Kuala lumpur: Former Brazil international Gilberto Silva said the 2002 FIFA World Cup remains the most meaningful memory of his career as he accompanied the FIFA World Cup Trophy during its global tour with 75 stops, including Malaysia here today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Silva, part of Brazil's title-winning squad in Korea-Japan 2002, said the tournament was the starting point of his journey at the highest level. The former Arsenal midfielder, who also featured in two other World Cup editions with Brazil, noted that timing and opportunity played a major role in his success.
Silva remarked, "2002 (edition) comes to mind first, because that's where everything began for me. I could not be close to this trophy as I am at the moment without 2002, because I played two other editions, but we lost." He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities both for himself and the Brazilian team during that pivotal year.
Reflecting on Malaysia's contribution to Brazil's 2002 World Cup journey, Silva highlighted the country's significance as the team's final preparation stop. "Malaysia holds a very special part of this story because we stopped here for our final preparation. It was great for adapting to the time zone, and we also received a very warm welcome from everyone," he said. Silva added that returning to Malaysia evokes strong emotions and memories for him.
In May 2002, Malaysia faced Brazil in an international friendly at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, as part of Brazil's final preparations for the tournament. The match, which saw the Selecao showcase their star-studded lineup, ended with a 0-4 victory for Brazil. Despite the loss, the Harimau Malaya displayed determination against a team featuring legends like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Cafu.
Today, hundreds of football fans gathered at Sunway Pyramid to witness the unveiling of the prestigious trophy by Silva, alongside national football legend Datuk Santokh Singh and popular local rapper Muhammad Hairi Hamdan, also known as MK. The trophy, tightly secured by a team of security personnel including FIFA representatives, arrived in Malaysia following a formal ceremony at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre in Shah Alam, enhanced by a traditional local dance performance.
President of ASEAN and South Pacific Operating Unit of The Coca-Cola Company, Selman Careaga, and Youth and Sports Ministry secretary general Datuk Ts Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, officially welcomed the trophy, marking its first return to Malaysia since 2014. The trophy is set to continue its tour to South Korea and Japan as it journeys across 75 stops globally.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring an expanded roster of 48 teams, is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.