Gareth Bale, Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry and Steven Gerrard line-up in the same team at star-studded Icons Match in Seoul...but they suffer defeat against defenders

A host of footballing legends dusted the cobwebs off their boots on Saturday for this year's Nexon Icons Match in the South Korean capital of Seoul. 

The fixture saw some of the greatest attackers in the game's history challenged with breaking down a team boasting a host of legendary defenders. 

Managed by former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, South Korean supporters were handed the opportunity to watch a clinic in defending from the aptly named Shield United, including Alessandro Nesta, Claude Makelele, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Gilberto Silva and John Arne Riise. 

While the attacking side, named FC Spear, consisted of greats such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Wayne Rooney, Franck Ribery, Kaka, Steven Gerrard, Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry and - making his return to the game two years after retirement - Welsh icon Gareth Bale. 

After being given a warm welcome by footballing fans in Asia, the star-studded fixture in Seoul got underway early on Saturday morning, one year after Shield United ran out 4-1 victors. 

With the two sets of players understandably carrying a few sets of heavy legs, the game got off to a decidedly slow start with the legends unable to break the dead-lock before the interval.

The first-half did nevertheless see Ronaldinho, now 45, roll back the years with a run down the wing, bursting past former AC Milan defender Nesta before finding the crossbar with an impressive effort on goal. 

After the break, FC Spear upped the anti with Gareth Bale, Kaka and Robert Pires putting together some intricate moves in the final third. 

On 55 minutes, Ballon D'or winner Kaka proved he's still got it with a cleanly-struck curling effort which looked certain for the top corner but for Iker Casillas, who tipped the ball over the bar at the last moment.

It wasn't until the 72md minute that South Korean fans were treated to a goal by none other than Manchester United record goal-scorer Wayne Rooney. 

After Eden Hazard robbed Ashley Cole of possession, he found Rooney, who let off a stunning strike from distance which gave Casillas no chance.

But incredibly, Shield United's team of defenders pulled off a come-back. 

After former Brazil right-back Maicon pulled one back with a header at the far post, Johoo Park won it for the Rafa Benitez-managed side at the death. 

The former Borussia Dortmund defender latched onto a flick from John Arne Riise, before sending an effort past his South Korea compatriot Bumyoung Lee in the Spear net. 

The tie finished 2-1 to Shield United, their second win in consecutive years. 

Standout stars from the good-natured fixture included Henry, Hazard, Rooney and, of course, Gareth Bale on his return to the sport. 

The former Spurs and Real Madrid winger hung his boots up in January 2023, shortly after captaining his country at that year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

His participation in the fixture comes just weeks after his involvement in football stepped up this summer.  

The Tottenham icon was confirmed to be joining TNT Sports punditry line-up as a replacement for Rio Ferdinand, who departed his role at the end of last season.

Bale was also linked with a possible takeover of Cardiff City back in August.

During his career, the Cardiff-born winger won the Champions League five times and LaLiga on three occasions with Real Madrid.

He was also named PFA Player of the Year on two occasions while at Tottenham, while he won the MLS Cup and Supporters Shield during his short spell at Los Angeles FC.

Bale led Wales at their first World Cup in 64 years in 2022 and is the nation's record appearance maker and goal-scorer with 41 goals in 111 games.