Ballon d’Or Legend Allan Simonsen Coming To Malta For Charity Football Exhibition
Danish football legend Allan Simonsen is heading to Malta this May to launch a one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrating the greatest names in the history of the Ballon d’Or.
The former Borussia Mönchengladbach, Barcelona, and Denmark forward—who won the prestigious award in 1977—will officially open the exhibition on Friday 9th May at 11.30am at the Ibraġġ Parish Hall in Swieqi.
Running until Tuesday 13th May, the exhibition will feature an impressive collection of football memorabilia, including an original Ballon d’Or trophy and match-worn shirts from every Ballon d’Or winner since 1956.
Iconic names like Pelé, Maradona, Bobby Charlton, George Best, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo will all be represented, with a dedicated section honouring Simonsen himself.
This exhibition isn’t just a dream for football fans—it’s also for a good cause.
All proceeds will go towards Step Up For Parkinson’s, a local voluntary organisation. Donations at the entrance are €10 for adults, €5 for children, and just €2.50 per person for schools or football nurseries with group bookings. Groups can book in advance by calling +356 9989 6164 or emailing [email protected].
Simonsen’s visit comes as he celebrates 50 years since he helped Borussia Mönchengladbach clinch the UEFA Cup with a memorable two-goal performance in the 1975 final against Dutch side Twente. He also left his mark in the 1977 European Cup Final against Liverpool, and made history by becoming the only player ever to score in finals of the European Cup, UEFA Cup, and Cup Winners’ Cup—a feat capped with a goal for Barcelona in the 1982 final against Standard Liege.
Fans will also have the chance to meet Simonsen in person at a Meet and Greet on Friday 9th May at 7pm at the Ibraġġ Parish Hall, and he’ll be joining a youth training session hosted by the International Football Academy Malta on Saturday 10th May at the Żurrieq Ground.
Will you be heading down to meet a Ballon d’Or legend and catch a glimpse of football history?
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