News14 July 2026 - 18:31

Former Chelsea star Willian Borges da Silva meets Kipchoge in Brazil, praises his legacy

Willian described meeting the Kenyan distance-running icon as a privilege.

by CHRISTABEL ADHIAMBO

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Former Chelsea and Brazil winger Willian Borges da Silva has hailed marathon great Eliud Kipchoge as "a true legend" after the pair met in Brazil and shared a memorable exchange of signed jerseys.

The meeting brought together two of sport's most recognisable figures, with Willian documenting the occasion on social media through a series of photos showing the pair chatting, shaking hands, signing jerseys and posing together with broad smiles.

The encounter appeared to take place at a hotel or rooftop terrace in the evening, overlooking the city skyline under a fading twilight sky.

Willian described meeting the Kenyan distance-running icon as a privilege.

"It was a true honor to meet you, @kipchogeeliud. Thank you for everything you've done and continue to do for sport. Your discipline, humility, and greatness have inspired millions around the world. You are a true legend," the Willian wrote.

Former Chelsea and Brazil winger Willian Borges da Silva receiving a signed jersey from world marathon recorder Eliud Kipchoge when they met in Brazil/ HANDOUT

Kipchoge responded warmly, saying the admiration was mutual while expressing hope that the two would continue inspiring young people through sport.

"It was a great honor to meet you as well, my friend. Let's keep inspiring kids in Brazil and around the world," the Olympic marathon champion replied.

One of the standout moments from the meeting was the exchange of signed sporting memorabilia.

Kipchoge received one of Willian's Grêmio shirts bearing the winger's name and iconic No. 10, complete with a personal message and signature.

Willian, in turn, was presented with one of Kipchoge's signature white Nike marathon singlets, also personally signed by the Kenyan great.

The photographs captured more than just a jersey exchange.

One image showed the pair deep in conversation, another captured a warm handshake with Kipchoge placing his arm on Willian's shoulder, while another showed both men carefully signing the jerseys before posing together.

Dressed casually, the two sporting stars appeared relaxed throughout the meeting.

Kipchoge wore a black Nike jacket with sweatpants trousers and white slides, while Willian opted for a black sweatshirt, relaxed trousers and black trainers.

The meeting came as Kipchoge continued his global marathon tour, which recently took him to Porto Alegre for the NB42K Porto Alegre Marathon.

The Brazilian race marked the second stop of Kipchoge's ambitious challenge to complete marathons on all seven continents, an initiative aimed at promoting fitness, community engagement and charitable causes.

While Kipchoge has built his legacy on the roads through Olympic titles, world marathon victories and becoming the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in unofficial conditions, Willian made his name on football's biggest stages.

The 37-year-old Brazilian enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles before later featuring for Arsenal, Fulham and Olympiacos.

He has also earned 70 caps for Brazil and represented the Seleção at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.

Although they built their careers in different sports, their meeting highlighted the mutual respect that often exists between elite athletes whose achievements have inspired millions across the world.