Eight teams made up of the UAE’s most talented street football players last night took to an especially built pitch at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai to battle it out in a bid to be dubbed the city's finest.
With the tallest building in the world serving as a backdrop, teams went head-to-head to be crowned the ultimate UAE street players.
The knock-out tournament inspired by the “Risk everything” campaign is hosted in 29 cities around the world with the final battles taking place at unexpected pop-up locations.
Nike customised the rules of the classic winner stays on pick-up game format to encourage the teams to play with flair and take risks, with the team that concedes a goal losing a player.
Teams are encouraged to play open-minded, less-structured football, and the next team to score is named the winner who remains on the pitch for the next battle.
“We connect to players’ passion for the game, whether it is the world’s best in Brasil or players in the park or street. We believe in fearless, exciting joyful football and that’s the point of view we want to get across," said Nike Chief Marketing Officer Davide Grasso on the occasion of the “Winner stays” film launch.
Fabio Cannavaro, assistant coach of Al Ahli club and global football legend, joined the players for the final games and awards ceremony.
“It is always inspiring to see young players’ talent and passion for the game. They had a fantastic experience enjoying football in its finest form and having so many eyes on them,” said Cannavaro.
Winning team, Maysaloon, was rewarded with the title of the best in Dubai and becoming the first owners of the newest Nike Magista boots in the region.
The Sharjah side beat The Lions of Al Yahar 6-1 in the final of the competition.
