Kings League une futebol com mundo gamer, atrai personalidades como Neymar, Ludmilla e Gaules e vira febre no Brasil

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Special “power” cards, dice rolled to determine player numbers on the field, and team presidents taking penalty kicks. These rules might sound like a video game, but they are actually part of the Kings League. This innovative football format, launched in 2022 by Barcelona legend Gerard Piqué, made its way to Brazil this year after gaining popularity in countries like the USA, Spain, Mexico, and Italy. It merges well-known figures from traditional football with the appeal of young influencers. The inaugural Brazilian league is presided over by former player Kaká and features personalities like Neymar, Ludmilla, and streamer Gaules leading the teams.

Kaká explains, “The motivation to bring Kings League to Brazil stems from the desire to enhance football entertainment in a way that connects deeply with younger generations. Our country lives and breathes football and is one of the world’s largest consumers of digital content. We blend the sport we love with the entertainment that drives social networks.”

The league organizers assert, “For this generation, everything must be intense and dynamic. The game needs to evolve every two to three minutes, with faster action to hold their attention. This is very similar to video games, which are becoming increasingly frenetic.”

The competition follows the traditional format of seven-a-side football but incorporates game-like dynamics, enriched by the active involvement of influencers, resulting in a “gamification” of real football.

### Zé Roberto: The Star Player

The league has attracted major football stars, including Ronaldinho, Pirlo, Totti, and Hazard. The most notable figure in the Brazilian league is Zé Roberto. With an illustrious career that included stints at top clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Grêmio, Flamengo, Santos, and Palmeiras, he retired in 2017 but reignited his passion for fut7 during the 2021 World Cup. He has recently joined Fluxo FC, led by popular streamers Cerol and Nobru, saying he “didn’t think twice” about participating, even in a reserve role.

Zé Roberto shares, “I had heard of the league, the format, and the rules. It’s very appealing, attracting both athletes and fans. I entered as one of the wildcards, providing support to the younger players. I aim to guide these athletes, showing them the visibility opportunities available in Brazil and globally.”

### Kelvin Oliveira: A Rising Star

A noteworthy transformation is seen in Kelvin Oliveira, 29, who transitioned from a promising career in traditional football at clubs like Cruzeiro and Milan to becoming the world’s best in fut7 in 2021. Although he tried out for Grêmio in 2023 but didn’t secure a position, his shift opened new avenues. Kelvin emerged as the best player and top scorer in two international Kings League tournaments: last year’s Club World Cup and this January’s National Teams World Cup. Even an invitation from Neymar to join Santos didn’t sway him.

“I’ve moved on from traditional football. I’ve experienced too many disappointments. Now, my life is great, and I didn’t want to return to a challenging environment where I might face prejudice for switching sports. Staying in the Kings League, with my current status and the opportunity to be a president, was way more advantageous,” he explains.

### Competition Structure

The tournament features ten teams, with the final round of the preliminary phase set to take place tomorrow at the Oreo Arena in Guarulhos (SP). Fúria, led by Neymar and businessman Cris Guedes, is currently vying for the top position alongside G3X. The grand finale is scheduled for the 18th at Allianz Parque, home of Palmeiras.

From the very first kick, the game introduces unique elements—one player from each side competes for the opening ball released from a suspended cage above the arena. Players join the field at one-minute intervals until each team is composed of seven players.

A two-minute countdown before halftime adds another twist, as a giant die is rolled to decide how many players will stay in each team. In the second half, secret game cards come into play, ranging from a “double goal” to the exclusion of an opponent.

Each team selects a secret card from a set of ten, divided into six “secret weapons” that can alter game rules favorably by pressing a button next to each team’s coaching staff. Cards can provide advantages such as doubling a goal for four minutes, awarding penalties, or initiating shootouts where players face the goalkeeper directly.

### No Draws: Victory through Shootouts

The last two minutes differ as well: if a team leads, any goal scored counts as two. In the case of a tie, the “golden goal” rule is applied, meaning the first team to score wins. Should it remain level, a shootout will determine the winner, with players starting from midfield—a concept popularized by the MLS.

Team scoring differs too: a victory in regulation time earns three points for the winner, while no points are allotted to the loser. In shootouts, the winner gets two points, while the loser receives one.

### Ryan Lima: Chosen by Neymar

Unlike Kelvin, Mogi Futsal’s Ryan Lima, 23, is still carving out his niche in the competition. Until recently, he balanced work at an undergarment factory with playing futsal. Now, he can pursue his dream of becoming a player full-time, having been drafted to Neymar’s team alongside other selections.

“I participated in ‘try outs’ in November, where we were assessed in one-on-one drills. When my name was called during the draft, I couldn’t react—I couldn’t believe I was chosen for Neymar’s team. During our team meeting, he emphasized how this was a life-changing opportunity,” Lima recalls.

### Expanding Horizons

The competition also features well-known football figures like left-back Dôdô and Matheus “Dedo,” who seek renewal in this vibrant league. Music personalities such as Ludmilla, MC Hariel, and KondZilla not only lead their teams but also engage in gameplay, appealing to a younger audience.

### Presidents Taking Penalties

The league brings to life the adage that “penalties are so crucial that presidents should take them.” Each team can activate a red button allowing their president to step up for a penalty kick. If they opt out, a player takes their place, with the penalty then transforming into a shootout.

Nyvi Stephan, an e-sports presenter and one of the few women in the league, reflects, “When a president isn’t a skilled penalty taker, teams often choose their players for the shootout. We decided to reserve my kick for when we had a comfortable lead. I train specifically to ensure my shot is good. Unfortunately, I missed, but it didn’t matter.”

Neymar’s club, Fúria, takes a different approach; the standout player defers penalty duty to his teammate, Cris Guedes.

Looking ahead, the league aims for expansion, with international clubs in Spain, the USA, Italy, France, and Germany. A new club world tournament is slated for next month in France, allowing Brazil to send four teams this time—an increase from the two that participated last year.

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