Basmah Nawaf Alshnaifi, a 10-year-old girl from Saudi Arabia with a passion for football, was given the opportunity of a lifetime, to become the first female Saudi mascot at the UEFA Champions League. The unique experience was made possible for her thanks to Mastercard.
As the official sponsor of the sporting tournament, Mastercard provided an opportunity for Alshnaifi to walk the stadium with global footballers in the final match of UEFA Champions League in Madrid.
The payments technology company offered Saudi cardholders the chance to win a surprise ticket by using their Mastercard debit and credit cards for everyday payments.
J.K. Khalil, general manager in Mastercard, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, said: “At Mastercard, we are committed to offering cardholders priceless opportunities that allow them to pursue their passions. It is heartening to see such unbridled enthusiasm for football among young Saudi girls today, and we couldn’t be happier to make Basmah’s dream a reality. By innovating in the way we engage with consumers, we will continue to bring unique campaigns to the Kingdom that resonate with the people’s passions and make everyday digital payments simple, secure and rewarding.”
Alshnaifi was given a ticket to the UEFA Champions League Final match between Tottenham and Liverpool, where she got the chance to be the mascot for football legends.
“I never thought I would ever have such an experience in my life. I have always had the dream to play in a big stadium and today I am present in the UEFA Champions League Final as a player mascot. I want to thank Mastercard for making this happen. This is the best gift I’ve ever received and I will always remember it, thank you as well to my family and academy for supporting me,” Alshnaifi said.
Mastercard has been a sponsor of the UEFA Champions League since 1994, and recently added two women’s football clubs, Arsenal Football Club and Olympique Lynonais to its global portfolio, sending a signal for gender equality in sports.
