FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans to organise a special football match in September to honour the memory of Pope Francis, following the Pontiff’s funeral held earlier today at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Speaking to Sky TG24 after the ceremony, Infantino described the day as one of “great emotion,” highlighting the unifying impact of Pope Francis on the global community. “The world has come together today for him, and perhaps that is the most important message,” said Infantino, visibly moved.
The FIFA chief revealed that the idea of a commemorative match had been discussed personally with Pope Francis during their last meeting, a few months ago, at the World Summit for Children. The plan is to stage a match featuring some of football’s greatest legends, celebrating the Pontiff’s passion for both the beautiful game and for fostering unity among young people.
“In September, we will organise a match for children in his honour, bringing together the biggest legends of football to celebrate his memory and to unite everyone,” Infantino said.
Pope Francis, an avid football fan and lifelong supporter of San Lorenzo in Argentina, often spoke of the important life lessons that sport — and football in particular — could teach. Infantino reflected on this special relationship, noting the Pope’s belief that football fosters respect, resilience, and unity.
“Sport, and football especially, are schools of life. You learn to respect the rules and your opponents, you learn to lose and to get back up fighting,” Infantino explained. “Pope Francis recognised this spirit in football, and he valued its power to bring people together.”
Highlighting FIFA’s global reach, Infantino stressed the organisation’s role in promoting inclusivity and dialogue across nations.
“In FIFA we have 211 countries — more than the United Nations. Around a football, people from all over the world meet. Even nations in conflict can meet at a World Cup in peace and joy. Football can provide opportunities for leaders to meet and start building something deeper.”
As world leaders and figures from across the sporting world paid their final respects in Rome, Infantino concluded with a message of hope.
“The world needs peace. And to achieve peace, dialogue is necessary. We in football can play our small part.”
