Usyk John Terry Michael OwenGetty Images/Goal
Soham Mukherjee

Oleksandr Usyk to play alongside John Terry, Michael Owen, Kaka & Roberto Carlos as world heavyweight boxing champion signs up for Legends Charity Game vs Portugal

Oleksandr Usyk is set to play alongside John Terry, Michael Owen, Kaka & Roberto Carlos as the world heavyweight boxing champion has signed up for a Legends Charity Game against Portugal. He’s beaten the biggest names in boxing, but now Usyk is preparing to swap gloves for boots. The world’s undisputed heavyweight champion will lace up his football boots in Lisbon next week as he lines up in a star-studded charity clash.

  • Usyk swaps ring for football pitch
  • Boxing icon joins World Legends squad
  • Charity clash to support Ukraine projects
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Ukrainian powerhouse has confirmed his place in the World Legends XI, who will take on a Portugal Legends team in the Legends Charity Game at Sporting CP’s Estadio Jose Alvalade on Monday, September 15, 2025. He won’t be short of illustrious company. Expect to see Premier League icons such as John Terry, Michael Owen, Petr Cech, and Edwin van der Sar, alongside the artistry of Carles Puyol, Gheorghe Hagi, Alessandro Del Piero, Youri Djorkaeff, Henrik Larsson, Hristo Stoichkov, and Gaizka Mendieta.

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  • Roberto CarlosGetty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    That’s before you even glance at the South American contingent: Cafu, Javier Zanetti, Kaka, Roberto Carlos, and Javier Saviola. In short, Usyk is stepping into a dressing room bursting with Ballon d’Or winners, Champions League medals, and World Cup heroes.

  • TELL ME MORE

    Waiting for them will be a Portugal Legends XI captained by Luis Figo, one of the nation’s greatest ever players. He’ll be joined by fellow European champions Ricardo Quaresma, Nani, Eliseu, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho, and Pepe, as well as serial Champions League winners Deco, Fabio Coentrao, Maniche, Pauleta, Vítor Baia, and Jose Bosingwa. Other beloved names like Tiago Mendes, Jorge Andrade, Simao, Helder Postiga, Nuno Gomes, Beto, Dani, and Costinha complete a squad brimming with nostalgia. Costinha will double up as both manager and midfield general.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    This isn’t Usyk’s first foray into the beautiful game. Alongside his glittering boxing career, the 37-year-old is also the Honorary President of Ukrainian club Polissya. Having already cemented his legacy as the first two-time undisputed heavyweight champion since Muhammad Ali, defeating Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois along the way, he is now adding a fresh chapter to his career.

  • Oleksandr Usyk v Daniel Dubois II: Undisputed - Weigh InGetty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT?

    For supporters, the match promises more than nostalgia. It’s an opportunity to witness football and boxing royalty share the same pitch for a cause that transcends sport. With profits supporting Usyk’s foundation and other humanitarian efforts, every goal scored in Lisbon will carry weight far beyond the scoreboard. Tickets are available at www.legendscharitygame.com, and organisers expect a carnival atmosphere with fans from across Europe flocking to the Portuguese capital.

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