Goal4Africa’s global kick-off paid tribute to Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday. The star-studded football match and concert in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany told the story of Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life and dreams. Goal4Africa’s mission is to raise awareness about the necessity for education in Africa. Being a truly worldwide event, the Goal4Africa kick off was broadcast live in over 65 countries/regions, including France, Germany, Spain, USA, Argentina, Middle East, Australia and South Africa with the aim of motivating viewers to get involved in Nelson Mandela’s dream and donate funds to Goal4Africa..

Football match with world players
Spectators and visitors were treated to a benefit football match that united the world´s best football players including Seedorf, Goal4Africa’s global and first ambassador, Seedorf, Zé Roberto, Gattuso, Shevchenko, Terry, Diego and Ballack and many more. Inspired on the fundraiser’s main goal, create better education for the children of Africa, the two teams were called ‘Edu’ and ‘Cation’ underlining the fact that the football players join forces to support Goal4Africa. Ballack and Seedorf were appointed team captains. Michael Ballack was proud to lead one of the teams and to be a supporter of Goal4Africa. Besides his support to Goal4Africa, Ballack is, as an UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, already going for a goal by reaching out to young people by educating on HIV prevention and urging young people to make smart choices. Also, Formula1 legend, Michael Schumacher joined one of the teams to kick some goals 4 Africa.

Live entertainment
Before and during the match, acts were performed by famous artists. Ali Campbell, legendary voice of UB40, sang a special Goal4Africa anthem with male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The anthem is a unique version of the famous Jimmy Cliff song "Many Rivers to Cross". Spectators are also treated to a performance by world famous DJ Armin van Buuren. The great football anthem "Nessun Dorma" was sung by British classical singer Keedie and the South African group The Bala Brothers.