Napoli legends raise funds for Nisida and Santobono in charity exhibition

Former Napoli players, including Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens, Edinson Cavani, and Lorenzo Lavezzi, returned to the Maradona stadium on 26 May 2026 for a charity exhibition match titled "The Night of the Lions." The event featured a contest between "Napoli Legends and Friends" and "World Legends and Friends," with the home side securing an 8-7 victory in front of 47,000 spectators.

The match served as a fundraising initiative for two established Neapolitan institutions: a theater program at the Nisida juvenile detention center and Naples’ Santobono hospital. The gathering was described as an "Azzurri time machine," drawing a diverse group of former players across different generations, including Careca, Ferrara, Zola, and Callejón, to the stadium.

Insigne contributed to the home side’s effort with a goal and several assists, drawing significant attention from the crowd. Lavezzi also scored immediately upon entering the pitch, while Mertens received a substantial ovation upon his appearance. The atmosphere was characterised by nostalgia, with the stadium described as resembling a "huge blue family album" rather than a standard sporting venue.

Proceeds from the event were designated specifically for the aforementioned charitable causes. The Nisida juvenile detention center is a historic facility for juvenile offenders, while the Santobono hospital remains a major paediatric institution in the region. The match highlighted the enduring connection between the club’s history and the city’s social infrastructure.

The event underscored the cultural significance of the Maradona stadium, which continues to serve as a central landmark for Naples’ football identity. By leveraging the legacy of former players, the initiative aimed to engage fans while directing resources toward local community support systems.