Giants Star Joins World Cup Sticker Craze in NYC

Eli Manning, once a New York Giants quarterback, joined former Italian defender Alessandro Nesta and former NFL player Shaun O’Hara at a Panini fan event in Manhattan to celebrate the World Cup. The three athletes helped fans buy and trade stickers that feature every national team in the tournament, with a record‑setting album containing 980 player cards. Nesta, who began collecting Panini stickers at age 17, revealed that his lifelong dream of being on a sticker finally came true when he was featured in the collection. During the event, Manning seemed more interested in colorful designs than in soccer stars, but Nesta encouraged him to trade for a promising 18‑year‑old Spanish player who many predict will shine at the World Cup.

The trio also shared predictions about the tournament’s outcome, with Nesta betting on France and Spain reaching the final and France ultimately winning. Manning said he plans to bring his family to watch France play Senegal at MetLife Stadium, hoping for a historic moment similar to the Giants’ 2008 Super Bowl victory. Nesta reflected on his own World Cup experience in 1998, describing the pressure and excitement he felt as a young player. He noted that winning the World Cup can change a player's life, comparing it to his own post‑tournament celebrations in Rome. The event highlighted how athletes from different sports can unite fans and bring new excitement to the global soccer festival.

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