By rikififi90 
At 72, Zico remains a towering figure in Brazilian and global football, extending his influence far beyond the pitch. During an event held at the Zico Football Center (CFZ) in Rio de Janeiro on March 12, the former player announced the international expansion of the Stars Game, with its inaugural edition set for July 27 in Hiroshima, Japan. Featuring Ronaldinho Gaúcho as a confirmed star, the match will donate an estimated R$ 1 million (around $200,000 USD) of its proceeds to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), supporting children and teens in vulnerable situations. The announcement builds on the event’s legacy, which drew over 40,000 fans to its last edition at Maracanã in December 2023. Hiroshima, marking 80 years of rebuilding since the 1945 atomic bombing, adds profound symbolism to this global debut, while the 21st Brazilian edition, scheduled for December 27, will feature talents like Flamengo’s Léo Ortiz.
Planning an international Stars Game has long been a dream for Zico, delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic until now. The CFZ ceremony brought together Unicef representatives, former athletes, and organizers, including Zico’s son, Júnior Coimbra, who outlined preparations for the Japan event. With Ronaldinho’s star power and a focus on social impact, the game aims to resonate worldwide. The Hiroshima match, set for the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima stadium, promises to blend sport and philanthropy, echoing Zico’s legacy from his playing days with Kashima Antlers in Japan between 1991 and 1994.
The Brazilian edition remains a cornerstone, slated for December 27 with its traditional mix of past and present stars. Last year’s event saw Zico score a penalty, delighting fans, and raised significant funds for social causes. The Japan debut, paired with the domestic game, underscores the event’s growing ambition to unite football and humanitarian efforts on a global stage.
Hiroshima hosts historic Stars Game debut
Selecting Hiroshima as the venue for the Stars Game’s international premiere carries deep personal and historical weight for Zico. The city, rebuilt after the devastation of World War II, is gearing up for a series of 2025 celebrations marking 80 years since its recovery began. Scheduled for July 27 at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima stadium, which holds 28,000 spectators, the match will be a highlight of this milestone. Júnior Coimbra shared that the lineup will feature Brazilian, Japanese, and international former players, with Ronaldinho Gaúcho leading the pack. Additional names are still under wraps, but the roster is expected to celebrate football’s global legacy.
Tickets for the Hiroshima game will range from ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 (roughly $20 to $70 USD), with a portion of the revenue supporting Unicef initiatives for education and health in Japan and Brazil. Live broadcasts to Brazil are confirmed, with digital platforms and partner networks covering the event. Local Hiroshima authorities have embraced the game, emphasizing its potential to merge sport with the city’s historical narrative, drawing both football enthusiasts and summer tourists.
The event’s scale is poised to make waves. Ronaldinho, a 2002 World Cup winner and two-time FIFA Player of the Year (2004 and 2005), brings unmatched appeal at 44. Preparations in Hiroshima are underway, ensuring a seamless experience for players, fans, and the global audience tuning in.
Solidarity and sport define Zico’s vision
Blending football with social good lies at the heart of the Stars Game, a tradition spanning over two decades. The 2023 Maracanã edition raised over R$ 2 million (about $400,000 USD) with tickets priced between R$ 50 and R$ 100 ($10 to $20 USD). A crowd of 40,157 watched Zico’s team clinch a 7-6 victory, but the real triumph was off the field: beyond Unicef donations, 76 pairs of soccer cleats were donated through the Doe Gols project, a sportv partnership aiding young athletes. Each goal in the main match and the artists’ game (a 5-5 draw) added to the tally, with Zico’s penalty carrying a weight of 10.
Since its inception, Doe Gols has reached over 50 Brazilian institutions, distributing gear and promoting football among underserved youth. For 2025, the Hiroshima edition aims to extend this impact, including donations to local Japanese communities. The strengthened Unicef partnership ensures funds support child protection, nutrition, and education programs in Brazil’s favelas and indigenous areas, as well as Japan’s poorer regions.
Star-studded lineup: Ronaldinho and Léo Ortiz confirmed
Featuring football legends and rising stars is a hallmark of the Stars Game, and 2025 promises no less. Ronaldinho Gaúcho headlines the Hiroshima event, his global fame undimmed at 44. Júnior Coimbra hopes the Japan experience will lure him back for the Brazilian edition in December. Speculated participants include Japanese icon Hidetoshi Nakata and Brazilians like Hulk and Leandro Damião, who shone in Japan’s leagues, though confirmations are pending.
For the December 27 Brazilian game, Flamengo’s Léo Ortiz is locked in, representing the next generation. The 2023 event showcased Adriano, Petkovic, Renato Gaúcho, and Spain’s Michel Salgado, who played a full 90 minutes after traveling from abroad. Zico praised Salgado’s dedication, noting it reflects Brazil’s enduring football prestige. “The knee complains, but the drive to help keeps me going,” Zico said, hinting at his limited on-field role this year.
