Today, I got to experience something truly unforgettable—the iconic UEFA Champions League (UCL) Trophy is in Nairobi!
Brought to Kenya by Heineken®, this marks the final stop of a month-long global tour that began in Vietnam on April 7. The tour has taken one of football’s most prestigious prizes to passionate fans across Asia and Africa.
In collaboration with football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger—a UCL winner himself—Heineken® has journeyed through Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Zambia, and now Kenya, giving ‘hardcore’ fans who may never get to the stadium a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the trophy up close.
The Kenyan leg kicked off with a morning media briefing, followed by a formal presentation of the Trophy to President William Ruto at State House.
Bastian was joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Sports, Football Kenya Federation (FKF), KWAL (part of the HEINEKEN company), and UEFA.
Weekend Highlights
On Saturday, May 3, Heineken® and FKF will host a fun match session featuring Kenyan football legends and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Later, a consumer event will bring together 700 football fans—selected on a first-come-first-served basis in a Heineken® promotion—for the ultimate UCL experience, including a close-up view of the trophy.
Creating Unforgettable UCL Experiences for ‘Hardcore’ Fans
In Kenya, ‘hardcore’ football fans often stay up till late to catch the action, proving that nothing – not even sleep – can come between them and the beautiful game. To recognise their impressive dedication, Heineken® seeks to create unforgettable experiences.
Nabil Nasser, Global Head of Heineken® Brand, says: “Some of the most passionate fans are those who follow every match from thousands of miles away. The ones sacrificing sleep to catch kick-off or streaming the game on their smartphones as they take the train to work. For the last 30 years, Heineken® has brought fans closer to the action through our partnership with UEFA. Now we’re excited to bring exhilarating events to some of the people who deserve to experience it the most. This is our way of showing appreciation to all the ‘hardcore’ fans out there – your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Jonas Geeraerts, Commercial Director at Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), the company that markets Heineken® locally, says: “The UEFA Champions League is a truly global competition, and we are delighted as Heineken®, through KWAL, part of the HEINEKEN company, to be giving Kenyan fans a chance to see the iconic trophy and experience the competition up close and personal. The UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour is a celebration of Heineken®’s efforts to embrace football fans all over the world.”
Bastian Schweinsteiger added: “Football is all about connection, emotion, and unforgettable moments. Some of the most passionate fans I’ve met have never even been to a stadium, yet their love for the game is just as strong as if they were on the pitch. I’m excited to meet some of them as I travel with Heineken® on the 2025 UCL Trophy Tour, bringing the magic of the tournament to fans around the world.”
With over 30 countries reached so far, Heineken® continues to bring the heart of football to fans everywhere—celebrating those who cheer the loudest, even from the farthest corners of the globe.
