Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has described his recent visit to Rwanda as one of the “most unforgettable experiences” he has had in 2025. Flamini and his former Arsenal and France teammate Bacary Sagna travelled to Rwanda in September as part of Visit Rwanda’s partnership with English Premier League club Arsenal. The pair joined thousands of conservation partners for the annual gorilla naming ceremony, known as Kwita Izina held in Kinigi, Musanze District. Flamini was among the distinguished namers at the event during which 40 newborn baby gorillas were named—a defining moment he says he will carry with him forever. ALSO READ: Rwanda names baby gorillas for 20th time The former France international expressed deep gratitude and admiration for Rwanda’s conservation efforts and the spirit of its people. “Rwanda will forever hold a place in my heart. I’m grateful to President Paul Kagame, Arsenal and the country for giving me the chance to be part of this incredible environmental conservation ceremony,” he said in an x post on Monday. Away from football, Flamini is the chief executive of GF Biochemicals. He co-founded the company that produces sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals, reducing environmental impact. He said witnessing Rwanda’s approach to eco-tourism and community-driven sustainability left a lasting impression while highlighting how local communities are central to conservation, turning tourism into a sustainable and locally empowering sector. “From the very beginning, the dedication of local communities stood out, turning tourism into a sustainable, locally driven economy,” he said. ALSO READ: Milestones that stood out during Visit Rwanda-Arsenal partnership Flamini also commended Rwanda’s drive in the fight against climate change, noting the impact of monthly Umuganda community clean-up activities which unite citizens across rural and urban areas in maintaining a clean and green environment. During his stay, the Frenchman had a private meeting with President Kagame where they discussed Rwanda’s long-term sustainability strategy before heading to Volcanoes National Park, where he spent a day observing Rambo’s gorilla family, an intimate encounter he described as both “humbling and powerful.” “Being just a meter and a half from a silverback reminds you of our place in nature and our responsibility to protect it,” he reflected in his post. ALSO READ: Curtain falls on Arsenal deal as Rwanda eyes US tourism market Flamini was also impressed by Rwanda’s post-genocide resilience, unity and warmth reaffirmed his belief that “renewal is not only possible, but already happening.” Who is Mathieu Flamini? Mathieu Flamini is a retired French professional footballer best known for his energetic midfield role at English club Arsenal, where he enjoyed two successful spells (2004–2008 and 2013–2016). Born in Marseille, France, the 42-year-old built a reputation as a relentless ball-winner, a leader, and a player with exceptional tactical discipline. He quietly retired around 2019 and shifted into full-time environmental entrepreneurship. Today, he is widely recognised for co-founding GF Biochemicals, a company pioneering sustainable, non-oil-based chemical alternatives, and is celebrated as a leading voice in global climate advocacy as well as an Arsenal ambassador. As we approach the end of the year, I want to share one of the most unforgettable experiences from this past year in the beautiful country of Rwanda. I was invited by the Government of Rwanda, as an Arsenal ambassador, to witness the country’s remarkable work in environmental... pic.twitter.com/kgU5fY0HMK — Mathieu flamini (@mathieuflamini) December 8, 2025
