England football legend David Beckham has delivered a message to supporters in Doha ahead of the FIFA World Cup, telling young locals that “today is your day to dream”.
The 47-year-old is one of the faces of the FIFA World Cup, working as an ambassador for the Arab nation in a deal estimated to be worth £10 million (AU$17.8 million).
“Every one of the great players I was lucky enough to play with, started in exactly the same way – in a back garden, park or a street outside their home with just a ball and an imagination that they dared to let run wild,” he said.
“Almost two decades ago a small group of football lovers from Qatar had an equally fantastic dream – that they could bring the greatest footballing show on earth to their home country and to the Middle East for the very first time.
“And now we are here. Because when dreams are harnessed and mixed with dedication and hard work, they are no longer dreams – they become reality.
“Today is your day to dream. Because there is no limits to what you and your teammates can achieve in our beautiful game.
“Dreams can come true. That’s why you’re here. You share Generation Amazing’s twin passions for the game of football, and for making the world a more tolerant and inclusive place.