President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and FIFA President Gianni Infantino took to the field today at the National Stadium in Malé, joining an exhibition football match held as part of the Kids’ Football Festival organized by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM). The special event marked a highlight of Infantino’s official visit to the Maldives.
The friendly match brought together two star-studded teams. President Muizzu’s side featured Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Cabinet Ministers, and senior Government officials, while Infantino’s lineup included 2006 World Cup champion Marco Materazzi and several celebrated Maldivian football legends. In an energetic display of teamwork and sportsmanship, Infantino’s team secured a 6–4 victory.
Adding to the occasion, President Muizzu and FIFA President Infantino jointly unveiled the Diamond Jubilee logo commemorating 75 years of Maldivian football. The leaders also interacted with young players from local academies, signing autographs and encouraging youth participation in sports.
Official football tournaments in the Maldives trace back to 1950, with the establishment of Kulhivaru Muntazim as the country’s first sports regulatory body. The Football Association of Maldives was formally founded in 1982 and gained FIFA membership in 1986, marking the nation’s entry into global football governance.
Promoting sports infrastructure and nurturing young athletes remain core elements of President Muizzu’s national vision for a healthy and active society.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd, including First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, students, and families who filled the stands to witness the symbolic match—celebrating the Maldives’ enduring passion for football and its growing presence on the world stage.
