Football
ESPN staff 9y

Zidane, Kluivert and Ballack set to return for 2017 Legends World Cup

Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Kluivert and Michael Ballack could be among the star names signed up to play each other in tournament action in 2017 after plans for a new Legends World Cup were announced.

Mexico will stage the tournament, open to retired players between the ages of 35 and 45, with proceeds going to charities in the host country.

The plans were announced at the Aspire4Sport congress in Berlin, Germany at a news conference attended by former Mexico goalkeeper Jorge Campos, Argentina legend Juan Sebastian Veron and ex-Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta, who are all lined up to coach their respective national teams.

ESPN Deportes reports that other nations set to take part are Brazil, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France, England, the United States, Japan and South Africa.

France legend Zidane, 43, is one of the superstar names linked with participating in the tournament by ESPN Deportes while ex-Germany defender Lothar Matthaus -- who, like Zidane, is a World Cup-winner and former Ballon d'Or winner -- is being lined up to coach his national team.

Former Netherlands international striker Patrick Kluivert said at the event: "When you are still playing, you don't think so much about the things you are going to do after you stop playing as a professional.

This tournament is a great way to give something back to the community and it's a great chance to meet former teammates, opponents and friends again."

Mendieta said via his Instagram account: "Exciting times ahead and a lot of work to do but looking forward to start putting everything together to make this amazing project happen!"

The tournament format will see matches played over two 30-minute halves with unlimited substitutions across four cities in Mexico in January, 2017.

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