The whistle blows. Teammates call for the ball, supporters cheer, and players from across the Hapag-Lloyd world shake hands before the kick-off.

On a sunny Saturday in Hamburg, the energy is contagious. For Team GCC – the Global Capability Center team from Mumbai – this is more than a soccer tournament; it’s the culmination of months of preparation.

The journey begins long before the first match. Back in Mumbai, colleagues from various departments assemble a team, many of them meeting for the first time through soccer. From April on, they train every Friday and Saturday.

“We wanted to give our best and represent India with pride,” says team captain Nikhil Shetty. “Every training session brought us closer together.”

One global team

As the tournament approaches, anticipation grows. In total, 22 teams from more than 15 countries come to the company headquarters to compete. But the experience is about more than who wins. “Soccer is what brings us here,” says Prachi Mullah. “But the friendships and connections we make are what we’ll remember.”

“What stood out the most was the opportunity to experience Hapag-Lloyd’s culture firsthand,” says Nikhil. “We experienced the care and support of our international colleagues and leaders and the energy and teamwork that keeps everyone moving forward.”

The tournament showcases the spirit that connects colleagues across borders. “Being part of this team has been an incredible experience,” says Monika Muthuvel. “It shows that no matter where we come from, we’re all part of one global team.”