William Ruto's Blessing: Kenyan President Backs Arsenal to Win First Champions League Title

Image source: City Mirror

William Ruto's Blessing: Kenyan President Backs Arsenal to Win First Champions League Title

Abigael Wafula 16:20 - 02.05.2025

With the UEFA Champions League trophy arriving in Kenya, President William Ruto expressed his hope that Arsenal, his beloved team, will lift it next.

President William Ruto backed Arsenal to win the UEFA Champions League during a speech marking the trophy’s arrival in Kenya, the final stop of its global tour that began in Vietnam on April 7.

President Ruto has been very vocal about his love for Arsenal, and since the Premier League title has eluded the club, he hopes the Gunners will be bold enough to go for the Champions League trophy.

The President added that, being the last one carrying the trophy, he hopes that the next stop will be when Arsenal lift the trophy on May 31.

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Arsenal have fought hard and are now in the semifinal stage. They started their quarterfinal on a high, beating Real Madrid in their home and away matches. They beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg before hunting them down 2-1 in the return leg.

Securing their spot in a very tough semifinal, Arsenal lost the first leg 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain and will be hoping to bounce back in the second leg on Wednesday, May 7, with blessings from President Ruto.

“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 next Wednesday and advance to the finals to hopefully lift this trophy for the first time in the club’s history. I think since I’m the last one to hold it, I pray for my team so that my team may lift the trophy,” President Ruto said.

UEFA Champions League Trophy in Kenya

Champions League Trophy in Kenya
Image source: Handout

Heineken teamed up with football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger on the 2025 global tour covering Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Zambia and finally, Kenya.

Through the tour, the brand hopes to give fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the ultimate prize in club football up close.

The Kenyan leg of the tour featured Bastian formally presenting the Trophy to President William Ruto at a ceremony at State House, Nairobi.

Heineken and the Football Federation of Kenya will then host a fun match session on Saturday, May 3, where Kenyan football legends will interact with Bastian. Then, 700 football fans selected on a first-come-first-served basis will have the opportunity to view the Trophy.

Upon handing the trophy to President Ruto, the former Bayern Munich midfielder said: “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 the trophy now in Kenyan hands and President Ruto’s passionate backing, Arsenal fans across the nation will be hoping his blessing helps the Gunners make history and finally bring home European football’s most coveted prize.