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Bayern Munich And Rwanda: Why Is Sponsorship Controversial?

Bayern Munich And Rwanda: Why Is Sponsorship Controversial?

Though a unilateral ceasefire was announced on Tuesday, a deadly conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 recently capture the border city of Goma and exacerbated a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Rwanda denies backing M23, and says any actions it takes are in self-defense, but the United Nations has repeatedly called for the country to withdraw forces from DRC and bring an end to support for the group.

Bayern Munich signed a deal with Rwanda in 2023, following in the footsteps of English club Arsenal and French outfit Paris Saint-Germain. The five-year partnership, described by Bayern as “platinum” and thought to be worth in excess of €5 million a year ($5.15million) a year stipulates that Bayern promote the African country’s tourism brand “Visit Rwanda.”

“Countless lives have been lost; rape, murder and theft prevail. Your sponsor is directly responsible for this misery. If not for your own consciences, then the clubs should do it (end their sponsorship agreement) for the victims of Rwandan aggression,” she wrote.

What has Bayern’s reaction been?
The Bundesliga leaders have not yet responded to a query from DW nor spoken publicly on the matter. However, shortly after it was signed in 2023, Jan-Christian Dreesen, Bayern’s CEO, defended the deal.

“Yes, we take money from Rwanda, but we also do something for it; by being open about it, by sending coaches there, by building a youth academy together, and so on,” he told DW. “We want to be part of the development of Rwanda and also champion Africa as a continent of opportunity.”

Is this the first time something like this has happened with Bayern?
No, in fact the Rwanda deal was signed less than two months after the end of a similar deal with Qatar which also proved highly controversial, and caused a significant rift between the club and its fans. Qatar’s position on dissent and other human rights issues came under the spotlight during the 2022 World Cup. Bayern’s active fanbase felt the country’s politics did not match the club’s stated values and a 2021 annual general meeting descended into anarchy in scenes that made global headlines.

What do Bayern and Rwanda gain from such deals?
In the case of the club, the answer initially appears to be money, though it is increasingly unclear whether the damage to its reputation caused by issues such as this is worth an amount that would only pay the wages of star striker Harry Kane for a couple of months. Bayern are also seeking to improve their profile in the region.

“Africa is a continent of opportunities. For FC Bayern, this is the next important step in internationalization,” said Dreesen when the deal was signed. Ultimately, again, this would be a way to grow commercial income.

For Rwanda, the stated aim is “to support the development of youth football for boys and girls in Rwanda” through the Bayern Munich academy set up in the country, according to then-minister for sport Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju.

“The potential is there for Rwandans to excel in football and this partnership provides a great platform for Rwanda to strive for excellence in sports,.” she said.

But many international observers see it differently, with Rwanda, and its leader Paul Kagame, increasingly being accused of sportswashing – using sports in order to present a positive public image that does not reflect reality.

“These sponsorships…have acted to sanitize Rwanda in the eyes of the world. Rwanda, which is a very poor country, has decided to spend its money supporting these clubs. It has signed deals with the cycling world championships, it’s hoping to get Formula 1 to be held in Rwanda and it creates this image of a modern, progressive, clean, safe African country,” author and journalist Michela Wrong told DW News.

“But at the same time, it’s intervening very strongly in neighboring (DR) Congo and creating chaos in that country, and is responsible for thousands of deaths.”

What could happen next?
The situation in DR Congo is fast-moving and it is unclear how secure the ceasfire is. France has called for Rwanda to “immediately” exit the country, the UK’s foreign minister, David Lammy, has said M23 “could not have taken Goma without material support from Rwandan defense forces” and Germany is among the major powers considering whether to continue sending aid to Rwanda.

From Bayern’s perspective, things are unclear. Given how politically engaged fans are in Germany, Bayern are likely to come under much more internal pressure than PSG or Arsenal and, as with Qatar, they must now decide whether the PR damage is worth the revenue.

“These are rich, popular, very high-profile clubs – I don’t think they need to take money from Rwanda, they can find other sponsors,” Wrong said. “I would encourage them to do so.”

Bayern host Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Friday night, which may mean matchgoing fans will make their voices heard through a banner or some other form of collective action.

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The Messi Family Still Love Barcelona! Leo & Antonela Celebrate Son Thiago’s Birthday With A Blaugrana-Themed Party

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo celebrate son Thiago Messi’s 13th birthday with Barcelona-themed decorations

The Messi Family Still Love Barcelona! Leo & Antonela Celebrate Son Thiago’s Birthday With A Blaugrana-Themed Party

Even though Lionel Messi now thrills fans in Miami, his heart clearly still beats for Barcelona. The Argentine legend and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo threw a spectacular FC Barcelona-themed party for their eldest son Thiago’s 13th birthday — complete with the club’s iconic Blaugrana colours, a Camp Nou-shaped cake, and the famous “Mes Que un Club” motto proudly displayed.

A Birthday Steeped In Barca Spirit

Photos and videos shared by Antonela on social media showed the family surrounded by vibrant Barcelona decor — a sea of red and blue balloons, a giant club crest, and even a backdrop of Camp Nou. Thiago, wearing Barca’s 2024/25 third kit with his name and age printed on the back, grinned as his parents captioned the moment:

“How wonderful it is to celebrate you, Thiagui! We love you so, so much.”

