Zanzibar is set to host Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho and other retired stars in a landmark sporting event, “Match of the Legends,” scheduled for July 27 at the Amaan Stadium.
The high-profile exhibition match will see retired Brazilian football icons face off against veteran players from Zanzibar, with over 18,000 fans expected to fill the stadium. Organisers anticipate a global broadcast audience of more than 500 million, particularly from Brazil, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Zanzibar’s Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Moudrik Ramadhani Soraga, announced during a press conference held at the Golden Tulip Hotel – Airport in Kiembe Samaki. He described the event as a strategic initiative to boost the island’s visibility on the global tourism and sports map.
“Zanzibar’s economy depends heavily on tourism. Hosting world football legends like Ronaldinho is part of our broader plan to position Zanzibar as a premier destination for sports and cultural tourism,” Soraga said.
The event is being organised by Ocean Business Partners in collaboration with Brazil’s Fauzi Sports and is supported by the Zanzibar Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports. It will feature not only the football match but also merchandising exhibitions and business opportunities aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs.
Honorary Consul of Zanzibar in Brazil, Abdulsamad Abdulrahim, highlighted the significance of the visit for local youth.
“The Brazilian delegation will engage with local teams, offering Zanzibar’s young footballers a rare chance to learn from some of the best in the game,” he said.
Ronaldinho, revered for his flair and creativity on the pitch, won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and the Ballon d’Or in 2005. His presence is expected to generate excitement and elevate the profile of the event globally.
The government has made it clear that this initiative is part of a broader push to increase annual tourist arrivals from the current 730,000 to 1.5 million by 2027. Officials also aim to grow tourism’s contribution to over 29.2% of Zanzibar’s GDP by 2025.
“This is more than just a game,” Soraga added. “It’s a message to the world that Zanzibar is open for investment, cultural exchange, and global partnerships.”
Corporate sponsors, influencers, and international stakeholders have been invited to be part of the event, which promises opportunities for brand exposure and strategic networking.
As Zanzibar continues to invest in its sports infrastructure and youth engagement under President Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s leadership, the Match of the Legends stands out as a major step toward establishing the island as a hub for sports tourism in the region.
2
