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Featuring former Ballon d’Or winners, World Cup champions, and European stars, the event is set to showcase the talents of some of football’s all-time greats in a friendly match at Ajinomoto Stadium.
Headlining the Barcelona squad is newly retired Andres Iniesta, who spent the last five years playing in Japan with Vissel Kobe before a brief stint in the UAE.
The 40-year-old playmaker, a defining figure of Barcelona’s golden era, will take the field alongside former teammates like Xavi Hernandez.
Xavi, who recently ended his managerial spell with Barcelona, returns as a player to reignite memories of his famed midfield partnership with Iniesta.
Barcelona’s lineup also includes 1999 Ballon d’Or winner Rivaldo, former club favourites Ludovic Giuly, Javier Mascherano, Adriano, and Javier Saviola.
Meanwhile, Bojan Krkic and Rafa Marquez, both now involved in the club’s backroom staff, will step onto the pitch to represent the Blaugrana once more.
On the other side, Real Madrid boast an equally star-studded roster.
Ballon d’Or winner Luis Figo, who controversially transferred from Barcelona to Madrid in 2000, will play alongside club legends Roberto Carlos and Iker Casillas.
Figo’s 2002 return to Camp Nou is famously remembered for the hostile reception he received from Barcelona fans, who even hurled a pig’s head onto the pitch — a stark contrast to the friendlier atmosphere expected in Japan.
Other Madrid icons joining the lineup include Julio Baptista, Steve McManaman, Savio, and Ivan Campo, who will relive their rivalry with Barcelona in this unique setting.
The current Barcelona and Real Madrid teams last met in October, with Barcelona claiming a dominant 4-0 victory at the Bernabeu.
