FIFA announce charity game to honour Pope Francis

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended Pope Francis' funeral and announced a charity football match in September to honor the late Pontiff's legacy.

The game will feature football legends and promote unity among young people.

"We discussed organising a game for the kids featuring world legends to unite his passion for football and promote unity among young people," Infantino told Sky TG 24.

He continued "We thought about playing this game in September, and at this point, we’ll surely do it to honour his memory, uniting the best football legends."

Infantino highlighted the special bond between Pope Francis and football.

He added, "It was a special relationship, also between Pope Francis and football. He was a big football fan.

“The emotion this morning was unique. So many people from different parts of the world, united by Pope Francis, just like world leaders.

"Sports and football, in particular, are a lesson for life. You learn how to get along with others and how to respect the rules. You learn how to win and lose."

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, in the early morning hours of Easter Monday.

He died at his residence in Vatican City's Domus Sanctae Marthae after suffering a severe stroke that led to irreversible cardiac arrest.