Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
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FIFA’s Football Unites the World campaign is a global movement to inspire, unite and develop through football. Those qualities could equally be applied to Juan Pablo Sorin and David Trezeguet, both during their dazzling playing careers and now off the pitch as well.
The pair participated in the draw for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup – Argentina in part as football ambassadors, but also because of their ties to the host nation. There, they spoke about the transformative power of the beautiful game.
Sorin was born in Argentina and was a product of the legendary youth academy at Argentinos Juniors. The former full-back earned plaudits and silverware during 15 years in some of the toughest leagues in the world, including those of Italy, Spain and Germany. He even ended his career as an idol in Brazil, despite the country’s intense rivalry with Argentina. “Football unites us from a young age. It unites both male and female players and makes us all equal,” he said.
In addition, Sorin excelled in various Albiceleste sides. Not only was he a member of the U-20 team that won the World Cup in 1995, but he also played at two FIFA World Cups, those of Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006 – captaining the team at the latter. “Logically, becoming an ambassador and captain, and wearing the armband, is one of the things I’m most proud of in my career,” he added.
Trezeguet, for his part, was born in France and went on to win the FIFA World Cup with Les Bleus in 1998. However, as a child of two Argentinian parents, he also has their nationality. The former striker was still a young boy when the family moved back to Argentina, and it was there he received his footballing education. After coming through the youth ranks, he made his professional debut at Buenos Aires side Platense, before returning to Europe, where he triumphed in the French and Italian leagues.
“Football unites us socially and gives us a shared love of the game. That’s always been my belief,” explained Trezegol, who also played at the World Cups of Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006, finishing runner-up at the latter. For all that, he still celebrated Argentina’s world title at Qatar 2022, “as it united the country on a social and cultural level”.
