Brazilian legend Cafu will visit Darjeeling to launch futsal teams this weekend
Brazilian legend Cafu, the captain who lifted the 2002 FIFA World Cup, is set to bring a piece of football history to Darjeeling this weekend. The former right-back will visit the Darjeeling hills on September 6 for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the proposed sports and wellness resort.
According to a report in The Telegraph, Cafu, whose full name is Marcos Evangelista de Moraes, will lay the foundation stone of the proposed Sidra Hills Sports and Wellness Resort at the Arya tea estate, about 10 km from Darjeeling town. The Brazilian will also launch two futsal teams, Darjeeling Warriors FC and North Bengal Fighters FC, during his visit.
The resort is part of Arya Tea Garden’s plans to develop tourism around the estate, which was established in 1885 and is spread over an area of about 300 acres. The tea garden employs approximately 200 workers and is now looking to add sports and wellness facilities to its tourism offering.
The foundation stone laying ceremony was originally planned at the tea garden football field, but due to space and logistical constraints, it was moved to the larger Gorkha Stadium in Lebong. Cafu will virtually lay the foundation stone of the stadium, the program will start on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The event also includes a soccer match between two newly launched futsal clubs. State Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh, North Bengal Development Minister Nisith Pramanik and Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Minister Tapas Roy are expected to attend the programme.
CAFU WORLD CUP LEGACY
The presence of the Caf adds considerable weight to the event, which goes beyond the launch of a new sports venture. The 56-year-old remains one of the most decorated players in Brazilian football and is the only footballer to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals.
The former Brazilian captain appeared at four World Cups between 1994 and 2006, playing 20 matches at the tournament. He was part of Brazil’s winning teams in 1994 and 2002 and also played in the 1998 final where Brazil were defeated by France.
Cafu led Brazil to their fifth World Cup title in 2002, leading the team to a 2-0 victory over Germany in the final in Yokohama, Japan. His appearance in Darjeeling therefore brings a rare association with one of the most illustrious international football careers.
FOOTBALL IS EQUAL TO TOURISM IN DARJEELING
Organizers believe that Caf’s visit will add further importance to the project in a region where football has long enjoyed a strong following. Alongside the resort, the launch of two futsal teams is set to bring another sporting dimension to the Darjeeling hills.
The event will combine the launch of the new sports facility with a celebration of football, giving local fans the opportunity to see one of Brazil’s most iconic players in person.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
03 Sep 2026 07:35 IST