Playmaker by Stefano Boeri Architetti involves the creation of an interactive installation for the exhibition opening in summer 2025 as part of the Manchester International Festival. The project brings together 11 artists and 11 football players in a collaboration that aims to connect art and football. The initiative, titled Football City, Art United, is developed by Factory International in collaboration with former player Juan Mata, curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, and writer/director Josh Willdigg.

For this context, the athlete teamed up with Stefano Boeri Architetti is Sandro Mazzola, a legendary figure in Italian football who embodies the spirit of the game through his creativity and determination. Among the other collaborations between artists, designers, and players are: Bàrbara Sànchez-Kane and Jorge Campos; Alvaro Barrington and Raì Vieira; Ryan Gander and Eric Cantona; Keiken and Ella Toone; Rose Wylie and Lotte Wubben Moy; Suzanne Lacy and Vivianne Miedema.

The installation by Stefano Boeri Architetti is located at Aviva Studios, the home of Manchester’s Factory International — a cultural space dedicated to creativity and large-scale immersive experiences. Open to the public from 4 July to 24 August, the installation draws inspiration from the industrial character of the venue, aligning with its aesthetic to create an intense and iconic football environment. Positioned at the center of 11 thematic works related to the sport, it stands as the main attraction, inviting visitors to become interactive participants in the iconic roles of the game.

The installation consists of three circular spaces, defined by graphic adhesives on the floor — a collaboration with Mexican artist Eduardo Terrazas — and enclosed by a modular wall system made from glulam profiles and 3/8” multilayer panels, inspired by skate ramps and placed vertically. The walls feature circular openings, designed with input from professional players, large enough to allow a ball to pass through, thereby fostering dynamic interaction between spaces. Each area is enclosed by a white nylon net, recalling a football goal, and houses a player, with an initial set of 3 balls per cage. Participants compete against each other for a limited time, trying to finish the match with the fewest balls left in their own space.

The challenge highlights speed, precision, and strategic control, encouraging players to balance attack and defense, and creating an immersive, competitive experience.