Spanish Legends Fàbregas and Mata reunited with FIFA World Cup Trophy™ at FIFA Museum
Monday night at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Cesc Fàbregas and Juan Mata became the first members of Spain’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™-winning squad to get reacquainted with football’s most iconic trophy.
The pair relished the opportunity to relive the moment when they raised the hallowed prize into the sky at Johannesburg’s Soccer City 14 years ago, posing for pictures with the trophy and being presented with a miniature replica as a memento.
Fàbregas and Mata also broke new ground by signing the Wall of Champions and adding a gold pin next to their names. They likewise enjoyed a tour of the museum in distinguished company.
The Wall of Champions is the FIFA Museum’s permanent tribute to those who have claimed the beautiful game’s biggest prizes: the FIFA World Cup™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup™. Miroslav Klose, Mario Kempes, Roger Hunt and Hope Solo are just a handful of the illustrious figures who have previously been immortalised by signing the wall and adding their pins.
Asked about their recipe for success in 2010 Juan Mata said: 'We all knew our roles, we were friends, the coach was also a big part. It felt so nice to be part of that legendary generation and we were also able to win the best trophy you can win'.
A UEFA Champions League title for Mata and a FIFA Club World Cup™ crown for Fàbregas stand out among the duo’s numerous club successes, while they also tasted continental glory at international level.
However, the undoubted highlight for both is the FIFA World Cup™ triumph on 11 July 2010, in which Fàbregas played a crucial role. After entering the fray as a substitute towards the end of normal time, the then Arsenal star set up Andrés Iniesta’s famous 116th-minute winner against the Netherlands with a signature slide-rule pass.
“When you are a kid, you have dreams, but you never dream so big. So that was for me one of the best nights of my career, one of the best in my life for sure” said Cesc Fàbregas while holding the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Fàbregas and Mata visited the FIFA Museum as part of the of the FIFA Diploma in Club Management. This programme has established itself since 2021 as the leading knowledge-sharing and networking platform for senior club executives. In line with FIFA’s vision, the programme will continue to elevate the professionalisation of football and help clubs from all around the world to compete at the highest level on and off the pitch.
The delegation comprised over 50 participants, including other legendary players – past and present – such as Radamel Falcao, Fernandinho, Éric Abidal, Esteban Cambiasso, Karina LeBlanc, Javier Pastore, Mario Gómez and Roberto Di Matteo.
Visit the FIFA Museum to see Fàbregas' and Mata's signature and the golden pin they have added to the Wall of Champions.