When football fever hits, there’s no better place to feel the pulse than surrounded by fellow fans, roaring energy, and unstoppable anticipation.
On Saturday, 31st May 2025, Mastercard turned up the heat at Carnivore Grounds, hosting the biggest UEFA Champions League Finals viewing experience party in Nairobi. The event which featured vibrant fan zones, immersive activations, and an electric atmosphere, brought football fans together in unforgettable style — all reinforcing Mastercard’s promise to create meaningful connections through its UEFA sponsorship.
The grounds came alive with roaring fans — a dynamic mix of cardholders, media personalities, sports legends, partners, and local celebs — all united by their love of the beautiful game. It was a night that connected millions around the world, holding their breath through moments of brilliance, heartbreak, and glory. And my oh my, what a night, what a game, what an experience — and what a celebration to crown it all. Football is truly an epic sport.
Mastercard has been a proud sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious competition in European club football, for 30 years, making it one of the longest-standing collaborations in sports, delivering priceless experiences to fans across the globe. This partnership continues to bring football fans closer to their passion by creating priceless experiences.
“Football goes beyond the ninety minutes. It’s about the shared moments and the emotions that bring us together. Our collaboration with UEFA allows us to craft experiences that go beyond the ordinary and resonate with fans across the region,” said Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, Mastercard.
Before the two giants Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, clashed in a match filled with all the drama, passion, and magic the UEFA Champions League is known for, invited guests at Carnivore, Nairobi enjoyed a curated experience that also included a gourmet dinner. Through it all, conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and football banter filled the air. And as the clock neared 10:00 PM, you could feel it in the air. The big moment was here. Screens lit up, hearts pounded, and the UEFA Champions League Final kicked off. The cheers, the chants, the shared anticipation — it was an atmosphere words can hardly capture. You simply had to be there. I must confess I was rooting for Inter Milan.
When the final whistle blew, France’s Paris Saint-Germain had delivered a footballing masterclass, dismantling Italy’s Inter Milan in what will go down as one of the most unforgettable Champions League finals in recent memory, 5-0. It wasn’t just a victory — it was a statement. For the players, it was a career-defining night; for the fans, a dream realized. And with over 100 million viewers tuning in from around the globe, the world watched in awe as PSG lifted the coveted trophy for the first time in the club’s history, etching their names into football folklore.
Across in Amboseli, Mastercard took the experience to new heights as select cardholders from Kenya and Tanzania, along with their guests, enjoyed an unforgettable viewing experience at Amboseli National Park. Surrounded by Kenya’s majestic wildlife and sweeping landscapes, the winners were treated to a complimentary sunrise hot air balloon ride, followed by an exclusive outdoor screening of the final match—seamlessly blending the thrill of world-class football with the serenity of nature.
“Every interaction with Mastercard, from swipes to taps, opens the door to something truly priceless. With this campaign, we’ve taken the UEFA Champions League to breathtaking new horizons, celebrating the game in ways only Mastercard can,” added Shehryar Ali.
Football is a powerful, universal language — a unifying force that transcends national and cultural boundaries. It fosters community, sparks emotion, and ignites a shared passion among fans around the world. By bringing football enthusiasts together in Nairobi to experience the thrill of the game, Mastercard reinforced its commitment to creating meaningful, unforgettable moments through its UEFA Champions League sponsorship. This initiative not only celebrated the beautiful game but also showcased Mastercard’s dedication to connecting people through priceless experiences — right here in the heart of Africa.
As the night ended and the cheers faded, one thing was clear: this was more than just a match. It was a celebration of passion, unity, and the shared joy that football sparks across borders. Through global partnerships like the UEFA Champions League, Mastercard continues to turn moments into memories — delivering experiences that go beyond payments and connect people to what truly matters. We are glad to have been there to witness this.