A valuable moment for junior players with Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s visit to the Maldives turned into a celebration of football and youth yesterday, as hundreds of young players gathered for a special exhibition event held in his honour.

Earlier in the afternoon, Infantino paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, where he stressed the importance of nurturing children’s talents to build a stronger footballing nation. Shortly after, the two leaders headed to the National Stadium, where young players from Maldivian academies and junior teams eagerly awaited their arrival.

Before the start of the match, President Muizzu and Infantino spent a lot of time signing autographs.

The event featured several mini matches between academy sides, followed by the main highlight — a friendly match between teams led by President Muizzu and Infantino.

Infantino’s side won 6–4 in a spirited game that delighted fans in the stands. His team also included 2006 World Cup winner Marco Materazzi, who scored twice; once with a header and once with an overhead kick, as well as Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Ahmed Thoriq (Tom), former national team players Mohamed Umair, Imran Mohamed, Ali Shiham (Huraa Aya) and coach Ali Suzain.

President Muizzu’s team featured his son Umar Mohamed Muizzu, Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed, Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Minister at the President’s Office Abdulla Nasir (Harris Allo), Chief of Staff Abdulla Fayaz, Cabinet Secretary Ahmed Ali Habeeb and Visit Maldives CEO Ibrahim Shiuree. The team was coached by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef.

Goals for the President’s team came from President Muizzu, his son Umar, Nasir and Shiuree.

After the final whistle, the atmosphere turned festive as children rushed onto the pitch to meet their heroes. Both President Muizzu and Infantino spent time signing autographs once again and taking photos, with young fans handing over papers, footballs, shoes and jerseys to be signed.

For many of the children, the moment offered a glimpse of inspiration and a memory of the day world football’s top official shared the field with the future stars of Maldivian football.