The Ajinomoto Stadium was filled with fans from Japan, who had the unique opportunity to see former stars from FC Barcelona and Real Madrid play once again, including Andrés Iniesta, Roberto Carlos, Xavi Hernández, and Iker Casillas.
On December 15, NSN had the honor of organizing a historic match: a one-of-a-kind Clásico that reunited former legends of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, featuring the return of Xavi Hernández playing alongside our co-founder, Andrés Iniesta. The Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo welcomed 45,725 fans for an unforgettable evening.
The match, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Barça Legends, allowed fans to relive iconic moments from the world of football. Javier Saviola opened the scoring for the Blaugrana in the 31st minute with an assist from Ludovic Giuly. Real Madrid Leyendas equalized in the second half with a penalty converted by Javier Balboa. However, in the final minutes, a cross from Iniesta resulted in an own goal by Fernando Sanz, securing victory for the Catalan side.
The event was not only a sporting spectacle but also an emotional tribute to Andrés Iniesta, who recently announced his retirement from professional football. At the end of the match, our co-founder received a special recognition for his remarkable career, sharing memorable moments with former teammates and historic rivals.
This match not only reinforces NSN’s commitment to the development of football but also to creating unique experiences for fans around the globe. For Never Say Never, this is much more than just a sport; it is an opportunity to unite cultures, inspire future generations, and promote values such as perseverance, teamwork, and passion for the game.