Nexon, the acclaimed developer behind the hit football video games FC Online and FC Mobile, is set to host an extraordinary real-life exhibition match this October at the iconic Seoul World Cup Stadium. Titled the “Icon Match,” this event will showcase a lineup of retired football legends, including household names like Didier Drogba, Kaka, and Rio Ferdinand.

In collaboration with the popular Korean football YouTube channel, Shoot for Love, the Icon Match aims to celebrate former star players represented in Nexon’s prestigious Icon Class—a collection celebrating the legendary talents who have left their mark on the sport.

The match will feature two distinct teams: the Spear Team, consisting of attackers, and the Shield Team, composed of top defenders. It will be an attack-versus-defense match.

The exhibition will kick off on 19 October at 6:00 PM KST with a special pre-match event, where players will engage in an interactive showcase, thrilling fans with their skills and charisma. The main event, scheduled for 20 October, will unfold over two 45-minute halves, as the Spear Team attempts to penetrate the robust defenses of the Shield Team.

Excitement is already building, with players sparking pre-match banter. Javier Mascherano, a distinguished defender for the Shield Team, declared, “The Shield Team will emerge victorious because defenders work cohesively, while attackers often rely on individual brilliance.”

Kaka, representing the Spear Team, confidently countered, stating, “Mascherano is a formidable opponent, but I’m convinced the Spear Team will claim victory in this Icon Match.”

The roster boasts some of world’s finest, including Didier Drogba, renowned for his pivotal role at Chelsea FC, where he secured the club’s first UEFA Champions League title and multiple Premier League championships. Conversely, Rio Ferdinand, a stalwart of Manchester United’s defense following a record-setting transfer, will provide a strong backbone for the Shield Team.

Additional star players like Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Vidic, Luis Figo, and Yaya Toure will also grace the field, each contributing their unique legacy to this spectacular event.

Park Jung-moo, head of Nexon’s FC Group, expressed his enthusiasm:

“The Icon Match transforms what was once only imagined into a reality, creating a new football culture that transcends the game itself. We hope FC Online fans, FC Mobile fans, and football enthusiasts will make unforgettable memories at this event.”

Football fans can catch all the action by tuning in live on the official EA Sports FC Korea YouTube Channel. Don’t miss the chance to witness these legends in action!