Diego Ribas, beloved former midfielder, was honored in a heartfelt farewell match organized by Werder Bremen on March 22, 2025, marking a significant chapter in his impressive football career. The event took place at the Weserstadion with a remarkable audience of 42,000 fans, who filled the stands to pay tribute to the player known for his magical touch on the ball.
The match, which ended with a thrilling score of 6-5 in favor of the Werder Bremen legends against Diego's friends, served as a fitting send-off for Ribas, who played for the German club from 2006 to 2009. Returning to the stadium where he had previously achieved great success, including winning the German Cup and League Cup, Diego expressed his emotions throughout the day. "I'm receiving a lot of affection. I'm very happy to present all of this to my children as well. Being here makes me relive everything we felt together. I and Werder Bremen lived extraordinary moments," he remarked to UOL during the event.
Diego Ribas, who officially hung up his boots in 2022 after a stellar stint at Flamengo, showcased not only his football skills during the match but also the deep connections he forged over the years. He was joined on the field by several football luminaries, including Julio Cesar, Cafu, Nani, and many others who shared in the celebration of his storied career. The presence of these well-known players added to the nostalgic atmosphere, making the event a true football festival.
A unique highlight of the match was the participation of Diego's son, Davi, who at just 14 years old, made a name for himself by scoring a goal during the friendly game. Davi's emotional connection to the occasion was evident, particularly as he played alongside his father. The sense of family pride was palpable as Diego watched his son contribute to a moment that would be remembered in their family's legacy.
The farewell match had an exceptional response from fans, with all 42,000 tickets selling out within 48 hours of being released. On top of that, Werder Bremen unveiled a limited edition of 15,000 commemorative shirts to honor Diego, which also flew off the shelves within a week, highlighting the lasting impact he has had on the club and its supporters.
In the lead-up to the match, Diego spent time in Bremen, reflecting on his past and the unusual yet heartening impact he has had on the local community. Interestingly, he met fans who were so inspired by his career that they named their children after him—an unusual homage in Germany, where Diego is not a commonly used name. This illustrates just how deeply Ribas's influence resonates beyond the pitch.
An unexpected absence from the event was Mesut Özil, who played alongside Diego at Werder Bremen during their glory days. The club's management ruled that Özil's presence was unsuitable due to political affiliations that did not align with the club's values. Diego referenced this issue, stating, "The event is in partnership with Werder. I'm in the house of Werder Bremen and have to respect the rules." This comment shed light on the complex nature of football and friendships in the professional arena.
Throughout his career, Diego Ribas has seen football not just as a sport but as a powerful teacher of life skills. He fondly recalled lessons learned—from discipline instilled during training to the importance of respect and teamwork. One particular anecdote involved receiving a reprimand for not treating his jersey with the appropriate care, a lesson he regarded as formative to his maturity as both a player and a person. “That sort of situation seems a small detail, but it educates a person,” he explained. It’s this mindset that has propelled him forward throughout his impressive career and made him a respected figure in both Brazil and Germany.
As he embarks on this new chapter post-retirement, the love and appreciation shown at his farewell match are likely to stay with him forever. Diego Ribas's journey through football, marked by passion and loyalty, continues to serve as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes around the globe, reminding them that meaningful connections and respect for the game are fundamental in both sports and life.
