Staff WriterThe Reignwood Icons of Football is back, and this time the rivalry is set to boil over like a dodgy Sunday curry. From 31st January to 1st February 2026, Bangkok’s Robinswood Golf Course will once again be the unlikely stage where Champions League winners, Premier League icons, World Cup heroes, and Serie A legends trade studs for spikes in a showdown that’s part Ryder Cup, part circus—and all spectacle.
Twenty-four football greats will split into Team England and Team World, going head-to-head in a fast-paced 10-hole matchplay format. For those who remember last year’s bruising encounter, England walked off with the silverware, leaving the rest of the globe muttering into their caddie bibs. This year, the script is set for revenge, redemption, and perhaps the odd shank into the hospitality tent.
England’s Wall and Whippet Return
Leading the charge for Team England are two returning heroes.
- John Terry, “Mr Chelsea” himself, who collected every domestic trophy short of the Sunday pub league’s best haircut award, is back to marshal the troops.
- Theo Walcott, once the Premier League’s jet-fuelled sprinter, now swaps penalty boxes for fairways. Both were crucial in last year’s win, and they’ve no intention of giving up bragging rights.
As Terry himself put it: “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.”
Walcott, never short of pace or enthusiasm, 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.”
Team World’s Flair and Firepower
But before England start polishing their crown, Team World has sent word: the cavalry’s on its way.
- Gianfranco Zola, Chelsea’s magician-in-residence during the ‘90s, brings his artistry to the tee.
- He’s joined by Gabriel Batistuta, Argentina’s sledgehammer striker who once made defenders quake just by lacing his boots.
And if their words are anything to go by, Team World is in no mood to play second fiddle again.
Zola 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 echoed that intent: “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.”
Bigger, Louder, and More Bangkok
If you thought last year was big, organisers insist 2026 will be bigger, shinier, and louder than ever.
Thomas Brookes, CEO of Icons Series, confirmed: “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, was equally bullish: “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.”
A Showdown to Savour
So there you have it: England’s defensive wall and lightning sprinter versus the world’s conjurer and hammer. Rivalries renewed, egos on the line, and swings that may or may not endanger passing wildlife.
Tickets for the Reignwood Icons of Football 2026 go on sale 1st September 2025 via www.icons-series.com.
If last year’s stampede is any indication, fans might want to move faster than Walcott in his prime.
