Back in 2016, some of the world’s top athletes joined hands to take part in a soccer match in tribute to F1 legend, Michael Schumacher. The likes of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki all took part. With an all-star lineup like this, the match was aptly called ‘Champions for charity’.

The game took place at the soccer club, FSV Mainz’s Coface-Arena on July 27. It was right before the 2016 German GP in Hockenheim.

Sebastian Vettel captained Nazionale Piloti, a team consisting of F1 drivers. This team had Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Hulkenberg, and Nico Rosberg, among others, in the lineup. Another future racer taking part that day was the then-17-year-old Mick Schumacher. Fittingly, he was part of the F1 drivers’ team.

And in the opposition was Dirk Nowitzki’s all-star team, comprising sporting champions from different fields. Football players like Lukas Podolski, Serge Gnabry, and Miroslav Klose were part of his squad.

All the ticket proceeds from this game went to a couple of German charities of the Schumacher family’s choosing.

“Over many years Michael has been both an initiator and integral part of charity soccer matches, often playing with the Nazionale Piloti but also in other teams and sometimes playing together with Dirk Nowitzki. Both of them clicked immediately, so this combination fits very well… We hope they will have a lot of fun that evening,” said Schumacher’s manager, Sabine Kehm.

Watch Story- Inside Michael Schumacher’s car collection

How did the Michael Schumacher charity match play out?

The match was a lot of fun as there were goals galore and celebrations aplenty. Both the teams combined to score 15 goals that evening in Mainz. Dirk Nowitzki was at the heart of the action as he provided a bunch of playful highlights with his antics.

The Dallas Mavericks superstar took a dubious penalty, mimicking Simone Zaza’s failed attempt at the 2016 Euros. He also attempted a failed bicycle kick, though, later scored in the evening.

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”

April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal

April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Overall, the charity event was a mighty success as the fans turned out in huge numbers to watch some of the greatest athletes of all time. It was a perfect homage to the legacy of Michael Schumacher.