Indeed, back in August 1987, when a Football League XI took on a Rest of the World XI at Wembley Stadium, it was just the second such match of its kind, notwithstanding the testimonial games of certain players of the era.
The world's best on show at Wembley
The first game, played in 1963, was invite-only, and won by the English Football League, thanks to goals from Terry Paine and Jimmy Greaves.
Fast-forward 24 years, to the centenary of the league, and it was clear that they wanted the eyes of the world on the fixture, with Centenary Committee spokesman, Chris Callaghan, saying at the time: “The League sees this match as our showpiece event. We want it to set the tone for all that follows in the centenary season. This is a challenge match for the league, a test it has set itself against the best of the rest of the world."
The Football League XI, managed on the day by Bobby Robson, had the likes of Peter Shilton, Chris Waddle, Peter Beardsley, Ossie Ardiles and Liam Brady amongst its ranks.
The Rest of the World XI, managed by Terry Venables, had the great and the good of the world game strutting their stuff, including Michel Platini, Paul Futre, Gary Lineker, Josimar and Diego Maradona.
How Keith Hackett became starstruck
Keith Hackett was chosen to officiate the prestigious event, and he recalled his memories of the day exclusively to Flashscore.
"I travelled down to London the day before the game and met up with my colleagues at the Hilton Hotel at Wembley. That evening, the Referee Officer treated us to dinner, and it was an early night to ensure that I got plenty of rest for the game ahead," he said.
"I was up early and before breakfast went for an early walk around the outside of the stadium. There were a lot of people around and, preparing for the surge of spectators later in the day, I stopped and chatted to a couple of guys down from Manchester who were going to the game. Their plan was to spend the morning in the pub before taking that iconic walk up Wembley Way heading for the Twin Towers.
"By 11.30 am, I was in the foyer of the hotel ready to walk to the stadium when I noticed Sir Stanley Matthews sat in a chair reading a newspaper. I walked across, and to my amazement he looked up and said: “Mr Hackett, I hope you enjoy the game.” I was gobsmacked, and after a chat I asked him for his autograph. He asked for mine, signed on a red card from my bag. It was a great distraction.
A photo with Maradona
"On my way to the stadium, I met a refereeing colleague, Roger Milford, an official who was admired by many players and fans. The dressing room is positioned at the top of two flights of concrete stairs, and I recall from my 1981 FA Cup Final appearance and other games I had officiated at Wembley, how slippery and dangerous they were when wearing football boots.
"A good hour before kick-off I was out on the field checking the nets etc. with my colleagues, and as I was going back into the tunnel, a photographer arranged for me to have a photograph alongside Maradona.
"Yes, the man who a year before in the Mexico World Cup of 1986, had jumped for the ball with Peter Shilton, and punched it into the back of the net, before scoring that superb goal later in the same game to seal the win for Argentina.
"With some 10 minutes before kick-off, the players of both teams gathered in the tunnel. The Football League's Mike Foster, who later became a Director of the Premier League, had assembled a great group of players.
Pele as the guest of honour
"It was time to walk out into the Wembley sunlight, and be greeted by the noise of the crowd. Having lined up the players of both teams, we were all introduced to the Guest of Honour, the great Pele. He shook my hand, and along with the picture taken with Maradona, was a lasting memory for me of that day.
"The game was played in a good exhibition-type spirit, and for my part it was great to adopt a low-key approach. Three good goals, two from Bryan Robson and the other from Norman Whiteside, ensured that the Football League eased home with a 3-0 victory.
"Some excellent skills on show from both sides, including the passing of Maradona, meant that this was a game that I felt honoured to have participated in, and is one of the fonder memories of my career."
Jason Pettigrove has been the features writer for Flashscore since 2025, utilising Opta data to form the basis of his articles. He has previously worked for high profile football clubs, news and media outlets, both in print and digital, and can usually be found watching FC Barcelona when time permits. You can read more of his pieces here.
