Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing were joined for the Itajai in-port Race in Brazil on Saturday by legendary footballer Cafu – the only player to have taken part in three World Cup Final matches and who lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy on two of those occasions.

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Cafu led the team in the Sailor’s Parade prior to racing and accepted a challenge from Azzam’s skipper Ian Walker to a ‘keepy-uppy’ challenge. 

Walker kept the ball in the air for a creditable 16 seconds – a personal best for the diehard West Ham United supporter.

Cafu put on an assured performance, however, waiting until he surpassed Walker’s time before throwing in some trademark tricks that drew cheers from his adoring fans.

After the In Port Race – where ADOR finished second with Cafu on-board – the superstar was full of praise for the performance of Walker and his crew and their high tech yacht.

“Azzam is an amazing yacht,” Cafu said. “I was hoping for more wind to really see what she could do but I enjoyed the racing tremendously. Abu Dhabi has put together a fantastic crew.”    

The race result means the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi)-backed team now sit second in the overall In-Port Race Series, one point behind Team Brunel.