UEFA Champions League Trophy Returns to Kenya After 13 Years
The iconic UEFA Champions League trophy has returned to Kenyan soil for the first time in over a decade, rekindling passion and excitement among local football fans. The prestigious silverware is in the country for a three-day tour from Thursday to Saturday, marking its first appearance in Kenya since 2012.
The return of the trophy is part of the Heineken UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour, which has already passed through Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, and Zambia. The tour’s final stop is Kenya, where it has drawn large crowds and media attention.
The trophy’s arrival has been made even more special by the presence of German football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger. Schweinsteiger, who won the Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2013 and the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014, landed in Nairobi accompanied by officials from UEFA and Heineken.
Schweinsteiger is expected to headline several high-profile events during the tour. On Friday morning, he and the UEFA delegation presented the trophy to President William Ruto during a ceremony at State House Nairobi. Later, a public display of the trophy is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, allowing fans to take photos and experience the magic of European football.
Speaking during the presentation, President Ruto expressed his pride in Kenya’s role in hosting the trophy and reaffirmed his support for football development across the country. “We are honoured to host it once again, especially given the tremendous and passionate support that football enjoys across our country,” he said.
The President also revealed that he supports Arsenal, one of the four clubs still in contention in this season’s UEFA Champions League, alongside PSG, Barcelona, and Inter Milan. Ruto voiced optimism that the Gunners could make it to the final and lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
“Football has the power to unite people – not just to cheer their favourite teams, but to celebrate special moments with family, friends, and even strangers,” Ruto said.
The tour has also included interactions with local football heroes and youth talent, organised by the Football Kenya Federation. Schweinsteiger is expected to meet former Kenyan football stars and aspiring players on Saturday morning in a mentorship session.
This long-awaited return of the UEFA Champions League trophy is more than just a photo opportunity—it is a reminder of football’s global reach and a symbol of inspiration for Kenya’s rising football talent.
With thousands of fans expected to attend the public exhibition, the event is poised to be one of the year’s biggest football highlights in Kenya.
In other news:Ruto Backs Arsenal as Kenya Hosts UEFA Champions League Trophy
UEFA Champions League Trophy Returns to Kenya After 13 Years