On September 15, 2025, undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk will step off the canvas and onto the pitch at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon for the Legends Charity Game, a star-studded event aimed at promoting his Usyk Foundation. The Ukrainian icon, renowned for his victories over Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury, will join football legends like Edwin van der Sar, Petr Cech, John Terry, Michael Owen, Carles Puyol, Alessandro Del Piero, and Kaká in a match pitting a World Legends XI against a Portugal Legends team, including Luís Figo and Ricardo Quaresma. “Everyone else is a former footballer, but when Oleksandr Usyk asks to play, you say yes,” said Rasmus Sojmark, CEO of Sport Global, the event’s organizer, in an ESPN interview. Usyk, the only non-footballer participating, plans to play at least the first 10 minutes, though he’ll be closely monitored as he recovers from injuries sustained in his July 2025 win over Dubois.
The Usyk Foundation, established in 2022 to support Ukrainian communities and the military amid the ongoing war, will be the focal point of the event’s fundraising efforts. The foundation has raised over $740,000, delivering ambulances, medical equipment, and humanitarian aid, as noted on its website. Usyk’s participation is a powerful platform to amplify this mission, with proceeds supporting initiatives like mobile hospitals and psychological rehabilitation for wounded soldiers. His involvement underscores his commitment to Ukraine, seen in past efforts like joining Kyiv’s territorial defense in 2022 and raising funds through United24, a platform backed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Fans are buzzing on X, with one post stating, “Usyk swapping gloves for boots to help Ukraine is legendary!” The event, blending sports and philanthropy, has drawn global attention, especially given Usyk’s recent 90-day medical extension from the WBO, delaying his mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker or Fabio Wardley until early 2026. His team confirmed to Ready to Fight that he’s cleared for moderate physical activity, making the charity match a fitting stage for his charisma and cause. The 38-year-old’s brief football cameo is expected to be a highlight, with his athleticism—honed from years of boxing and a youth spent playing football at SC Tavriya Simferopol—likely to shine.
The Legends Charity Game also features a Portugal Legends XI managed by Costinha and Peter Schmeichel, adding to the spectacle. For Usyk, this is more than a game; it’s a chance to rally support for his homeland. His foundation’s work, from equipping frontline hospitals to building smart shelters at Ukrainian universities, reflects his dedication. As fans pack the stadium and tune in globally, Usyk’s presence alongside football royalty promises to elevate the event’s impact, proving his influence extends far beyond the ring. The boxing world watches eagerly, awaiting both his charitable efforts and his eventual return to defend his titles.