For fans, it was more than just a birthday — it was a reminder that the Messi family’s bond with Barcelona remains unbreakable, even three years after Leo’s emotional exit from the club.

 

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A post shared by Antonela Roccuzzo (@antonelaroccuzzo)

Barcelona: More Than A Club, More Than A Memory

Messi’s relationship with FC Barcelona runs deeper than football. From joining La Masia at 13 — the same age Thiago just turned — to lifting countless trophies, including the 2009 Sextuple, his journey defined an era of global football.

His records still stand tall: 672 goals, 778 appearances, and six Ballons d’Or during his time in Catalonia. But beyond the numbers, Messi represented Barcelona’s core — humility, artistry, and loyalty.

Even after leaving in 2021 due to financial struggles, Messi has never hidden his affection for the club and the city that gave him everything. The birthday celebration only reinforced that connection — a nod to where it all began.

Thiago Messi: Carrying The Torch

Born in Barcelona on November 2, 2012, Thiago has spent much of his life steeped in the world of football. He trained briefly with Barca’s youth academy before joining PSG’s setup when the family moved to Paris, and now shines at Inter Miami’s U-13 side.

Despite growing up in different countries, Thiago’s heart still leans toward the Blaugrana. He has even mentioned his admiration for Lamine Yamal and dreams of one day playing alongside the teenage sensation — a sweet echo of his father’s legacy.

But for Messi, the focus remains on joy, not pressure. He’s repeatedly said he doesn’t want to force his sons into football — yet gestures like this party show how much Barcelona remains a part of their family identity.

A Party Full Of Love And Legacy

The Messi family’s celebration wasn’t just a party — it was a tribute. A reminder that no matter where they live or play, Barcelona will always be home.

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Marketing & Sponsorship

Inside The Sports Market: Why The Best Sport Blog Is More Than Just Scores

Sports fans cheering in a stadium, representing the global sports market and fan culture.

Inside The Sports Market: Why The Best Sport Blog Is More Than Just Scores

When you think about a sport blog, you might picture match highlights, game recaps, and maybe a few hot takes. But here at Sports Market International, we believe the best sport blog should offer more than that.

Sports today are not just about who won or who lost. They’re about the market that powers the game — sponsorships, fan engagement, athlete branding, and the business moves shaping the future. And that’s exactly where we come in.

Why Sports Market International Is Different

We cover:

  • The Sports Market Behind The Game → From billion-dollar broadcast rights to grassroots investments.

  • Athlete Branding → How stars like LeBron, Messi, or Alcaraz become more than athletes.

  • Fan Culture → The chants, the memes, the jerseys, the digital communities.

  • Global Trends → How sports in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas intersect in today’s world.

The Fun Side Of Sports

Yes, we get serious about markets and strategy, but sports are also about joy. The last-minute goals, the unexpected underdog wins, the viral locker room celebrations — we bring that energy into every post.

Why We Aim To Be The Best Sport Blog

Because we don’t just write about sports. We live inside the sports market, connecting culture, business, and fans in one space. Whether you’re a casual fan, a die-hard supporter, or an industry insider, Sports Market International is built for you.

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Marketing & Sponsorship

Borah Ndanyungu Reveals betPawa’s Vision In Unveiling Tekno

BY ADELU PRAISE DEBORAH 

For Borah Omary Ndanyungu, betPawa’s Head of Local Marketing & CSR, the choice of Afro-pop sensation Tekno as the brand’s new ambassador was clear. “Tekno represents everything we stand for — energy, creativity, and breaking boundaries. His music inspires millions, just as football does. That’s why he’s the perfect face of betPawa,” Borah explained at the unveiling in Lagos.

The decision reflects betPawa’s strategy of blending sport, music, and culture to connect with Nigeria’s vibrant youth market. Coming just days after the brand invested ₦494 million in the Nigeria National League (NNL) through its Locker Room Bonus initiative, Tekno’s unveiling underscores the company’s twin approach of empowering players on the pitch while engaging fans off it.

Music meets mission

Tekno, famous for hits like Pana and Skeletun, said the collaboration felt natural. “From the studio to the stage, I’ve always been about breaking limits. That’s why betPawa felt like family. They’re creating opportunities, celebrating winners, and pushing boundaries in their own space. Together, we’ll keep inspiring Nigerians,” he said.

The company believes Tekno’s influence goes beyond entertainment. His wide appeal mirrors the unifying power of football, which is why betPawa sees him as the right figure to front campaigns that blend music, lifestyle, and sport.

Beyond gaming

For betPawa, Tekno’s unveiling is part of a broader push to define itself not just as a gaming operator but as a lifestyle brand. With its Locker Room Bonus reshaping football motivation in the NNL — giving ₦56,000 direct payments per winning player and ₦1.288m per team per victory — and Tekno’s appointment amplifying cultural reach, the brand is building strong links to communities across Nigeria.

From its 1,250% sports win bonus, the highest in Africa, to its ongoing grassroots initiatives, betPawa has carved a niche as a driver of empowerment. Adding Tekno strengthens that vision, ensuring the brand connects with music fans, football lovers, and youth eager for inspiration.

As the NNL gears up for its November kickoff and Tekno readies fresh music, the partnership is set to fuel a new wave of campaigns that celebrate ambition, creativity, and winning. For betPawa, the message is clear: Tekno is not just an ambassador, but a cultural symbol of everything the brand aspires to represent.

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