Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt kicks off AFCON 2025 spirit with trophy celebration
Egypt joyously welcomed the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in a grand celebration this week, reflecting the country’s proud place as a leading sports destination on the continent. The event, organized in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Unilever, marked the beginning of the official partnership between Unilever’s brands Rexona and Clear as sponsors for the upcoming TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, highlighted in his speech that hosting events linked to Africa’s premier football championship affirms Egypt’s position as a key sporting nation. “These events are a source of pride and inspiration for Egyptian and African youth, encouraging achievement and creativity,” he said. He also emphasized the positive impact that collaboration between sports institutions and private sector partners like Unilever has on improving sporting infrastructure and opening new opportunities for young people across the region.
Dr. Sobhy expressed his gratitude to Unilever and its brands for their commitment to supporting African football, saying that such partnerships reflect the private sector’s growing belief in the power of sports to uplift communities and invest in both local talent and the continent’s future. This partnership, he added, helps ensure that this year’s tournament will be organized at a level worthy of both Egypt and Africa.
Mr. Cem Tarık Yüksel, General Manager of Unilever North Africa, Levant, and Iraq, underscored the importance of this strategic partnership with CAF in unlocking new opportunities for the next generation of African footballers. “Football in Egypt is not just a game – it’s woven into the fabric of society and identity. Through our brands, we seek to support fans and communities and help young people realize their dreams,” he said. Mr. Yüksel reaffirmed Unilever’s commitment to investing in sports as a positive force and to strengthening African football’s global standing.
CAF’s Head of Commercial Division, Mr. Hassan El-Qammah, celebrated the growing network of sponsors, now exceeding 16 for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, with more partners to be announced soon. He credited this success to the dynamic leadership of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the ongoing transformation within the organization.
The festive event was attended by football personalities, including Egyptian legends Magdy Abdel Ghani, Ahmed Hassan, Essam El Hadary, Hazem Emam, Khaled Al-Ghandour, Mohamed Nagy Gedo, Wael Riad “Shitos,” and Abdallah El-Said, adding extra excitement and passion to the occasion.
With the next tournament expanding its base of partners, CAF continues its efforts to develop African football and broaden its reach. This celebration in Egypt encapsulates both the spirit of unity football brings across Africa and the hope and pride shared by millions on the continent and beyond.