In a heartwarming turn of events, a young girl from the Maldives is set to grace the global stage at the UEFA Champions League Final. Sumaya Sa’ad Ibrahim, hailing from HA. Utheemu, has been chosen to walk onto the pitch as a player mascot during the highly anticipated match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, 2025.
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes courtesy of a promotion by the Bank of Maldives (BML) in collaboration with Mastercard, the official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League. Sumaya’s father, Sa’ad Ibrahim, emerged as the grand prize winner, securing an all-expenses-paid four-day trip to Munich for himself and his daughter. The package includes return airfare, accommodation, match tickets, pocket money, and a special welcome gift.
Sumaya will join the ranks of young mascots who accompany football stars onto the field, embodying the dreams of countless children worldwide. Her presence at the final underscores the global reach of football and the unique experiences it offers to fans across continents.
The UEFA Champions League Final is set to kick off at 21:00 Central European Summer Time (00:00 Maldives Time) on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. This match marks the culmination of the 70th season of Europe’s premier club football tournament. Notably, it’s the first final since 2004 without representation from English, Spanish, or German clubs.
PSG, under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, is vying for its first Champions League title, having previously reached the final in 2020. Their journey to Munich included victories over Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. Inter Milan, led by Simone Inzaghi, aims to secure their fourth European crown, with their last triumph in 2010. The Italian side’s path to the final saw them overcome Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona in thrilling encounters.
Sumaya’s upcoming appearance as a player mascot not only highlights the opportunities football provides to young fans but also brings pride to the Maldivian community, showcasing the nation’s presence on the international sporting stage.
