The Manchester derby rivalry will be renewed in Mexico after two club legends were drawn against each other in a unique showdown.
The Kings League competition has shaken up Spain since its launch by former Barcelona star Gerard Pique in 2022, and it is set to expand onto the world stage later this month as the Kings World Cup.
3
Several high-profile football names have already featured in the seven-a-side tournament, including former World Cup-winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Brazil icon Ronaldinho.
And now two modern-day greats from either side of Manchester's footballing divide are set to join the list of stars when the event makes its global debut in Monterrey, Mexico on May 26.
Rio Ferdinand, a six-time Premier League champion with Manchester United, will preside over his team, Five FC, in their opening round tie against Kunisports, whose chairman is none other than Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero.
Aged 45, Ferdinand has not kicked a ball since bowing out from the professional game in 2015 after a short stint at QPR.
Read More On Rio Ferdinand
The pair are likely to show the same competitive spirit they showcased in previous Manchester derby encounters given the huge reward up for grabs.
Winners of the Kings World Cup will receive a $1million cash prize, meaning that fans can surely expect to see both players take to the field for their respective outfits, despite holding director roles.
Despite being forced to retire from professional football in 2021 due to a heart problem, Aguero, now 35 years old, has previously lined up for his side in the originally Barcelona-based Kings League.
The tournament has been hugely popular among younger audiences due to its all-action format, which includes 20-minute halves, no draws and unlimited substitutions.
3
Following the success of Pique's initial concept, which features a combination of streamers, content creators and big-name footballers in each team, a Latin American version was introduced in 2023.
This instalment proved to be equally entertaining, with Colombia hero James Rodriguez lining up for Atletico Parceros in the competition, while ex-Man United striker Javier Hernandez also starred.
But the upcoming event will surely be the biggest of Pique's lucrative business, as it welcomes teams from both the Spanish and South American leagues, in addition to 12 sides from across the world.
Among the other household names set to appear in Mexico are former Chelsea sensation Eden Hazard, who will represent Deptostra FC, while injured Brazil hero Neymar will act as chairman for Furia FC.
3
The tournament will not be short of celebrity influence either, with Colombian artist Maluma presiding over the Medallo City team.
With Euro 2024 kicking off shortly after the league seasons' climax in June, supporters can look forward to a different form of footballing entertainment event in the meantime with this all-new spectacle.
