Hublot loves football as well as the connection football creates between people and this spirit of solidarity displayed by its fans. The watchmaking brand has been supporting football and its legendary players, iconic clubs and most renowned championships since 2006. Having organised a “Match for Peace” and two “Match of Friendship”, one of which took place a month ago in Basel, Hublot was back on the pitch on April 21st to make the world a better place. As official partner for the UEFA and United Nations Match for Solidarity Hublot panels were in use, its name was on display across the stadium and referees wore the connected watch especially created for football.
At 4.00 pm, Pierluigi Collina blew the starting whistle for this charity match, wearing the brand new Big Bang Referee, which has been developed for referees in the FIFA 2018 World Cup™ in Russia. The Match for Solidarity brought together team captains Luís Figo and Ronaldinho, and their legendary players for a common cause—the UEFA Foundation for Children—in a match in which a football became a symbol of hope. The goal of the match was to reduce inequality, which is one of the 17 sustainable development objectives set out by the UN.
The La Praille Stadium in Geneva reverberated to the rhythm of the teams dribbling, first touches and volleys and bicycle kicks united in solidarity. Legends present included Éric Abidal, Vitor Baia, Cafu, Ronald and Frank de Boer, Deco, Dida, Youri Djorkaeff, Edmilson, Alex Frei, Luis García, Nuno Gomes, Christian Karembeu, Robbie Keane, Patrick Kluivert, Henrik Larsson, Jari Litmanen, Gaizka Mendieta, Robert Pirès, Pirlo, Célia Šašić, Michel Salgado and Kelly Smith.
The funds raised during the match will go to support children. The funds will be combined with proceeds from an auction on www.matchforsolidarity.com, in which dozens of football shirts signed by some of the biggest football stars including Ronaldo, Iniesta, James Rodriguez, Dybala, Aguero, Falcao, Cavani, Kane, Pogba are available to fans from around the world. In addition, Hublot will auction the Big Bang Unico Retrograde timepiece paired with three One Click interchangeable straps in the colour of the UEFA and United Nations Match for Solidarity, at a special charity supper. To up the ante at the gala dinner, Hublot will also be offering a football shirt signed by all the players.
“‘TEAM, T- ogether, E- veryone, A- chieves, M- ore’. I love this idea that, alone, we are just a drop, and that, together, we can become an ocean. In the same way, all the actions we undertake every day, no matter how small, will one day lead to beautiful and great things. It is in this spirit of solidarity and hope that each and every one of us can change things on our own level; it is in this spirit that Hublot joins forces with the causes that it holds dear. Football is an invaluable force for bringing people together. People play football all over the world; all you need is a ball and the magic happens. What a beautiful sight: this sport, which makes the whole world dream, is going to enable children to dream once again, thanks to the UEFA Foundation for Children.”
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot
