Reliving Memories with Legends: Over 100,000 Attend Nexon's 'Icon Match'

by Roh Kyungjo

Pubilshed 16 Sep.2025 09:24(KST)

Share

Text Size

Over the weekend, more than 100,000 spectators flocked to Seoul World Cup Stadium to witness Nexon's "2025 Icon Match," which brought together legendary football players in one place. Park Jisung, Gareth Bale, Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba, Iker Casillas, Ronaldinho, and Gianluigi Buffon thrilled fans as they took to the field.

On the afternoon of the 14th, players of Shield United, who won 2-1 at the Nexon '2025 Icon Match' held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul, are celebrating while holding the trophy. Provided by Nexon

According to Nexon on September 16, this year's Icon Match drew a total of more than 100,000 on-site spectators, with 38,426 attending the event match and 64,855 at the main match. The online live broadcast attracted approximately 3.4 million viewers, with a peak of 600,000 concurrent viewers.

Now in its second year, Icon Match is an event themed around Nexon's football games "FC Online" and "FC Mobile." Last year, it was reported that about 10 billion won was spent solely on recruiting players. This year, Nexon further strengthened its lineup, exciting both football fans and game users.

The Icon Match was held over two days. On September 13, the event match featured players competing in mini-games such as one-on-one showdowns, the Touch Challenge, the Power d'Or (shooting contest), and the Curve Shooting Challenge. On September 14, the main match took place, with "FC Spear" (the forwards team) facing off against "Shield United" (the defenders team) in an 11-on-11 showdown.

Vice President Park Jungmoo said at the media day held before the event match, "Nexon has been servicing 'FC Online' and 'FC Mobile' for a long time, and Icon Match is our way of giving back. I am proud that we have created a point of connection between generations."

On the afternoon of the 14th, at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Wayne Rooney of FC Spear team is celebrating with his teammates after scoring the first goal in Nexon's "2025 Icon Match." Photo by Yonhap News

This year's match was designed around the concept of "FC Spear," last year's losing team, requesting a rematch against "Shield United." Not only were new players recruited, but Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez served as managers for each team, further enhancing the level of play. Referee Pierluigi Collina also took the field as the main official, adding a nostalgic touch.

After a tense 90-minute battle, Shield United secured a 2-1 victory. The first goal came in the 72nd minute when Rooney scored with his right foot, despite Casillas's diving attempt to block it. Shield United quickly counterattacked. In the 83rd minute, Lee Youngpyo sent a cross from the right side of the penalty area, which Maicon headed in to equalize. Near the end of the match, Park Jooho exchanged passes with Riise, broke into the left side of the goal area, and scored the decisive winning goal with his left foot. During halftime, Steven Gerrard presented a signed jersey to a longtime fan, drawing admiration from many.

Nexon provided a variety of experiences that extended the gaming world into reality, both inside and outside the stadium. During the event match, players were introduced with a scoreboard presentation simulating the opening of card packs from "FC Online." Outside the stadium, Nexon operated a large pop-up store called "Icon Park." In addition, the results of the Icon Match were reflected in player stats within "FC Online" and "FC Mobile," increasing the sense of immersion for fans.

Vice President Park Jungmoo said, "We aimed to deliver a moving experience through even more dazzling legendary players and a variety of programs. Nexon is a company that creates dreams, and we will continue to expand the gaming experience to provide new value to our users."