AFC Champions League Elite Trophy tours NEOM ahead of historic Finals in Jeddah

International

With the countdown on for the AFC Champions League Elite Final, which takes place in Jeddah on Saturday May 3, NEOM welcomed the official tournament trophy for a special journey across its communities and initiatives.

As Presenting Partner of this year’s last eight matches, including the Final on May 3, NEOM brought the trophy on a tour of key locations across the giga-project's expansive 26,500-square kilometer footprint, - from the snow-covered slopes of Trojena, to the shores of the Adventure Sports Hub and on through the NEOM Nature Region.

Each stop on the trophy’s journey showcased NEOM’s growing role in uniting communities, shaping lifestyles and contributing to a dynamic and thriving economy. Accompanied by NEOM Sports Club ambassador Mohammed Al Burayk, the tour highlighted the sports shaping NEOM’s future, from football and skiing to kitesurfing and beyond.

Jan Paterson, Managing Director of NEOM Sport, said: “Hosting the AFC Champions League Elite trophy at NEOM is about much more than the game. It’s a moment that connects our people and our regions to one of Asia’s top sporting stages, reflecting how sport is an integral part of the fabric of NEOM.”

The partnership with the AFC has supported NEOM’s initiatives, such as the Shuhub Community Youth Football Program, which has engaged 10,000 young people around the Kingdom to date. Through this collaboration, NEOM has provided local boys and girls from football community groups with unique opportunities to participate in AFC matches as player mascots, center circle children and the first-ever trophy handover children at the AFC Champions League 23/24 Final.

The full video of the AFC Trophy Tour around NEOM is available on the NEOM YouTube channel now.