The city of Ramle became Israel’s unlikely international sports capital on Monday, as it hosted the opening of the Grand Prix international soccer tournament at the Ramle Municipal Stadium. The three-day event, featuring national teams from Brazil, Hungary, and Israel, marks the first international soccer competition held in the country since October 7.
For organizers, the decision to bring the tournament to Israel carried a symbolic weight.
“Especially given the situation created by the conflict in Gaza, we decided to come here to express our support for Israel, a country of great importance and value, and to stand in solidarity with efforts for the return of hostages and for a renewed life for Gaza’s civilians, who have suffered immensely,” said Salvatore Primicerio, Commissioner of the Peace & Friendship World League.
“We all hope for an end to the war and the beginning of an era of peace and friendship in the Middle East.”
Primicerio, the former Vice President of AS Roma and editor of Tutto Sport, founded the league in 2023 with the aim of promoting peace and coexistence through soccer. The Grand Prix is its flagship event, bringing together the league’s two top-ranked teams along with a host nation.
This year’s tournament has drawn heightened attention as Israeli teams face increasing pressure abroad, with several European clubs reportedly asking UEFA to avoid matchups with Israeli sides.
'City of the World'
The choice of Ramle as host city was no accident. Known as a “City of the World” for its mix of Jewish, Arab, religious, and secular communities, it was selected to embody the league’s values of coexistence. Ramle Mayor Michael Vidal called it “a great honor” for the city to host the event.
“Ramle is a unique city where Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, newcomers and long-time residents live side by side – a city of communities, cultures, and languages. Hosting the tournament here is no coincidence; it is a statement of confidence in the values we live every day in a true City of the World.”
The opening match saw Israel, ranked 44th out of 60 in the Peace & Friendship World League, take on top-ranked Brazil. Hungary, ranked second, will face the winner on Tuesday, with the final game set for Wednesday before a gala match featuring mixed squads. All matches will be broadcast on Channel ONE and in at least eight other countries.
Israel’s squad, coached by Oved Kraus, includes a mix of former Premier League players such as Ben Ben-Yair, Ashael Ben Shabat, and Niso Kapiloto, alongside cultural figures like Teatroneto Award-winning actor Paulo Moura and singer-songwriter Ilai Almakays.
Brazil’s team features former national midfielder Beto, ex-Brescia player Thiago Cupello, influencer Bernardo Mesquita, and actor Guilherme Leonel, with former Vasco da Gama and Grêmio boss Renato Gaúcho on the sideline. Hungary’s roster includes singer-songwriter Oliver Patocska and rapper Attila “Curtis” Széki, coached by ex-international Norbert Kerenyi.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, along with ministers and dignitaries, attended the opening ceremony. The World League delegation from Paris, led by Primicerio, included event manager Vittoriana Radoja and official supervisor Daniela Agatha Haggiag.
Event producer Yehuda Amar described staging such a competition under current conditions as a milestone.
“Hosting an international soccer tournament in Israel during wartime is a tremendous achievement,” he said. “We are working around the clock to provide the best conditions, ensure a positive experience for the visiting teams, and showcase the beautiful face of Israel.”