Legendary sportsmen have met a global icon in South Africa. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo was among the footballers who visited Nelson Mandela prior to the start of the World Cup.

The soccer superstar delivered a team shirt with Mandela's name on the back. The front of the shirt carried the number 91, Mandela's age.

World Cup organizers and Mandela's family say the former South African president firmly intends to make a brief appearance at the World Cup opening match.