Football Legends Gathered in One Place... Nexon Hosts 'Icon Match'

October 19-20, All-Time Soccer Legends Appear in Seoul

The unique soccer match "Icon Match," jointly planned by Nexon and the soccer-specialized YouTube channel ShootForLove, will be held on October 19 and 20 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. Inspired by Nexon's popular soccer games "FC Online" and "FC Mobile," this match brings together retired soccer legends as the "Icon Class" for a special game.

The match features a distinctive concept where the "Spear Team," composed solely of forwards, faces off against the "Shield Team," made up entirely of defenders. Each team consists of 11 players, showcasing an unprecedented showdown that aims to settle the long-standing debate among soccer fans about which side is stronger: offense or defense. The game will be played in full-time with two 45-minute halves.

Legendary players renowned for their achievements will participate in this "Icon Match." Representing the forward-only "Spear Team" is Didier Drogba, a Chelsea legend who led the club to a UCL victory. Drogba established himself as one of the world's best strikers with four Premier League titles and two top scorer awards at Chelsea.

The defender-only "Shield Team" will be led by Rio Ferdinand, who was a starting center-back at Manchester United and once held the record for the highest transfer fee worldwide. Additionally, Ballon d'Or winner Kaka, Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Vidi?, Javier Mascherano, Lu?s Figo, Yaya Tour?, and other players who once thrilled fans will also participate in the match.

Mascherano, who joined the "Shield Team," expressed confidence, saying, "Forwards play individually, but defenders move as a team, so the 'Shield Team' will win." In response, Kaka of the "Spear Team" countered, "Mascherano is still in good shape, but he won't be able to win this match."

Nexon has been striving to expand the soccer industry's base through various campaigns related to soccer, such as supporting youth soccer players and producing entertainment content with overseas coaches. This "Icon Match" is also interpreted as part of that effort, aiming to provide a festival where Nexon's soccer game fans and soccer enthusiasts can enjoy together.

Park Jung-moo, head of Nexon FC Group, said, "Many soccer fans have already shown support and interest in the 'Icon Match,'" adding, "We will do our best to prepare during the remaining period."