Football Legends Holidays in the Maldives: 2023 Edition

With the country garnering popularity over the years, one group of travellers who have started to vacation in the country have also gained quite a bit of attention. Over the past few years, world-renowned footballers have started coming to the Maldives, not only to partner with resorts but also to unwind and enjoy their holidays. There were a handful of footballers who were spotted in the Maldives in the past year itself.

Annual Football Camp with Gary Cahill and Wayne Bridge

If you are a lover of the England football team, Gary Cahill and Wayne Bridge must be familiar names. The football legends took over Siyam World just last year for an annual football camp which took place in the summer. What better way for a football lover to spend their holidays than playing off with the best of the best?

During their stay, Gary Cahill and Wayne Bridges shared his expertise and coaching tips with.

Spanish footballer Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma

Pedro Rodíguez is a popular footballer among all FC Barcelona supporters. He is also a popular name in the football scene as Pedro was the first player in history to score in six different official competitions in one season.

It was no surprise when Pedro Rodíguez and his girlfriend came to visit the Maldives for the holiday, it garnered a lot of attention. The pair spent their holidays in a resort located near the capital city. During their stay, Pedro and his girlfriend also took some time to explore popular locations in Male’ City such as the President’s Office and the Friday Mosque.

Manchester City’s legendary goalkeeper, Ederson Santana de Moraes

Ederson Santana de Moraes and his family were spotted at Kandima Maldives in July 2023. During this island-style break, the staff at Kandima Maldives got the amazing opportunity to play along with Ederson! This was a rare opportunity that many would hope to get, as Ederson Moraes took this opportunity to sign autographs for fans as well.

Joe Gomez Vacations at Kandima Maldives

Kandima Maldives definitely appears to be a footballer’s favourite destination. English footballer Joe Gomez and wife also took a much-needed vacation to Kandima Maldives, during which they stayed in the aqua villa. Along with them also came the younglings. Gomez noted that the girls stayed in a studio suite while the youngest shared the aqua villa with the couple.

Children’s football camp with Robert Green

Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences marked their easter with the arrival of former English Premier League player Robert Green. Green’s Football Camo at Amilla Maldives was particularly exciting for the youngsters. In addition to kickstarting Easter with his football sessions, Robert also provided a two-hour Masterclass Boot Camp every day from April 7th to April 11th!

German legend Lukas Podolski at Heritence Aarah

German footballer, known and loved by many, took to Heritence Aarah to play a friendly match with a team of eager young players from Meedhu Island. In addition to the joyous match where Podolski offered tips and tricks, the youngsters also got a personally signed jersey.

As international travel continues to rebound, a recent update from the United States government highlights rising safety concerns in various parts of the world. The U.S. State Department now lists 21 countries under its highest travel advisory level — a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” designation. This classification warns Americans to avoid visiting these destinations due to severe safety risks, including conflict, crime, terrorism, and unstable political conditions.

The State Department added North Korea and Burkina Faso to this list in April, bringing the total to 21 nations. These updates reflect the department’s ongoing efforts to inform travelers about potential threats abroad.

What Is a Level 4 Advisory?

The U.S. State Department uses a four-tier system to guide travelers on the level of caution they should exercise in foreign countries:

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
Level 2: Exercise increased caution
Level 3: Reconsider travel
Level 4: Do not travel

Officials designate countries as Level 4 when they identify life-threatening risks due to ongoing violence, instability, or legal complications that could affect foreign nationals, especially Americans. This warning serves as a serious alert to the unpredictable nature of local conditions.

The 21 Countries to Avoid

As of the latest update, the following countries fall under a Level 4 advisory:

Afghanistan
Belarus
Burkina Faso
Burma (Myanmar)
Central African Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Lebanon
Libya
Mali
North Korea
Russia
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Ukraine
Venezuela
Yemen

Authorities flag these nations for various concerns, such as armed conflict, political unrest, or the targeting of foreign nationals through kidnapping or arbitrary detention. In some regions, reports indicate that local authorities have detained U.S. citizens without clear cause or access to consular support, particularly in places like North Korea and Iran.

Travelers should also note that not all areas within a country carry the same risk. Some nations contain specific high-risk regions that raise the overall advisory level. For example, Mexico includes several states under Level 4 due to crime and kidnapping, while the rest of the country holds a Level 2 or 3 designation.

What Travelers Should Do

Although the list targets U.S. citizens, international travelers from other countries can benefit from reviewing multiple sources before finalizing travel plans — including their own national advisories, international news, and firsthand accounts.

Those who choose to travel to higher-risk areas should consider taking the following precautions:

Create a detailed emergency plan
Register with their embassy, if available
Monitor official government updates
Familiarize themselves with local laws and customs

Staying Informed While Planning Travel

Officials regularly review and update travel advisories to reflect global developments. A country listed under a higher advisory level today may shift to a lower level as conditions change. Travelers who stay informed and flexible can better navigate international travel. Whether preparing for business, leisure, or personal visits, understanding advisory updates allows travelers to make informed decisions. By staying aware of evolving conditions and available guidance, individuals can approach international trips with greater preparedness and confidence.