Stage is set for the greatest show on earth - Spirit of Sport
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The latest episode of the Laureus-presented show features exclusive interviews with World Cup-winning legends Cafu and Marcel Desailly, before we take a trip down memory lane to hear from Sir Bobby Charlton, Lionel Messi and Carles Puyol, who explain how champions are formed.
In the latest episode of Spirit of Sport, we sit down with footballing royalty Cafu, Luis Figo, Marcel Desailly and Ruud Gullit as they look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup – and predict which of the 48 competing nations will be celebrating when the full-time whistle blows at New York New Jersey Stadium, on July 19.
It was heartbreak for France at Qatar 2022, with Didier Deschamps’ side losing out to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina on penalties, and Les Blues are determined to go one better this time around.
Laureus Academy Member and 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, said: “We have a great national team where we have belief. They are going to be in the final again and are capable of winning it.
“The way Didier Deschamps chose the squad has really made the difference. He knows how to position the players for them to perform at their best.”
It was heartbreak for France at Qatar 2022, with Didier Deschamps’ side losing out to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina on penalties, and Les Blues are determined to go one better this time around.
Laureus Academy Member and 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, said: “We have a great national team where we have belief. They are going to be in the final again and are capable of winning it.
“The way Didier Deschamps chose the squad has really made the difference. He knows how to position the players for them to perform at their best.”
The Netherlands hold the unwanted record of the most World Cup final appearances without a win (3), and are aiming to make history this year for the right reasons.
“The Dutch have always been there,” said Euro 88-winning captain and Laureus Academy Member, Ruud Gullit. “As a small country, we have done really, really well.
“The worries I have are that a lot of the players don’t play regular football -- Cody Gakpo, Nathan Aké, Tijjani Reijnders. Nevertheless, we have all the talent and I’m very positive about it.”
In this episode, we dip into the archives to speak with those who know exactly what it takes to reach the pinnacle of their sport. In a special interview from 2011, the late Sir Bobby Charlton reflected on his stunning solo goal against Mexico in 1966 which proved to be England’s catalyst in going on to win the World Cup.
“I went from about 60 yards away from goal to about 35 yards out,” he said. “I weaved and dribbled, and they opened up. The shot just flew right where I intended it to go. A lot of people say it was the best goal I ever scored … it was maybe the most important.”
“The Dutch have always been there,” said Euro 88-winning captain and Laureus Academy Member, Ruud Gullit. “As a small country, we have done really, really well.
“The worries I have are that a lot of the players don’t play regular football -- Cody Gakpo, Nathan Aké, Tijjani Reijnders. Nevertheless, we have all the talent and I’m very positive about it.”
In this episode, we dip into the archives to speak with those who know exactly what it takes to reach the pinnacle of their sport. In a special interview from 2011, the late Sir Bobby Charlton reflected on his stunning solo goal against Mexico in 1966 which proved to be England’s catalyst in going on to win the World Cup.
“I went from about 60 yards away from goal to about 35 yards out,” he said. “I weaved and dribbled, and they opened up. The shot just flew right where I intended it to go. A lot of people say it was the best goal I ever scored … it was maybe the most important.”
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In 2002, Brazil created history of their own by becoming the only team to win every game at the tournament, thanks in no small part to the leadership of skipper Cafu.
“The World Cup, for a professional footballer, means everything,” he said. “I am one of the happiest men in the world, and fulfilled too.”
We also hear from Portuguese legend Luís Figo, plus Spain’s Carles Puyol and Argentine hero Lionel Messi on how they fought back from opening-day defeats in 2010 and 2022 respectively to claim the ultimate prize.
Laureus Ambassador Thiago Alcântara names his dream penalty shootout lineup and finally, we take a trip to Turin with Italy legend and Laureus Academy Member Alessandro Del Piero to learn about how a Laureus Sport for Good programme, A.S.D. Gruppo Sportivo Valanga, have been bringing communities together through the power of sport for over half a century. “Sport means fun, unity and inclusion. The coaches, teachers and volunteers are doing an incredible job at this organisation,” said Del Piero.
Find Spirit of Sport on your TV planner, on Amazon Prime Video and stay tuned to Laureus’ social and digital channels for more unique and compelling stories and insights from stellar names from the world of sport.
“The World Cup, for a professional footballer, means everything,” he said. “I am one of the happiest men in the world, and fulfilled too.”
We also hear from Portuguese legend Luís Figo, plus Spain’s Carles Puyol and Argentine hero Lionel Messi on how they fought back from opening-day defeats in 2010 and 2022 respectively to claim the ultimate prize.
Laureus Ambassador Thiago Alcântara names his dream penalty shootout lineup and finally, we take a trip to Turin with Italy legend and Laureus Academy Member Alessandro Del Piero to learn about how a Laureus Sport for Good programme, A.S.D. Gruppo Sportivo Valanga, have been bringing communities together through the power of sport for over half a century. “Sport means fun, unity and inclusion. The coaches, teachers and volunteers are doing an incredible job at this organisation,” said Del Piero.
Find Spirit of Sport on your TV planner, on Amazon Prime Video and stay tuned to Laureus’ social and digital channels for more unique and compelling stories and insights from stellar names from the world of sport.