The mix of eras and talents keeps the Stars Game fresh. Hiroshima’s lineup is expected to honor both Brazilian and Japanese football histories, creating a memorable spectacle.
2025 Stars Game schedule unveiled
The Stars Game solidifies its status as a premier football charity event with two landmark editions in 2025. Here’s what’s confirmed:
- July 27: International debut in Hiroshima at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima. Ronaldinho Gaúcho stars, with more names to come. Proceeds will aid Unicef, with live coverage reaching Brazil.
- December 27: 21st Brazilian edition, likely at Maracanã. Léo Ortiz is confirmed, with additional players to be announced. Social initiatives like Doe Gols will continue.
Both events will feature side attractions, including the artists’ match, boosting their charitable reach. Organizers aim to captivate distinct audiences while advancing a shared mission.
Social impact grows with record figures
Over two decades, the Stars Game has delivered staggering results. The 2023 edition’s R$ 2 million haul exemplifies its financial clout, with 2025’s Hiroshima game projecting a R$ 1 million Unicef donation. Flávia Antunes, Unicef’s Rio office head, praised sport’s transformative power for vulnerable youth, underscoring the partnership’s value. Funds will tackle malnutrition, enhance education, and protect kids in Brazil and Japan.
Doe Gols targets 100 cleat pairs for 2025, building on the 300 donated by March 2025. Tied to sportv’s Brasileirão coverage, the project turns goals into tangible aid. Sponsors and ticket sales fuel this success, with Hiroshima’s edition poised to draw Japanese and global backers.
Key stats highlight the event’s reach:
- Over 500,000 attendees across all editions.
- Approximately R$ 10 million ($2 million USD) raised for social causes in 20 years.
- Around 300 cleat pairs donated via Doe Gols by March 2025.
- More than 100 national and international stars featured historically.
Zico’s legacy goes global
Taking the Stars Game to Japan is a bold move that amplifies Zico’s vision of football as a force for good. His 1990s stint with Kashima Antlers forged a lasting bond with the country, now renewed through this venture. Hiroshima’s symbolic weight—80 years post-reconstruction—pairs perfectly with the event’s ethos, promising a standout moment with Ronaldinho at the helm.
Back home, the December edition will keep fans engaged, blending new talents like Léo Ortiz with the event’s storied past. Zico’s mission endures: harnessing football’s universal appeal to drive change, from Rio’s Maracanã to Hiroshima’s Peace Wing.
At 72, Zico remains a towering figure in Brazilian and global football, extending his influence far beyond the pitch. During an event held at the Zico Football Center (CFZ) in Rio de Janeiro on March 12, the former player announced the international expansion of the Stars Game, with its inaugural edition set for July 27 in Hiroshima, Japan. Featuring Ronaldinho Gaúcho as a confirmed star, the match will donate an estimated R$ 1 million (around $200,000 USD) of its proceeds to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), supporting children and teens in vulnerable situations. The announcement builds on the event’s legacy, which drew over 40,000 fans to its last edition at Maracanã in December 2023. Hiroshima, marking 80 years of rebuilding since the 1945 atomic bombing, adds profound symbolism to this global debut, while the 21st Brazilian edition, scheduled for December 27, will feature talents like Flamengo’s Léo Ortiz.
Planning an international Stars Game has long been a dream for Zico, delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic until now. The CFZ ceremony brought together Unicef representatives, former athletes, and organizers, including Zico’s son, Júnior Coimbra, who outlined preparations for the Japan event. With Ronaldinho’s star power and a focus on social impact, the game aims to resonate worldwide. The Hiroshima match, set for the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima stadium, promises to blend sport and philanthropy, echoing Zico’s legacy from his playing days with Kashima Antlers in Japan between 1991 and 1994.
The Brazilian edition remains a cornerstone, slated for December 27 with its traditional mix of past and present stars. Last year’s event saw Zico score a penalty, delighting fans, and raised significant funds for social causes. The Japan debut, paired with the domestic game, underscores the event’s growing ambition to unite football and humanitarian efforts on a global stage.
Hiroshima hosts historic Stars Game debut
Selecting Hiroshima as the venue for the Stars Game’s international premiere carries deep personal and historical weight for Zico. The city, rebuilt after the devastation of World War II, is gearing up for a series of 2025 celebrations marking 80 years since its recovery began. Scheduled for July 27 at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima stadium, which holds 28,000 spectators, the match will be a highlight of this milestone. Júnior Coimbra shared that the lineup will feature Brazilian, Japanese, and international former players, with Ronaldinho Gaúcho leading the pack. Additional names are still under wraps, but the roster is expected to celebrate football’s global legacy.
