UEFA have highlighted the success of the Champions Innovate programme, which is helping ensure that the UEFA Champions League final leaves a lasting legacy in Hungary and beyond through innovation and grassroots football development, Softfootball reports.
According to a post shared on UEFA’s official X handle, the governing body hosted the Champions Innovate showcase event in Budapest alongside the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) ahead of the UEFA Champions League final.
They posted:
🇭🇺 Köszönöm Budapest!
🏆 Last week, we were at the #UCLfinal host city, for the Champions Innovate showcase event, alongside @MLSZhivatalos.
🌱 Featuring guest appearances from @chiellini, @SamiKhedira, @juliasimic and Zoltán Gera, this year’s edition focused on grassroots football, with startups presenting solutions to drive positive impact in their local communities.
The event brought together football and innovation, with appearances from former stars including Giorgio Chiellini, Sami Khedira, Julia Šimić and Zoltán Gera. This year’s edition placed a strong focus on grassroots football, as startups presented innovative solutions designed to create positive impacts within local communities and support the future growth of the game.
UEFA described the initiative as part of its broader commitment to ensuring major football events deliver benefits that extend far beyond the final whistle, supporting community development and the long-term sustainability of football at all levels.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have officially confirmed that they will face Paris Saint-Germain in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup following their UEFA Europa League triumph and PSG’s Champions League success.
In other UEFA news, Arda Güler has been named the inaugural winner of the UEFA Champions League Revelation of the Season award, recognising the young star’s outstanding performances during the competition and his emergence as one of European football’s brightest talents.
