World Football Stars Mass in Bulgaria for Charity Game

The two organizers Berbatov and Figo in Sofia. Photo: Dimitar Berbatov Foundation.

A star-studded charity football match organized by the foundations of Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov and Real Madrid legend Portuguese Luis Figo kicks off on Wednesday at the National Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia.

Profits from the celebrity match will go towards supporting talented children through the two footballers' charities.

Dozens of world-famous footballers, former teammates or rivals of the two famous players have already arrived in Bulgaria's capital to join the game.

"It will be the first time Bulgaria has seen so many huge stars in one place, brought together by the cause of charity. Together with them and with you who will come to the stadium, we will contribute to the better tomorrow," Berbatov said prior to the game.

Berbatov's United Stars team includes Man United legend Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Garry Neville, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar, David James, Robby Keane, Hristo Stoichkov, Krasimir Balakov, Stiliyan Petrov and Martin Petrov.

Figo, a winner of the 2000 Ballon d'Or, will lead the All Stars, along with Roberto Carlos, Robert Pires, Deko, David Trezeguet, Christian Karembeu, Dwight Yorke, Michel Salgado, Maxwell, Jens Lehmann, Francesko Toldo, Gaizka Mendieta, Nuno Gomes, Ivan Cordoba, Predrag Mijatovic and Jari Litmanen.

"All my friends back the idea of supporting the children … They are good people and want to show what it means to be human and a football legend," Berbatov said.

Berbatov, currently a free agent, is one of Bulgaria's brightest football stars. He captained Bulgaria's national team between 2006 and 2010 and has won two Premier League titles, the League Cup and Club World Cup during his time with Manchester United between 2008 and 2012.

Figo is...

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