UEFA Champions' Gesture: Palestinian Kids in Medal Ceremony

UEFA's Special Touches for the Super Cup

UEFA makes a heartwarming gesture at the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, featuring two Palestinian children, Tala and Mohamed, in the medal ceremony. Meanwhile, nine refugee children from different countries hold a banner reading 'STOP KILLING CHILDREN – STOP KILLING CIVILIANS' during the opening ceremony.

UEFA has made a heartwarming announcement just hours before the Super Cup kick-off. Two children from Palestine, 12-year-old Tala and 9-year-old Mohamed, will participate in the medal ceremony after the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur in Udine.

Joining the Medal Ceremony

Tala and Mohamed will join UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin on the podium as the players receive their medals. This special moment will add a unique touch to the ceremony, highlighting UEFA's efforts to promote football's universal appeal and its commitment to bringing people together.

The match took place on August 13, 2025, at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy, with Paris Saint-Germain ultimately winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the game ended 2-2 in regular time.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah recently criticized UEFA's tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pele,” saying, “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” Al-Obeid, 41, was killed in an Israeli attack on civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza Strip. UEFA's initial statement described him as “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.

The Palestine Football Association reported that Al-Obeid scored over 100 goals in his career and represented Palestine's national team 24 times, earning him the nickname “Palestinian Pele.” The association also stated that 325 players, coaches, administrators, referees, and club board members in the Palestinian soccer community have died in the Israeli-Hamas conflict since October 2023.

The conflict began after Hamas's cross-border attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel launched an air and ground campaign that has leveled entire neighborhoods in Gaza, displaced most of the population, and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine. The United Nations reports over 1,000 people have been killed near aid distribution sites and aid convoys in Gaza since late May.

In a statement, UEFA said ahead of tonight's match: “12-year-old Tala is a young Palestinian girl with fragile health who was transferred to Milan to receive appropriate medical care, as adequate equipment was lacking in Gaza after the start of the war.

“Tala will be joined on the podium by nine-year-old Mohamed, who lost his parents during the war and was severely injured following an air strike. 

“Due to the seriousness of his condition and his young age, Mohamed and his grandmother were fortunate enough to leave Gaza and were welcomed in Milan, where Mohamed is currently undergoing medical treatment.”

Nine child refugees from Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Palestine, and Ukraine will hold a powerful banner during the UEFA Super Cup's opening ceremony, urging an end to violence against innocent lives. The poignant message, “STOP KILLING CHILDREN – STOP KILLING CIVILIANS,” highlights the devastating impact of conflict on civilians, particularly children.

Two Palestinian refugee children are taking part in the medal ceremony alongside UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin at the 2025 UEFA Super Cup following an invitation from the @UEFA_Foundation for Children. pic.twitter.com/YWE4vOppTL

— UEFA (@UEFA) August 13, 2025

These young advocates are part of Inter Campus, a UEFA Foundation for Children partner that promotes social integration and cultural understanding among diverse groups. Inter Campus uses football as a tool for personal development, teaching valuable life skills and promoting peaceful coexistence. Their work extends to regions affected by conflict, providing opportunities for children to play, grow, and thrive despite adversity.

The UEFA Foundation for Children supports initiatives like Inter Campus, recognizing football's potential to drive positive change in young lives. By partnering with organizations that share their vision, the foundation amplifies its impact, creating lasting differences in communities worldwide.