Guayaquil, Ecuador – The city of Guayaquil will host a special sporting event this Sunday as Carles Puyol, former Spanish international and FC Barcelona legend, arrives as guest of honor for the LigaPro Kids final, to be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Christian “Chicho” Benítez Stadium. Admission to the event will be free for the public.

The presence of Puyol — FIFA World Cup champion with Spain in 2010 and multiple-time title winner with FC Barcelona — brings significant international visibility to a tournament that has become one of the most important youth football competitions in Ecuador. His attendance highlights the growing relevance of grassroots football development in the region.

This marks Puyol’s second visit to Guayaquil. His previous appearance took place during the 2025 “Noche Amarilla”, the iconic celebration organized by Barcelona Sporting Club to commemorate its centenary. On that occasion, Puyol was a special guest and played approximately 30 minutes in a friendly match against Emelec, which ended in a 1–0 victory for Barcelona SC, earning a standing ovation from thousands of fans.

The LigaPro Kids, now in its second edition, has established itself as a key developmental platform for youth football, bringing together more than 15,000 children and young players across various age categories. Beyond competition, the tournament promotes values such as teamwork, discipline, and social inclusion, with strong institutional and municipal support aimed at strengthening community-based sports initiatives.

Sunday’s final is expected to gather families, coaches, clubs, and football enthusiasts in a celebratory atmosphere, reinforcing Guayaquil’s commitment to youth development while offering young players the inspiration of sharing the stage with a global football icon like Carles Puyol.

The presence of Carles Puyol at the LigaPro Kids final represents a significant boost for youth football development in Guayaquil, providing international visibility, symbolic credibility, and direct inspiration for young athletes. Beyond the media impact, the former footballer’s visit reinforces the tournament’s value as a space for holistic development, where sport becomes a tool for inclusion, discipline, and community growth. For the city, the event strengthens its image as a committed supporter of grassroots sports and as a promoter of initiatives that connect new generations with iconic figures of world football.