Franck Ribéry Withdraws from Icon Match; Arsenal's Invincible Robert Pirès Confirmed as Replacement

Franck Ribéry has withdrawn from the 2025 Icon Match, with legendary French winger Robert Pirès confirmed as his replacement.

Shoot for Love, organizer of the upcoming 2025 Icon Match, announced on its official social media channels on September 10 (Korea Standard Time), “Franck Ribéry will be unable to participate in Icon Match due to personal reasons. We will promptly inform you once a replacement has been confirmed.” The news of Ribéry’s departure comes as a disappointment to many fans.

Ribéry was central to Bayern Munich’s heyday in the early 2010s, forming the iconic “Robbery Duo” alongside Arjen Robben. In 2013, he was crowned UEFA Player of the Year. Despite his illustrious career, Ribéry expressed regret over his sudden absence, stating, “I am disappointed that I cannot attend this fantastic event due to an important family matter. I sincerely hope to visit Korea someday and meet you all in person.”

Nexon, quick to respond, secured another French legend as a replacement—none other than Robert Pirès, finalizing the decision within just a day.

Pirès is renowned for his role in Arsenal’s legendary attacking lineup with Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Freddie Ljungberg, leading the club through its golden era. He was also part of France’s 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000-winning squads.

The upcoming match will also see Pirès reunite with former teammates and compatriots, including Arsenal Invincibles Thierry Henry, head coach Arsène Wenger of FC Spur, Gilberto Silva of Shield United, as well as Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell.

The 2025 Icon Match is scheduled to take place over two days, September 13 and 14, at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Icon Match SNS