Andy Devaney
Bangkok, brace yourself. The Reignwood Icons of Football is coming back, and if last year’s spectacle was a friendly kickabout, this one promises to be a full-blooded derby with golf clubs. From 31st January to 1st February 2026, the Robinswood Golf Course will once again swap birdies for bicycle kicks as 24 legendary footballers trade their boots for irons in a 10-hole slugfest.
This isn’t your leisurely Sunday fourball. It’s Team England vs. Team World, matchplay style, with enough drama, ego, and competitive fire to make even a Ryder Cup look like a garden party. And just to whet the appetite, two seismic names are already confirmed on each side.
For England, it’s John Terry—Mr Chelsea himself—returning to lead the charge alongside Arsenal’s turbo-charged forward Theo Walcott. Across the fairway, Gianfranco Zola brings his wizardry, flanked by Argentina’s great Gabriel Batistuta, a man who could probably score goals blindfolded with a sand wedge.
John Terry isn’t about to let history slip through his fingers: “Lifting the Icons Trophy with Team England last year was special, but now the target is on our backs. I can’t wait to get back out there and defend the title. It’s competitive, it’s fun, and it’s like nothing else I’ve ever played in.”
Theo Walcott, clearly still buzzing from his debut, added: “The whole experience was unbelievable. Reignwood Icons of Football is a proper event. To represent Team England again in Bangkok, in front of a global audience, is something I’m buzzing for.”
But Team World is already sharpening its knives. Zola, never one to underplay a rivalry, said: “Football gave us rivalries that defined careers, and now Icons brings those rivalries to golf. Last year was just a taste. In 2026 we’ll be sharper, stronger, and I can promise Team World will come back fighting. England may have bragging rights for now, but history won’t repeat itself.”
Batistuta, meanwhile, kept things simple: “To play with and against these legends again is a privilege, but make no mistake, we’re here to win. Team World is coming back stronger.”
Global stage, Thai flair
If last year proved anything, it’s that Bangkok knows how to host a show. The event will be broadcast to more than 100 countries, but the lucky ones will be those soaking it in live, surrounded by a festival of food, music, and entertainment.
Thomas Brookes, CEO of Icons Series, isn’t shy about the scale: “After the success of the first ever Icons of Football event in Asia in March 2025, we are delighted to be returning to Reignwood Park, Bangkok for an even bigger and more compelling event in 2026.
This is a great opportunity for Thai football and golf fans to enjoy a unique fan experience, getting up close to their icons surrounded by an incredible festival of food and live entertainment. The event will again be broadcast to over 100 countries around the world showcasing Thailand to be a truly world-class host destination of sport and entertainment.”
Ms. Woraphanit Ruayrungruang, CEO of Reignwood Group, underlined the bigger picture: “Supporting the Reignwood Icons of Football 2026 is another great source of pride for Reignwood Park, following last year’s success where we played a key role in setting new benchmarks for sports and entertainment in Asia. This year, we are ready to deliver an even greater and more complete experience for fans, athletes, and partners from around the world.
Most importantly, Reignwood Park has evolved into a true world-class destination, designed to support multi-generational living in every dimension. In the final quarter of this year, we will unveil PARK11 Community Mall, developed under the Smart Green Community concept over 2.5 acres of green space at the project’s front entrance.
The mall is designed to fully serve both residents and visitors, offering an experience that embodies the unique essence of Reignwood Life.
Through our global portfolio including Wentworth Club in the UK and Pine Valley in Beijing, Reignwood is committed to creating world-class experiences that transcend borders, and hosting Reignwood Icons of Football in Bangkok reflects that vision.
By bringing Icons back to Thailand, we are proud to showcase the country as a premier destination for global sports tourism, while reinforcing our commitment to sustainability, community, and cultural enrichment.”
The countdown begins
With captains and further player announcements still to come, the stage is set for a clash steeped in nostalgia, competitiveness, and enough star power to light up half of Asia.
Tickets for the Reignwood Icons of Football 2026 go on sale 1st September 2025 at www.icons-series.com. If last year’s scramble for seats is anything to go by, early birds might be the only ones guaranteed a spot inside the ropes.
This isn’t just golf, and it isn’t just football. It’s a collision of legends, a rivalry reborn, and—if we’re being honest—one of the most entertaining spectacles you’ll see on a golf course.
