From momentous monuments of the past to one that will inspire generations to come, the FIFA Club World Cup™ Trophy Tour’s trip to Egypt left a lasting impression of the heritage of the country and the ambition of its most successful football club, Al Ahly FC.
The spectacular prize, which captured the imagination of fans across the city, was displayed at the historic pyramids of Giza, while the club also revealed plans for a stunning new stadium during a special ceremony at the ancient Temple of Hatshepsut.
It was a fitting showcase for a remarkable trophy that is a symbol of the future, inspired by the past.
Iconic landmarks
The trophy’s first appearance came on Wednesday at the club’s stronghold of Mokhtar El-Tetsh Stadium in Cairo.
The venue is Al Ahly’s former home stadium and serves as their current training base – and the trophy’s arrival gave the club’s players, staff and officials a chance to explore it in detail, with coach Marcel Koller and captain Mohamed El-Shenawy among the admirers.
Later in the day, the trophy embarked on a tour of Giza, with the iconic pyramids providing a jaw-dropping backdrop before a memorable visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum.
‘Feel the electricity’
On Thursday, Al Ahly fans and members gathered at Mokhtar El-Tetsh Stadium to have their picture taken with the glittering prize, with the club’s board of directors and various sports teams in attendance.
Also present was Italian football legend Christian Vieri, who spoke of his excitement ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, with all eyes set to be on Al Ahly as they take on Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF in the tournament’s opening game on 14 June. Al Ahly will also face Brazil’s SE Palmeiras on 19 June and Portugal’s FC Porto on 23 June in what is expected to be an extremely competitive Group A.
“The FIFA Club World Cup is going to be huge, and the whole world is going to be watching the first game, so it’s a big stage for the club,” Vieri said.
“I think it’s going to be an amazing event and you can already feel the electricity. All the fans are going to go crazy and the whole world is going to get to know Al Ahly.”
Breathtaking ceremony
On Friday, the club honoured the trophy with a breathtaking ceremony at the world-famous Temple of Hatshepsut just outside Luxor.
The unique event, which featured spellbinding musical and cultural performances, was attended by representatives of the Egyptian government, as well as other prominent figures from the country’s media and wider society.
Speaking alongside Vieri and FIFA Head of Event Marketing and Marketing Planning, Jeremy Thum, was Al Ahly President Captain Mahmoud El Khatib, who set out a captivating vision of the future by unveiling designs for a new 42,000-seat stadium.
Historic occasion
El Khatib, referring to the stunning trophy and new stadium, said: “Today, in this historic venue – which I believe to be the finest in the world – we mark the culmination of many years of hard work since 1907 [when the club was founded]. Hence, we are celebrating two historic occasions in this very place.
“I feel immense joy and truly believe that today is one of the happiest days of my life, to be among this great gathering in such a significant location. Everyone who has represented Al Ahly… has played a vital role in bringing us to this moment. It is the love of our fans that inspires us to rise again and strive to achieve what will always make them proud.”
Having won a record-extending 12th CAF Champions League and 44th domestic league title last year, Al Ahly will be striving to translate domestic and continental success into an unprecedented global triumph in the USA.
source
کلاس یوس