The Match for Hope returned to Qatar in spectacular fashion as football legends and global internet stars came together for another edition of the high-profile charity game.
Former superstars including Thierry Henry, Eden Hazard, Gerard Piqué, Franck Ribéry, Marcelo and Diego Costa rolled back the years, sharing the pitch with some of the biggest online personalities in the world such as KSI, Mr Beast, Chunkz and Angry Ginge.
The annual event, which kicked off at 4pm GMT, continues its mission of raising funds to support education for disadvantaged young people across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Since its launch in 2024, the Match for Hope initiative has raised over $19.5 million for charitable causes, with more than $10 million generated from last year’s edition alone.
Team Chunkz were led from the touchline by legendary former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, while Team AboFlah were managed by Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo. Both sides featured a unique blend of elite football pedigree and influencer entertainment.
On the pitch, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa provided flashes of nostalgia with their chemistry, while Thierry Henry led the line for Team AboFlah, supported by Tim Cahill, Ribéry and KSI. Gerard Piqué anchored the defence as the teams traded moments of skill, showmanship and crowd-pleasing play.
Beyond the scoreline, the event once again highlighted the power of sport and digital influence to drive meaningful change, combining entertainment with a global charitable impact.