Bastian Schweinsteiger Brings UEFA Trophy to Victoria Falls

By Dali Chiwara

German football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger recently visited Victoria Falls with the UEFA Champions League trophy, creating a powerful connection between European football and one of Africa’s most magnificent natural wonders.

The former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder was visibly moved by the experience: “I’ve played in the biggest stadiums, lifted trophies on some of the world’s greatest stages, but standing here… it’s something else. This is nature’s stadium.”

This visit was part of UEFA’s global outreach effort to connect the Champions League with audiences worldwide. Victoria Falls—straddling Zimbabwe and Zambia—provided perfect symbolism: a place where countries meet, natural power is on display, and heritage, tourism, and conservation intersect.

Beyond photo opportunities, Schweinsteiger arranged football equipment donations to youth programs in both countries. “The real trophy isn’t what I’m holding,” he told young players during a coaching session. “It’s seeing you all with a ball at your feet, dreaming big.”

Interestingly, his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson also visited Victoria Falls earlier this year. “Sir Alex told me this place would leave me speechless,” Schweinsteiger smiled. “And he was right.”

Why European Agents Should Sell Victoria Falls

These high-profile visits highlight Victoria Falls as more than a stopover—it’s a bucket-list destination offering natural beauty, luxury accommodations, adventure activities, and now, a connection to football history.

Best Time to Visit

• February to May: Peak flow with dramatic mist plumes—ideal for photographers
• June to August: Strong flow with better visibility and excellent travel conditions
• September to November: Lower water reveals rock formations; Devil’s Pool accessible
• December to January: Shoulder season with fewer crowds and excellent wildlife viewing.

How to Get There

• By Air: Connections via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, or Nairobi to Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia)
• By Rail: Luxury experiences via Rovos Rail

What to Do

• Helicopter “Flight of Angels” tours
• Zambezi River sunset cruises
• Whitewater rafting and bungee jumping
• Safari extensions to nearby national parks
• Cultural village visits and craft markets
• Luxury stays at iconic hotels like Victoria Falls Hotel and Royal Livingstone.

How to Sell It

• Frame as “more than a waterfall”—follow the footsteps of football icons while experiencing a natural wonder
• Create packages like “Legends and Landscapes,” combining Victoria Falls with safari or South African wine country
• Target multi-generational travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences
• Highlight luxury options that rival Europe’s finest resorts
• Use the UEFA visit as a marketing hook: “Visit the place that took Schweinsteiger’s breath away”

As Schweinsteiger departed, he reflected: “In football, you chase greatness for years. But here, greatness is just… here. Constant. Thunderous. Eternal.”

AGENT ESSENTIALS – VICTORIA FALLS AT A GLANCE

Location: Border of Zambia and Zimbabwe
Size: 1.7 km wide, 108 meters high
Volume: Up to 500 million litres/minute (peak)
Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Currency: USD (Zimbabwe), Zambian Kwacha (Zambia)
Language: English widely spoken
Health: Malaria precautions recommended
Visa: Most Europeans can obtain visas on arrival
Ideal Stay: 3–4 nights minimum
Earning Potential: High—luxury accommodations and activities offer excellent commissions