Games' Patron

The Barcelona Striker is the Patron of the 2007 International Children's Games

In 1996 Arnor and Eidur Gudjohnsen made football history by being the first father and son to play in the same international match. Since then Eidur's carreer has catapulted him to Spain where he plays for the Spanish and European Champions, FC Barcelona.

Eidur joined Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in 1994 at the age of 16. Just two years later his career was threatened by a serious injury, with doctors declaring that he would never play football again. Against all odds he regained his fitness and found his way to Bolton in England, and then to Chelsea. In London, Gudjohnsen won the hearts of fans as well as two successive Premiership titles in 2005 and 2006. In the summer of 2006 it was announced that Eidur, now the captain of the Icelandic national team, would move from the English Champions to the European Champions to play alongside Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi to name but a few Barcelona stars.

During this Cinderella story, Gudjohnsen's carreer and conduct on and off the pitch continue to inspire both children and grown ups in his native country. It is, therefore, wonderful to be able to present Eidur Smári Gudjohnsen as the patron of the 2007 International Children's Games in his home city, Reykjavík.