Hyundai Motors Becomes the Official Automotive Partner of UEFA Champions League Starting 2026/27 Season

Hyundai Motor Company Becomes Official Automotive Partner of the UEFA Champions League

In a significant move, Hyundai Motor Company has announced its status as the Official Automotive Partner of the prestigious UEFA Champions League, commencing with the 2026/27 season. This multi-year agreement signals Hyundai's deep commitment towards European club football, aligning its brand with one of the most celebrated competitions in the sport. The partnership will span five years, concluding at the end of the 2030/31 season.

Hyundai's connection to football runs deep, having been involved in various capacities for nearly three decades. This new collaboration takes the company’s involvement to new heights, linking it with what is widely regarded as the pinnacle of club football in Europe. The UEFA Champions League showcases exceptional talent, drawing athletes from around the globe and representing the highest standards of the sport — a perfect parallel to Hyundai's own aspirations in the automotive sector.

José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, articulated the significance of this partnership: "Football has been part of Hyundai for almost 30 years. It brings people together like almost nothing else, across languages and borders and generations. The UEFA Champions League is the best club football in the world. Following Hyundai's engagement at the World Cup this summer, it provides the ideal platform to showcase our beautifully designed vehicles."

One of the main focuses of Hyundai in this partnership is the IONIQ 3, the first of five new models planned for the European market during the 2026/27 season. This electric vehicle represents Hyundai’s commitment to providing sustainable mobility solutions tailored specifically for European customers. The IONIQ 3 made its debut at Milan Design Week, where its stylish design and impressive performance capabilities attracted significant attention.

The IONIQ 3 will play a pivotal role in Hyundai's strategy within the UEFA Champions League. As a compact hatchback, it aims to fulfill the substantial demand within Europe’s competitive automotive market. A standout feature of the IONIQ 3 is its exceptional efficiency, boasting a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.263 Cd and the ability to cover up to 497 km on a single charge. This level of performance is set to resonate well with environmentally-conscious consumers.

Hyundai’s ambition extends beyond merely promoting its vehicles. The company envisions engaging with millions of fans around Europe, creating memorable experiences that celebrate the sport while fostering a sense of community. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art 14.6-inch display and Hyundai's latest PLEOS Connect infotainment system, ensuring comfort and connectivity for all users.

The partnership also underscores Hyundai's principle of 'Progress for Humanity', emphasizing the brand’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life through progressive automotive technology. Guy-Laurent Epstein, Co-Managing Director of UC3, expressed enthusiasm over Hyundai's involvement: "We are delighted to welcome Hyundai as an official partner of the UEFA Champions League. Hyundai has a proud history of supporting football at the highest level and a clear belief in its power to bring people together."

As Hyundai gears up to unveil exciting new vehicles in the upcoming years, this collaboration with the UEFA Champions League will undoubtedly enrich its brand narrative and reinforce its presence within the European market. By aligning with such a globally revered platform, Hyundai not only showcases its innovative designs but also embraces the spirit of unity that football embodies. The stage is set for an exciting journey ahead as both Hyundai and the UEFA Champions League work together to deliver unforgettable moments for fans across Europe.