German legend Schweinsteiger leads Champions League Trophy Tour in Kenya

Before either Arsenal, Barcelona, Inter Milan, or Paris St Germain lift the UEFA Champions League winners’ trophy, Kenyan fans will have a chance to see it live.

Arguably the most prestigious club trophy in the world, the 7kg piece of silverware has been traversing the globe, and Nairobi will be the last location before it’s taken back to Europe to wait for the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich, on May 31, 2025.

German football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger, who won the trophy with Bayern Munich in 2013, is in the country to accompany it for the tour, alongside representatives from the Union of European Football Associations delegation, Heineken and Kenya Wine Agencies Limited - the official sponsors.

The delegation held a press briefing on Friday at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi, where the former Bayern Munich star was present. On Saturday, around 700 fans and football legends will participate in an interactive consumer session at the same venue.

The ex-Man United midfielder, visibly happy to be in the country, started by commenting on the Red Devils’ current Europa League run, and Harry Maguire’s form.

“Credit to him (Maguire). He had a lot of difficult times, but tried to perform. It’s not done yet, the second leg is coming. The season is very tough for them. The great thing about Man United, which is why I moved there, is the supporters. They are loyal, you can feel the power of the support worldwide and Old Trafford,” he said.

On Bayern’s performances this season in the UCL, Schweinsteiger hoped they would not fall short again next season.

“When we lost to Chelsea in the final, it was one of my worst defeats. The big dream was to have the opportunity to end that pain this year. We are used to trophies and we will probably win the Bundesliga. It’s an okay season and hope next season we will move for the UCL because it’s the biggest prize. When you play at the highest level, you want to reach the final and win it at least once in your life, which I did,” he said.

The former midfielder also highlighted his experience during the tour in Africa, pointing out that he was exposed to a lot of unique cultures.

“It’s a fantastic experience so far. It was great to see the Victoria Falls in Zambia. The welcome at the airport and hotel in Kenya was also good. I saw two minutes of dancing and 10 goal celebrations that we could use if we score – the movements were fantastic. The highlight for me is when you see fans come close to the trophy and their eyes and shining. It’s unique to get close to the trophy,”

On the importance of the trophy being in Africa, the German was keen to point out the impact of the trophy and the fact that the national team is bent on qualifying for the World Cup, with Benni McCarthy in charge.

“Football in Africa is growing a lot. We have massive talents and quality. It’s good that Kenya is getting closer to qualifying for the World Cup. I hope Kenya gets there because the fans love the game, and that’s the most important thing,” he explained.

He urged aspiring young footballers I the country to stay disciplined and have fun while at it.

“Have love for the game and work hard with discipline. The difference between a good and great player is self-motivation and responsibility and mentality. When players understand to do things on their own, it’s much better. Never try to copy someone, play with your values and DNA. Try to learn from others as well. It’s important to have foundations from academies and having the right attitude for every game,” he concluded.

Vietnamese fans in the cities of Ho Chi Minh, Ha Noi, and Nha Trang have already had the chance to see the trophy after it toured the country between April 8 and 12, 2025.

Between April 13-15, it was presented in Jakarta, Indonesia, before making the trip to Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa between April 25-27. The prestigious trophy also toured Lusaka Zambia between April 29-30.

Kenya Wine Agencies Commercial Director Jonas Geeraets explained the team’s motivation for coming to Kenya, “Bringing the trophy to Kenya allows us to bring the most aspirational football competition to consumers and families. It is people getting together. Our campaign this year is ‘Cheers to the hardcore fans’ – those who get up early to celebrate football” he said.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga is the only Kenyan player to have won the Champions League, following Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho’s successful exploits during the 2009/10 season. His brother Victor Wanyama could only settle for a silver medal after Tottenham Hotspur lost to Liverpool in 2018/19.

The 73.5cm tall trophy has been in Kenya before. In 2012, right after Barcelona beat Manchester United 3-1 in the UCL final, President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga got a feel of it at Harambee House as part of an East African tour.

It is currently in its fifth version, having been originally commissioned by UEFA General Secretary Hans Bangerter. This was after Spanish club Real Madrid were permitted to keep the original one in 1967. UEFA then introduced a rule during the 1968/69 season, requiring the trophy to become the property of any club that won the competition three times in a row or five times.

2024/25 Premier League champions Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Ajax, AC Milan and Los Blancos all boast of having a version in their trophy cabinets.

The rule was changed before the 2008/09 season, as the original trophy now remained with UEFA and the clubs were awarded a replica instead.