François, a World Champion steering AC Milan

The Frenchman, who claimed the World title with ‘Les Bleus’ in Copacabana in 2005, will be the pillar of the rossoneri again

Copacabana holds great memories for the Frenchman Stephane Francois. And this has nothing to do with being a tourist. The captain of ‘ Les Bleus ‘ was at the inaugural FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2005, played in Rio de Janeiro. François was one of the first players to lift the trophy for World Champion under the new format, and then he saw the globla showcase come to his hometown Marseille in 2008. The 37 year old ace is the main name of Milan that will attempt to capture the III Mundialito Beach Soccer title, from the 10th to the 17th of November, at Copacabana beach , in the south of Rio de Janeiro.

This year, François is the only player to have played for Milan in the Mundialitos in 2012 and 2011, and he is in an excellent shape. This year he was elected ‘Best Player’ of the Italian Supercoppa. Together with him, other two experienced Italians will backbone the rossoneri: Ramacciotti and Gori, two of the most impoartnat players of the Italian National side. Besides, and maintaining the historic relationship with Brazilian football, two young Brazilians, Catarino (former Vasco da Gama player)  and Andrezinho will also be participating. 

The list of Brazilian players who wore (and still wear) the Milan colours is extensive: Ronaldo, Leonardo, Serginho, Kaka, Robinho, Thiago Silva, Ronaldinho, Cafu and Dida, among others.The  Mundialito in 2012 brought the legend goalkeeper Dida out of retirement after two years away from football. He played well and received an invitation to return to the pitch by the Portuguesa. Today, at 40, he plays for Gremio.

Milan is one of five teams that were present in the first two editions of Mundialito along with Barcelona, Vasco da Gama, Flamengo and Corinthians. The Rossoneri are in Group B with Corinthians, Flamengo, and Peñarol.

Milan’s Schedule- III MUNDIALITO CLUB (Qualifying Round)
Nov 13 – Flamengo vs Milan – 17h
Nov 14 – Corinthians vs Milan – 17h
Nov 15 РMilan vs Pe̱arol Р13:30