Three clubs currently partnered with Rwanda’s Visit Rwanda initiative—Arsenal FC, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atlético de Madrid—have all secured their places in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Arsenal booked their spot in the last four for the second consecutive season after eliminating Sporting CP. A goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium proved enough for the Premier League leaders, who had already secured a 1-0 advantage in the first leg in Portugal. Paris Saint-Germain also progressed after overcoming Liverpool FC across two legs, while Atlético de Madrid completed the trio by knocking out FC Barcelona. The final semi-final spot went to Bayern Munich, who defeated Real Madrid in a thrilling 4-3 second-leg encounter to advance 6-4 on aggregate. The achievement highlights Rwanda’s growing global visibility through elite European football, with three Visit Rwanda partner clubs reaching the penultimate stage of the continent’s most prestigious club competition. Bayern Munich, a former Visit Rwanda partner, continues to collaborate with Rwanda through football development initiatives, including youth training, coaching exchange programmes, and grassroots projects. President Paul Kagame welcomed the milestone, praising the teams for their performances. “Proud to see three Visit Rwanda partners qualifying for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals! The performances of Atlético de Madrid, Arsenal and PSG have shown consistency, excellence and resolve, and we look forward to the games ahead!” Kagame wrote on X on Wednesday night. With the semi-finals now set, Rwanda’s presence will remain visible on one of football’s biggest stages as the race for the Champions League title intensifies.
