Cape Town lit up with excitement on April 24 as German football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger landed in the Mother City—bringing with him the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy for a four-day Heineken® Trophy Tour across Cape Town and Johannesburg.
From the moment he stepped off the plane at Cape Town International Airport, the love was real. Fans lined up for a glimpse of the World Cup winner and club football’s most coveted prize. “The welcome was amazing,” Schweinsteiger said. “You can feel how much people here love the game. It’s been a real privilege to bring the Champions League trophy to South Africa.”
The tour kicked off in Cape Town with a chic brunch at CABO Beach Club, followed by a public fan experience at the V&A Waterfront where locals snapped selfies and got up close with the trophy.
The art-meets-sport energy reached a peak at Zeitz MOCAA during the official handover ceremony—set against a backdrop of Afro-modern art and ocean views.
Then it was on to Johannesburg, where the buzz continued at Melrose Arch. Fans got to meet Schweinsteiger face-to-face, sharing hugs, selfies, and football memories.
That night, the city turned up the glamour with a black-tie gala attended by celebs, football insiders, and media, celebrating South Africa’s love of the beautiful game.
“The response from South African fans has been phenomenal,” said Warrick Wyngaard, Heineken® Brand Marketing Communication Manager. “Bringing a legend like Bastian together with the most coveted trophy in club football created moments that really resonated with our fans. That’s what this tour is all about—connection.”
Tech got its own spotlight too. Heineken® showcased the Heineken® Social Screen, a digital innovation that lets fans sync their phones for a shared viewing experience. More proof that the brand is just as much about unforgettable football moments as it is about beer.
Schweinsteiger, who lifted the Champions League with Bayern Munich and played for Manchester United before retiring, was clearly touched by the warm welcome. “The passion here is real,” he said. “You feel it in every handshake, every cheer. Fans here get what the Champions League is about—big drama, big moments, big memories.”
As the trophy tour heads to its next stop, South Africa is left with unforgettable memories—and a reminder of just how deep football runs in its soul.
Stay tuned for more Heineken® UEFA Champions League experiences at heineken.com and heineken.co.za.
