Ruto backs Arsenal as Kenya hosts UEFA Champions League trophy

President William Ruto exchanges pleasantries with former Germany professional footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger (C) Courtesy

By Erick Kariuki
Friday, May 2, 2025

President William Ruto welcomed the UEFA Champions League trophy to State House Nairobi on Friday, marking its return to Kenya after 13 years.

After a 13-year absence, the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy returned to Kenya, making a high-profile stop at State House Nairobi on Friday. President William Ruto officially received the prestigious silverware as part of the 2025 Heineken Trophy Tour. Kenya was the final of five countries on the tour, following earlier stops in Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, and Zambia.

Addressing dignitaries, football enthusiasts, and officials from UEFA, Heineken, and the Football Kenya Federation, President Ruto expressed both pride and optimism about Kenya’s growing role in global football.

“I am truly delighted to receive the UEFA Champions League trophy here in Kenya,” he said. “We are honoured to host it once again, especially given the tremendous and passionate support that football enjoys across our country.”

More To Read

The trophy last visited Kenya in 2012. This year’s tour is particularly timely, coinciding with the semi-final stage of the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League, where Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Inter Milan are still in contention.

“Personally, I support Arsenal,” Ruto said with a grin, referencing the club’s current uphill battle after a 1–0 first-leg loss to PSG. “I hope they can overturn the result in Paris this week and reach the final - hopefully to lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.”

The President also highlighted football’s unique ability to bring people together.

“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.”

Among the guests was German football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger, a Champions League winner with Bayern Munich in 2013 and World Cup champion with Germany in 2014. Ruto extended a warm welcome:

“Karibu sana, Bastian and team - welcome to Kenya.”

He also encouraged aspiring Kenyan footballers to learn from Schweinsteiger’s discipline and career path:

“It is my prayer that our young, aspiring footballers - both male and female - will emulate your dedication and help elevate Kenya in the world of competitive football.”

Turning to the local game, Ruto reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening football from the grassroots to the professional level.

“I want to assure Kenyans that the government I lead remains steadfast in its commitment to uplifting the standards of football. We will continue to invest in talent development and revamp the entire football ecosystem.”

He called on the Football Kenya Federation to play a leading role in talent identification and development.

“We have an abundance of football talent in Kenya. We simply need to be more focused and deliberate about developing it through strong, supportive infrastructure.”

Ruto also championed the government’s Talanta Hela initiative, which aims to monetise youth talent across all sporting disciplines.

“We must turn football and other sports into viable sources of income and wealth—especially for our young people.”

Before wrapping up, the President encouraged Schweinsteiger and his delegation to explore Kenya’s tourism offerings.

“I urge Bastian and his team to visit attractions like the Nairobi National Park - just a few minutes from here - and to return whenever you can to enjoy the warm hospitality of our people.”

As the trophy tour winds down, Ruto becomes the final head of state to lay hands on the silverware during this five-country campaign - a moment that brought elite European football closer to Kenyan fans than ever before.

“Many of our fans may never experience the UEFA Champions League in person,” Ruto said. “Simply seeing the trophy is a special moment for them.”