Sprint legend Usain Bolt to play in exclusive football match in Mumbai, Oct 1

Sprint legend Usain Bolt is all set to bring his legendary speed to the football field in Mumbai on October 1. Organised by PUMA, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist will swap his running spikes for football boots in a special exhibition match. He will join footballers, Bollywood stars, and other notable personalities. This unique event promises to be an unforgettable blend of sport and entertainment.

Representing both Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC, Bolt will play one half for each team, uniting fans from both clubs in a thrilling event. The match is part of PUMA’s two-day celebration of football in India, beginning September 30.

Karthik Balagopalan, PUMA India’s Managing Director, expressed the company’s belief in sport’s power to unite communities, adding that the exhibition aims to celebrate football’s growing popularity among India’s youth.

Usain Bolt is a bona fide athletics legend and world record holder in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m. Though he retired from competitive sport in 2017, he remains one of the most recognisable figures in global sports.

Beside Bolt's legacy as a premier athlete, his sporting interests have consistently included football. This was demonstrated post-retirement through a serious attempt to play professionally, including a much-publicised trial with the Central Coast Mariners in 2018. Now, he is set to bring his speed and flair to the football field, once again during the special exhibition match in Mumbai.