The Prince of Wales cheered as he showcased his football skills during a training session with children at the Maracana Stadium in Brazil. Prince William participated in some football drills as he chatted to local children, aged 8-12, who are part of Terra FC (Earth FC), a campaign that aims to mobilise millions of football fans in Brazil around the climate cause, encouraging the engagement of clubs, fans, and governments in the fight against climate change.
The heir was seen shaking hands, chatting and laughing with the youngsters as he engaged in the activity. He visited the Maracana Stadium to meet leaders and local young people who run and participate in local football programmes across the city and the state.
The programmes, attended by young people from across the city’s favelas – settlements – create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can build resilience, connect socially, and access mental health resources.
On the pitch, William met the CEO of the Maracana Stadium, Severiano Braga, Luiz Eduardo from Flamengo Football Club and then Vice President of Fluminense Football Club, Mattheus Montenegro.
While arriving at the Stadium, William was met by football legend Cafu, who gave him a signed shirt with his name on it as they gazed at the pitch.
An avid football fan, William told Cafu: “It’s an honour. We’ve all seen how your feet work.”
He also told him that he is a “football fan” but “not an athlete,” asking whether the footballer has heard of his favourite club, Aston Villa.
Later, they headed inside, where they met 75 Generation Earthshot leaders (aged 18–30) and 17 Mini COPs (aged 11–16) to focus on leadership across generations.
William joined various discussions with four groups of Generation Earthshot leaders from Brazil, South Africa, Singapore and Mini COPs. Mini COP is a programme aimed at children aged 11 to 17 running in parallel to Generation Earthshot.