Tickets for the Hiroshima game will range from ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 (roughly $20 to $70 USD), with a portion of the revenue supporting Unicef initiatives for education and health in Japan and Brazil. Live broadcasts to Brazil are confirmed, with digital platforms and partner networks covering the event. Local Hiroshima authorities have embraced the game, emphasizing its potential to merge sport with the city’s historical narrative, drawing both football enthusiasts and summer tourists.
The event’s scale is poised to make waves. Ronaldinho, a 2002 World Cup winner and two-time FIFA Player of the Year (2004 and 2005), brings unmatched appeal at 44. Preparations in Hiroshima are underway, ensuring a seamless experience for players, fans, and the global audience tuning in.
Solidarity and sport define Zico’s vision
Blending football with social good lies at the heart of the Stars Game, a tradition spanning over two decades. The 2023 Maracanã edition raised over R$ 2 million (about $400,000 USD) with tickets priced between R$ 50 and R$ 100 ($10 to $20 USD). A crowd of 40,157 watched Zico’s team clinch a 7-6 victory, but the real triumph was off the field: beyond Unicef donations, 76 pairs of soccer cleats were donated through the Doe Gols project, a sportv partnership aiding young athletes. Each goal in the main match and the artists’ game (a 5-5 draw) added to the tally, with Zico’s penalty carrying a weight of 10.
Since its inception, Doe Gols has reached over 50 Brazilian institutions, distributing gear and promoting football among underserved youth. For 2025, the Hiroshima edition aims to extend this impact, including donations to local Japanese communities. The strengthened Unicef partnership ensures funds support child protection, nutrition, and education programs in Brazil’s favelas and indigenous areas, as well as Japan’s poorer regions.
Star-studded lineup: Ronaldinho and Léo Ortiz confirmed
Featuring football legends and rising stars is a hallmark of the Stars Game, and 2025 promises no less. Ronaldinho Gaúcho headlines the Hiroshima event, his global fame undimmed at 44. Júnior Coimbra hopes the Japan experience will lure him back for the Brazilian edition in December. Speculated participants include Japanese icon Hidetoshi Nakata and Brazilians like Hulk and Leandro Damião, who shone in Japan’s leagues, though confirmations are pending.
For the December 27 Brazilian game, Flamengo’s Léo Ortiz is locked in, representing the next generation. The 2023 event showcased Adriano, Petkovic, Renato Gaúcho, and Spain’s Michel Salgado, who played a full 90 minutes after traveling from abroad. Zico praised Salgado’s dedication, noting it reflects Brazil’s enduring football prestige. “The knee complains, but the drive to help keeps me going,” Zico said, hinting at his limited on-field role this year.
The mix of eras and talents keeps the Stars Game fresh. Hiroshima’s lineup is expected to honor both Brazilian and Japanese football histories, creating a memorable spectacle.
2025 Stars Game schedule unveiled
The Stars Game solidifies its status as a premier football charity event with two landmark editions in 2025. Here’s what’s confirmed:
- July 27: International debut in Hiroshima at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima. Ronaldinho Gaúcho stars, with more names to come. Proceeds will aid Unicef, with live coverage reaching Brazil.
- December 27: 21st Brazilian edition, likely at Maracanã. Léo Ortiz is confirmed, with additional players to be announced. Social initiatives like Doe Gols will continue.
Both events will feature side attractions, including the artists’ match, boosting their charitable reach. Organizers aim to captivate distinct audiences while advancing a shared mission.
Social impact grows with record figures
Over two decades, the Stars Game has delivered staggering results. The 2023 edition’s R$ 2 million haul exemplifies its financial clout, with 2025’s Hiroshima game projecting a R$ 1 million Unicef donation. Flávia Antunes, Unicef’s Rio office head, praised sport’s transformative power for vulnerable youth, underscoring the partnership’s value. Funds will tackle malnutrition, enhance education, and protect kids in Brazil and Japan.
Doe Gols targets 100 cleat pairs for 2025, building on the 300 donated by March 2025. Tied to sportv’s Brasileirão coverage, the project turns goals into tangible aid. Sponsors and ticket sales fuel this success, with Hiroshima’s edition poised to draw Japanese and global backers.
Key stats highlight the event’s reach:
- Over 500,000 attendees across all editions.
- Approximately R$ 10 million ($2 million USD) raised for social causes in 20 years.
- Around 300 cleat pairs donated via Doe Gols by March 2025.
- More than 100 national and international stars featured historically.
Zico’s legacy goes global
Taking the Stars Game to Japan is a bold move that amplifies Zico’s vision of football as a force for good. His 1990s stint with Kashima Antlers forged a lasting bond with the country, now renewed through this venture. Hiroshima’s symbolic weight—80 years post-reconstruction—pairs perfectly with the event’s ethos, promising a standout moment with Ronaldinho at the helm.
Back home, the December edition will keep fans engaged, blending new talents like Léo Ortiz with the event’s storied past. Zico’s mission endures: harnessing football’s universal appeal to drive change, from Rio’s Maracanã to Hiroshima’s Peace Wing.
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