Brazil football icon Rivaldo signs up for Star Sixes tournament
Brazil football icon Rivaldo is the latest legend to be unveiled for Star Sixes, the first competitive six-a-side tournament for former internationals.
The one-time World Player of the Year, renowned for his mazy runs and spectacular goals, helped Brazil lift the World Cup in 2002 and will be hoping to guide his country to further glory in London this summer.
Ex-AC Milan and Barcelona playmaker Rivaldo is one of three big names being announced today as the latest additions to the Brazilian team for the inaugural Star Sixes tournament, which takes place from 13 to 16 July at The O2 Arena.
Dida, the two-time Champions League-winning goalkeeper with AC Milan, will be the Brazil stopper, while ex-Santos, Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester City midfielder Elano has also signed up.
The trio will be linking up again with previously confirmed Brazilian heroes Roberto Carlos, Juliano Belletti and Gilberto Silva in the Samba Boys’ ten-man squad.
Brazil have been drawn in Group B at the 12-team tournament and face Italy, captained by another global superstar Alessandro Del Piero, in their opening game on Thursday 13 July.
They face China on Friday July 14 before rounding off the group phase on Saturday July 15 against a Nigeria side featuring former Premier League stars Jay-Jay Okocha, Celestine Babayaro and Daniel Amokachi.
The galaxy of stars representing their countries again – 120 all under one roof – also include Steven Gerrard, Robert Pires, Michael Ballack, Carles Puyol, Deco and Rio Ferdinand.
Rivaldo, Dida and Elano are the latest signings for Star Sixes, a six-a-side world cup for legends taking place at The O2, London, July 13-16. Tickets, starting at £30 adults and £10 U16s, are on sale at Ticketmaster and AXS. The tournament will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports.