas Legends, Alea, Playtech, Smartsoft, Superbet, and iGP are helping turn football into a force for good.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

Q: What role do local and global partners play?

RS: The Portuguese Football Federation, Benfica, and Sporting CP provided credibility and local pride. Media partners such as A Bola, Ringier Sports Media, MARCA, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Better Collective, Sport1, SofaScore, Flashscore, Record, and Stats Perform are spreading the word globally. MediaPro will handle live broadcasting, reaching millions worldwide.

Q: How does the Legends Charity Game tie in with SBC Summit 2025?

RS: The match opens the Summit with purpose and emotion. SBC Summit 2025 expects 30,000 attendees from the global gaming and tech industries. The game sets the tone: football, connection, and giving back. Many players will also appear on the Super Stage at MEO Arena on 16 September, offering fans and attendees a rare chance to meet these legends.

Q: Could this become an annual tradition?

RS: Absolutely. With Portugal co-hosting the 2030 World Cup, our goal is to make this an annual fixture in Lisbon—a true passion project and a celebration of football, community, and charity.

The Legends Charity Game promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, uniting iconic players, fans, and communities around the power of football to inspire change.

Visit www.legendscharitygame.com for event information, buy tickets, or make donations.