A Sticker Celebration at Rockefeller Center
Former soccer defender Alessandro Nesta joined retired NFL quarterbacks Eli Manning and offensive lineman Shaun O'Hara for a Panini fan experience on Manhattan's iconic plaza. The trio helped launch a worldwide promotion that bundles sticker packs and albums representing all 48 qualified teams, turning the Rockefeller Center atrium into a colorful showcase of football memorabilia.
Nesta, who began collecting Panini stickers at age 17, recalled the thrill of swapping cards with teammates and the pressure of his first World Cup appearance in 1998. He told Manning that the teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is already being called the "new Messi," a comparison that sparked curiosity about the next generation of talent.
When asked to forecast the tournament, Nesta confidently predicted that France and Spain would meet in the final, with France emerging as champions. Manning, visibly impressed by the vivid designs of the cards, said the visual appeal of the stickers rivals the excitement he feels watching American football, highlighting the cultural bridge the World Cup creates between sports fans in the United States and abroad.
Manning revealed plans to bring his family to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to see France take on Senegal on June 16. He expressed enthusiasm for the global fan atmosphere, noting how the passion for soccer differs from the more structured fandom of the NFL, and how the tournament unites diverse communities under a shared love of the game.
O'Hara, who has followed international tournaments for years, added a personal touch by sharing stories of his own childhood fascination with collectible cards, underscoring how the Panini campaign taps into nostalgia while introducing new generations to the sport's rich history.
Beyond the present event, Nesta reflected on the euphoria of Italy's 2006 World Cup victory, describing a three‑day celebration that still resonates with fans who remember the tournament's dramatic moments. His recollection serves as a reminder that each World Cup carries its own legacy, blending youthful optimism with seasoned experience.