Roberto Carlos (left) and Emilio Butragueno

Real Madrid fans in Dubai and visitors to the city were delighted when the team’s legends visited the the world’s first football-themed parkReal Madrid World, at Dubai Park and Resorts.

The official opening took place in the presence of stars, with football legends Emilio Butragueno, director of institutional relations at Real Madrid, and Roberto Carlos, considered one of the greatest left-backs in the history of football. The two iconic players left an indelible mark in the history of Real Madrid and were joined by several distinguished guests to celebrate the occasion.

Roberto Carlos meets young football fans

Emilio Butragueno (right)

THE theme park Spanning six hectares and featuring more than 40 Real Madrid-themed rides and attractions, it promises a memorable experience for families, football fans and theme park enthusiasts.

KT Photo: SM Ayaz Zakir

KT Photo: SM Ayaz Zakir

As the football legends mingled with the crowd, the children eagerly gathered around them, looking for tips and advice to improve their game. It was a heartwarming moment, as the legends took the time to offer advice and encouragement.

KT Photo: SM Ayaz Zakir

The highlight of the day was when Butragueno and Carlos went to the park’s soccer field to play a match with more than 100 children from the Real Madrid Foundation. Their presence added an extra layer of excitement, as both won numerous titles, broke records and made Real Madrid history.

KT Photo: SM Ayaz Zakir

“Even though I never saw Roberto Carlos play live, our coaches always say how amazing he was,” said Bruno Mark, 10, a soccer fan who proudly wears the team’s jersey and has enthusiastically followed the advice of the legendary player.

“Meeting him in person was incredible. My coach said he could bend the ball in a way that defied the laws of physics, and now I understand why he is such a legend,” added Mark.

For many fans, meeting legends like Roberto Carlos was a dream come true. “When my coach told me about Roberto Carlos, I immediately watched his videos on YouTube. I was blown away by his incredible skills, especially his incredible free kicks,” said Abdel Aziz.

“It was a dream come true to meet Roberto Carlos. Our coaches often tell us about his crazy free kicks and how he was a defender like no other. I felt like I was meeting a real superhero,” Aziz said.

Visitors can dine at the park’s exclusive Real Madrid-themed restaurants, which offer a unique fusion of Spanish and international cuisines, while being surrounded by iconic images and memorabilia from the club’s rich history.

KT Photo: SM Ayaz Zakir

Fans can delve into the team’s history through interactive exhibits that highlight the team’s accomplishments, legendary players and iconic moments.

Fernando Eiroa, CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said: “Real Madrid World is more than just a theme park, it is a celebration of football. We are delighted to welcome legends like Emilio Butragueño and Roberto Carlos here, who showcase the club’s heritage and honor global sport. Real Madrid World is an exciting addition to Dubai’s entertainment landscape, offering inclusive, educational and fun experiences for all.

From the Real Challenge, visitors can test their football skills, to the Bernabéu Experience, which features an exhibition of 15 European football cups and 11 European basketball cups. Fans can also take selfies with life-size figures of iconic players during “Meet the Stars” and enjoy live match viewings with exclusive madridista discounts on tickets and food.

To promote inclusiveness, the park will also host an Inclusive Sports Day for People of Determination (PoD), celebrating the joy of sport and ensuring everyone can take part in the excitement.

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SM Ayaz Zakir

SM Ayaz Zakir is a senior correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the United Arab Emirates. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling information and human interest stories.