کاکا: ستاره های جام جوانان فیفا یک تورنمنت شگفت انگیز است
دپارتمان خبری آی تی فوتبال (اخبار جهان)
به گزارش پایگاه خبری آی تی فوتبال :در حالی که مصدومیت کاکا باعث شد که او نتواند مهارت های خود را در سال ۲۰۰۰ نشان دهد، اسطوره برزیلی خاطرات ارزشمند خود را از این مسابقات حفظ می کند، زیرا بخشی از تیم پیروزمندانه سائوپائولو بوده است.
Kaka: The Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup is an amazing tournament
While injury prevented Kaka from showcasing his skills when he travelled to the Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup™ in 2000, the Brazilian legend retains cherished memories from the tournament, having been part of a triumphant Sao Paulo squad
Ahead of the 2023 edition of the illustrious competition, which takes place in Zurich on 17 and 18 May, FIFA caught up with the former FIFA World Player of the Year to reflect on his experiences in Switzerland. Kaka was a fresh-faced 18-year-old when he set off for the event at the beginning of the millennium, and explained how observing elite international teams at close quarters was of huge value.
“To be on that kind of stage for a young guy is a big, big motivation and inspiration,” said Kaka. “I was injured but I remember the experience of being there.
“For me at the time, I was a young guy dreaming of being a professional footballer. It is always a pleasure when you have an international tournament, to see a different country and compete with big clubs around the world.
“This is such a platform for these young players to show themselves because you are going to be pressured, you’re going to have the media there, and a lot of people around the world watching you. Maybe big clubs will also be watching you. You start tasting what professional football is.”
This year’s Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup features a stellar line-up which includes the likes of Liverpool, Marseille and reigning champions Basel.
The tournament boasts a rich and storied history. It was inaugurated in 1939 by FC Blue Stars, the first club in Switzerland to have a dedicated youth programme. Bobby Charlton, Pep Guardiola and David Beckham are among the players who have graced the competition over the years.
A women’s edition was launched in 2018 and runs concurrently with the male tournament. Among the teams competing in this year’s women’s event are Arsenal, Juventus and 2022 winners FC Zurich.
The finals of the men’s and women’s tournaments will be streamed live on FIFA+, with highlights from every match also available on the platform. Kaka urged fans to seize the opportunity to watch potential future superstars in action.
“It is an amazing tournament, with high-quality organisation and high-quality games,” he said. “When you watch youth tournament, you want to see good matches, good players, a good environment – and a great overall experience of sport. For sure, the Blue Stars FIFA Youth Cup is one of the best.”