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3. Beirut Sports Festival: Roberto Carlos Makes His Entrance, the Forum Ignites

Since Thursday, the Beirut Forum has been vibrating to the rhythm of the Beirut Sports Festival 2025, which is already experiencing exceptional attendance. At the halfway point of its third edition, the event is asserting itself more than ever as the major sporting highlight of the year. Families, youth, enthusiasts and the simply curious have been flocking there by the thousands each day to experience, watch and practice all sorts of sports. And this weekend promises to be even more spectacular.

Founded and passionately organized by Karim Andari, the president of the event, the Festival has established itself in just a few years as a showcase of Lebanese sporting vitality. In a country facing multiple challenges, it represents a rare space of unity, shared effort and celebration. Since Thursday, the public has been discovering around 20 disciplines–from 3x3 basketball to padel, from MMA to taekwondo–spread over more than 10,000 square meters, under the supervision of national sports federations.

Roberto Carlos as Guest Star

But the most anticipated moment is, without question, the visit this Saturday afternoon of the Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos, 2002 World Cup champion and global icon of Real Madrid. His arrival in Beirut was confirmed earlier this week, and thousands of fans are hoping to catch a glimpse of him, exchange a few words or get an autograph. A world-class star walking through the aisles of the Forum–that too is the magic of the festival.

Spotlight on the Show and the International Scene

On Saturday evening, in the outdoor esplanade of the Forum, a kickboxing night will electrify the crowd. Thirteen matches are scheduled, featuring athletes from Lebanon, France, Spain, Morocco, Palestine, Egypt, Senegal and Uzbekistan. One of the most anticipated fights will see Lebanese fighter Youssef Abboud face off against Frenchman Alan Lévêque. A high-level showdown held under the supervision of the Lebanese Kickboxing Federation.

A Celebration of Sport in All Its Forms

Beyond competitions, the Beirut Sports Festival offers a full immersion into the world of sports: racing simulators, drift demonstrations, martial arts shows, exhibitions, interactive booths and an Olympic museum featuring rare items, including the legendary Lancia Delta HF of champion Billy Karam.

A record number of visitors is expected this weekend. Entry remains at the symbolic price of $1, entirely donated to supporting young athletic talents. This detail sums up the spirit of the festival: accessible, supportive and future-oriented.

Sport unites when everything else divides. The Beirut Sports Festival is, now more than ever, the finest proof.