Kenyan President William Ruto has expressed his firm belief that Arsenal will win their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, offering his full support as the trophy toured Kenya. The prestigious cup made its final stop in the country after a global tour that began in Vietnam on April 7, 2025.
Ruto, a vocal and dedicated Arsenal fan, has long hoped for the club to secure a major European victory. Although Arsenal has come close to winning the Premier League title in recent seasons, the Champions League has remained out of reach for the club. With the Gunners now in the semifinal stage of this year’s competition, Ruto is optimistic that they can go all the way.
During a speech marking the arrival of the Champions League trophy in Kenya, President Ruto expressed his excitement and hope for Arsenal’s future in the competition. “As the trophy reaches Kenya, I’m filled with optimism for the next stop,” Ruto said. “I hope it will be when Arsenal lifts it for the first time in the club’s history.”
Arsenal’s journey in this season’s Champions League has been a thrilling one. They started strong, with a resounding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie. The Gunners then held their nerve in Madrid, securing a 2-1 win in the second leg to advance to the semifinals. In the first leg of the semifinal, however, they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Paris Saint-Germain, and now face a daunting task to overturn the deficit in the return leg on May 7.
Ruto, in his address, did not hold back in his passionate support for the team, sharing his hopes for their success in the second leg. “As it has been said, I’m a supporter of Arsenal, and I hope they overturn the 1-0 loss to PSG this week when they meet in Paris. I believe they can bounce back and advance to the final, where I hope they will lift this trophy.”
The arrival of the Champions League trophy in Kenya is part of the global 2025 Heineken-sponsored tour, which has made stops in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, and Zambia before arriving in Kenya. During the ceremony at State House, Nairobi, football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger handed the trophy to President Ruto, marking a moment of connection between football fans and the beautiful game.
Schweinsteiger, who has been involved in the tour alongside Heineken, highlighted the universal love for football, emphasizing how passion for the sport transcends borders. “Football is all about connection, emotion, and unforgettable moments,” Schweinsteiger remarked. “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.”
The Kenyan leg of the tour also provided a special opportunity for local fans to interact with Schweinsteiger. On May 3, a football event hosted by Heineken and the Football Federation of Kenya will take place, where Kenyan football legends will join Schweinsteiger for a fun match session. Fans who attend will also have a chance to view the trophy up close.
With President Ruto’s enthusiastic backing and the Champions League trophy now in Kenya, Arsenal fans across the nation are hoping that the President’s blessing will help their beloved team finally make history and claim European football’s most coveted prize. As Arsenal prepares for the crucial second leg against PSG, the hope is that this is the year the Gunners end their long wait for a Champions League victory.
