Michael Essien in team of legends to promote Women’s World Cup

Former Ghana international Michael Essien is among 23 legends unveiled by Fifa as part of a campaign to promote this year’s Women’s World Cup in France.

The players making up the squad – 13 women and 10 men – are tasked with helping drive attendances at the tournament, generating engagement and inspiring a new generation to play women’s football through the initiative.

For the men in the legends team, Essien is joined by the likes of World Cup winners Marcel Desailly of France and Brazil’s Gilberto Silva, two-time UEFA Champions League winner Michel Salgado of Spain, Argentina’s Esteban Cambiasso, Australian Tim Cahill and former South Korean star Park Ji-sung

The 13 women named on the squad include two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup winner Kristine Lilly of the United States, France’s Laura Georges and former England international turned television pundit Alex Scott. They are joined by the likes of Scott’s ex-England team-mate Kelly Smith, Nadine Kessler of Germany and Canada’s Karina LeBlanc.

Each have been given a superhero name and superpower by Fifa.

Superhuman strength, lightning reactions, unshakeable commitment...

Our Legends overcame obstacles, fought adversity, and are here to inspire the next generation.

Throwing their mighty support behind the #FIFAWWC, it's time... #LegendsAssemble #DareToShine pic.twitter.com/xivkPez5ya

— FIFA Women's World Cup ???????? (@FIFAWWC) February 7, 2019