The full lineup for the much-anticipated "RED on RED: Gerrard 11 vs Rio 11" legends match in Hong Kong has been revealed, with tickets set to go on general sale this Wednesday after priority allocations sold out within hours.
The match, which brings together some of the most iconic names from Liverpool and Manchester United, will take place next month at Kai Tak Sports Park and is already shaping up to be a nostalgic celebration of English football history.
Adding extra intrigue, Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen – who famously played for both clubs – has confirmed his participation, though organisers have yet to disclose which side he will represent.
On one side of the pitch, Steven Gerrard will lead a Liverpool legends XI that recalls the spirit of Istanbul 2005, when the Reds overturned a three-goal deficit to lift the Champions League trophy.
Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, remembered for his penalty-saving heroics that night, will take his place alongside defensive stalwarts Sami Hyypiä and John Arne Riise. Vladimír Šmicer and Luis García, who both struck in that unforgettable final, also feature. Fans can also expect to see Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Antonio Núñez, Phil Babb, and Gerrard’s long-time teammate Patrik Berger donning the red shirt once more.
Across the halfway line, Rio Ferdinand captains a Manchester United side built around the backbone of their Premier League glory years.
Former Golden Boot winner Dimitar Berbatov, French striker Louis Saha, and Ferdinand’s defensive partner Nemanja Vidić headline a squad that also includes Wes Brown, Nicky Butt, and Keith Gillespie. Tomasz Kuszczak and José Kléberson, both part of United’s 2000s squads, join alongside Eric Djemba-Djemba and Danny Simpson, adding further depth to the star-studded cast.
For local fans, the sight of these two lineups squaring off at Kai Tak carries a special resonance.
The fixture is less about rivalry and more about reliving moments that defined an era, when these players inspired millions across the globe.
Tickets for the October showdown will be available to the public on Wednesday, and with demand already proven, seats are expected to go quickly for fans to relive the magic of the Premier League’s greatest era.
Marco Lam (marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com)
