Brazil legend Cafu to visit Darjeeling, launch futsal teams this weekend

Brazil World Cup-winning captain Cafu will attend a Darjeeling event to launch two futsal teams and remotely lay the foundation stone for a sports and wellness resort. His visit links a local tourism and football push with one of the sport's most decorated international careers.Brazil legend Cafu is set to visit Darjeeling on September 6. (Photo: Reuters)Brazil legend Cafu, the captain who lifted the 2002 FIFA World Cup, is set to bring a slice of football history to Darjeeling this weekend. The former right-back will visit the Darjeeling hills on September 6 for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a proposed sports and wellness resort.According to a report by The Telegraph, Cafu, whose full name is Marcos Evangelista de Moraes, will lay the foundation stone of the proposed Sidra Hills Sports & Wellness Resort at Arya tea estate, around 10km from Darjeeling town. The Brazilian will also launch two futsal teams, Darjeeling Warriors FC and North Bengal Fighters FC, during his visit.The resort is part of Arya tea garden's plans to develop tourism around the estate, which was established in 1885 and stretches across around 300 acres. The tea garden employs approximately 200 workers and is now looking to add a sports and wellness facility to its tourism offering.The foundation stone-laying ceremony was initially planned at the tea garden's football ground but has been moved to the larger Gorkha Stadium at Lebong because of space and logistical constraints. Cafu will virtually lay the foundation stone from the stadium, with the programme scheduled to begin at 1pm on Sunday. A football match between the two newly launched futsal sides is also planned as part of the event. State tourism minister Shankar Ghosh, north Bengal development minister Nisith Pramanik and industries, commerce and enterprises minister Tapas Roy are expected to attend the programme.CAFU'S WORLD CUP LEGACYCafu's presence adds considerable weight to an event that goes beyond the launch of a new sporting venture. The 56-year-old remains one of the most decorated players in Brazilian football and is the only footballer to have appeared in three successive World Cup finals. The former Brazil captain featured at four World Cups between 1994 and 2006, making 20 appearances in the tournament. He was part of Brazil's victorious squads in 1994 and 2002, while also playing in the 1998 final, where Brazil were beaten by France.Cafu captained Brazil to their fifth World Cup title in 2002, leading the team to a 2-0 victory over Germany in the final at Yokohama, Japan. His appearance in Darjeeling therefore brings a rare connection to one of football's most celebrated international careers.FOOTBALL MEETS TOURISM IN DARJEELINGThe organisers believe Cafu's visit will give the project added significance in a region where football has long enjoyed a strong following. Alongside the resort, the launch of the two futsal teams is intended to bring another sporting dimension to the Darjeeling hills.The event will combine the launch of a new sporting facility with a celebration of football, giving local fans an opportunity to see one of Brazil's most iconic players in person.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 3, 2026 07:35 IST