Article
17 November 2008
Álvaro Velasco / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
Former Madridistas Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo Nazario ‘scored’ against poverty for the sixth time amongst friends in Fez (Morocco). Both players starred in a match in which Jordi Codina and Miguel Torres represented Real Madrid.
International fixtures set to take place this week prevented many stars from taking part in the match, but the greatest of all proved to be Zidane, who still thrills football fans wherever he goes. He had to leave his hotel with bodyguards while one hundred fans cheered his name, and every single one of his movements on the pitch were backed by chants.
Ronaldo wore the white kit and the number ‘9’ shirt. He came close to retirement due to the serious injury he sustained on one of his knees on 13 February, but he is willing to return to the football elite. He has been training with Flamengo every morning and in a gym every afternoon, and what was important for him yesterday was to feel like a player again. He played 21 minutes, after which he gave his spot on the team to Marta Vieira da Silva, considered to be the best female player in the world.
Ronaldo’s team eventually won 6-5, but the final score was unimportant. Both Zidane and the Brazilian player managed to successfully organise a match against poverty once again –their sixth since 2003-. These Goodwill Ambassadors for the UN spread joy with their goals. Their efforts are a small but important step in the fight against poverty in the world.