A team of Hong Kong football players will face a star-studded international line-up when the Lunar New Year Cup returns for the first time on Tuesday after a four-year hiatus.

The invitational tournament features 17 international football stars, with several of them being former World Cup winners. They include Brazilian Ballon d'Or winner Rivaldo, Roma legend Francesco Totti and Spanish striker David Villa.

Former England goalkeeper David James said it is a wonderful opportunity to play in the tournament with legendary players.

"Everyone here will play. I think it's going to be fantastic to play against some of the Hong Kong legends. I think it'd be superb," he said.

The visitors will play against local footballers, including Fan Chun-yip, Yapp Hung-fai and Chan Siu-ki.

Chan, the all-time top scorer for the Hong Kong team, said local footballers are prepared to play against the internationals stars who they have watched since they were young.

The match will kick off at 5pm at the Hong Kong Stadium.