Football: World Cup trophy on global tour

On Thursday, Spain’s Iker Casillas and Brazil’s Kaka began a journey with the trophy that will take them to 32 countries, all qualified for the next World Cup scheduled in Qatar. Iker Casillas, goalkeeper and captain of La Roja, played a major role in the historic victory in the first ever World Cup played in Africa. For his part, Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, known…

APA-Dakar (Senegal) The World Cup, a 6.142-kilogram solid gold trophy, will be presented in 51 countries and territories around the world.

On Thursday, Spain’s Iker Casillas and Brazil’s Kaka began a journey with the trophy that will take them to 32 countries, all qualified for the next World Cup scheduled in Qatar. This tour, the fifth of its kind, was launched in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Iker Casillas, goalkeeper and captain of La Roja, played a major role in the historic victory in the first ever World Cup played in Africa. “I reached the peak of my career in 2010 (in South Africa), when I lifted the trophy with Spain. It’s nice to think that in a few months, in Qatar, someone will experience the same emotions. I am very proud to be here today to launch the tour that will go to meet fans around the world,” said the Real Madrid legend.

For his part, Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, known as Kaka, tasted the thrill of a final victory at the 2002 World Cup. An edition co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. At the age of 20, the 2007 France Football Ballon d’Or winner has very fond memories: “I had just realized my dream. It’s a great honor to be here for the first leg of the tour.

Romy Gai, Commercial Director of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), said that this initiative “shows the commitment (of the governing body) to truly global footbal. Above all, it is an opportunity for us to put the spotlight on all those who love footbal around the world”.

The World Cup, watched by billions of people, is scheduled from November 21 to December 18, 2022. Africa will be represented in Qatar by Senegal, the reigning African champion, Ghana, Cameroon, Tunisia and Morocco. Until now, the best performance of a selection of the black continent remains the quarterfinals. And only Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) have reached this stage of the competition.