Cover Nine-year-old Luke Maguire (third from right) won a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a player mascot at the UEFA Champions League Final 2024
Nine-year-old Luke Maguire (third from right) won a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a player mascot at the UEFA Champions League Final 2024
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Thanks to Mastercard and Citibank Singapore, nine-year-old player mascot Luke Maguire had an opportunity of a lifetime: walking out onto the pitch at Wembley Stadium alongside Real Madrid stars at the recent UEFA Champions League Final (UCL) Final in London
Many young football fans dream of attending the biggest matches in football history and if they’re lucky, meeting their heroes in the flesh. For Luke Maguire, this fantasy became a reality. In the stuff of wildest dreams, the nine-year-old, who was born and resides in Singapore, recently stepped out onto the pitch at Wembley Stadium, hand-in-hand with Real Madrid star Rodrygo amidst the thunderous roar of 90,000 ecstatic spectators.
This once-in-a-lifetime adventure was made possible by Luke’s father, Scott. The older Maguire entered the Player Mascot Priceless Experience, a draw in which Mastercard, as official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, offers the children of Citigold Private Client customers the unique opportunity to serve as a player mascot at the recent UCL Final in London on June 1.
Recalling the moment his father broke the big news of their win to him, Luke says: “It was a mix of joy and confusion. I wasn’t sure if it was true or if my dad was playing a prank on me.” As a true-blue football fan who has been playing the sport since the tender age of two, he says this incredible opportunity was a dream come true—making him feel like “the luckiest boy in the world.”
Above Every step of the way, Scott and Luke’s Priceless experience was a smooth one—from their business class flight to London to their luxurious 4-day, 3-night stay at a five-star hotel
Every step of the way, Scott and Luke’s Priceless experience was a smooth one—from their business class flight to London to their luxurious 4-day, 3-night stay at a five-star hotel
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Every step of the way, Scott and Luke’s journey to Wembley Stadium was nothing short of exciting. Their Player Mascot Mastercard Priceless Experience began with a business class flight from Singapore to London, where Luke got some much-needed shut-eye to prepare for his big day ahead. Arriving at Heathrow Airport well-rested, they were then immediately whisked off to a five-star hotel for an opulent four-day, three-night stay.
Located just minutes away from Covent Garden in the heart of the city, their hotel was the perfect starting point for Scott and Luke’s adventure in London. The father and son took full advantage of their free time to explore the city’s best spots. They visited iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, The Palace of Westminster, and Downing Street, and wandered through the bustling streets. “It was a great time soaking up the city and showing Luke all my favourite spots,” recalls Scott. “It was his first time in London, so I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
After a day of exploring, Scott and Luke returned to the comfort of their hotel’s luxurious surroundings. The hotel’s tranquil ambiance and impeccable amenities provided a relaxing retreat after their busy days. What’s more, the hotel added a personal touch to their stay by thoughtfully preparing a football-themed cake and a special Mastercard goodie bag—complete with a football and disposable camera—in their guest room. Scott says: “We both loved our hotel. Luke especially looked forward to the fantastic breakfast spread every morning.”
One of the trip’s most memorable experiences was a special welcome dinner hosted by Mastercard. There, a surprise awaited Luke and the other attendees of Mastercard’s Priceless Experience: a meet-and-greet with Cesc Fàbregas. The Spanish football manager and former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder engaged in a lively Q&A session with the fans, sharing insights and anecdotes from his illustrious career. “We were not expecting such a big star to appear, so everyone was really surprised. It was so cool,” says Luke. He was thrilled to nab a photo with the sporting legend—another cherished moment to add to his Priceless Experience.
Scott and Luke spent their free time exploring Buckingham Palace, The Palace of Westminster, Downing Street, and London’s other iconic landmarks
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The highlight of Scott and Luke’s trip was, of course, the UCL Final on Saturday, June 1. As the big day arrived, Luke was filled with anticipation and nerves. Luckily, Dad was with him every step of the way to keep him calm and focused, reminding him to soak in the moment and simply enjoy himself. With the clock ticking down to kick-off time, the atmosphere around Wembley Stadium was electric. Nearly 90,000 spectators were buzzing with excitement to watch Real Madrid face off with Borussia Dortmund. For Luke, the most thrilling part was yet to come. Down in the tunnel, he joined the other player mascots for Real Madrid—all dressed in special black and orange kits—as they got ready for their much-anticipated debut on the pitch.
As they waited, Luke had the unforgettable opportunity to meet Rodrygo. The Brazilian star greeted him with a warm smile, instantly putting the young fan at ease. To top it off, Luke exchanged high-fives with his favourite player Jude Bellingham–adding another highlight to his incredible day. When the moment finally came, Luke, together with 21 other mascots, stepped onto the pitch, joining other football legends such as Mats Hummels and Jadon Sancho.
Above Minutes before kickoff time, Luke, together with 21 other mascots, stepped onto the pitch, joining other football legends such as Mats Hummels and Jadon Sancho
Minutes before kickoff time, Luke, together with 21 other mascots, stepped onto the pitch, joining other football legends such as Mats Hummels and Jadon Sancho
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Up on the stands where he had a bird’s eye view of the pitch, Scott watched on proudly as his son made his Wembley Stadium debut. “Luke said his legs were shaking but I couldn’t tell,” he recalled. “I was worried that the noise from all the spectators would overwhelm him, but he took it like a champ!” Throughout the match, he received excited messages from friends and family who were watching the game across the globe. Back home in Singapore, Luke’s mother and younger brother, Rory, were also glued to the television screen, sharing in his joy and cheering him on from afar.
After walking off the pitch, Luke settled in to enjoy the rest of the match. When asked how he felt about the results of the nail-biting game, he confessed cheekily, “At the start of the season, I predicted that Borussia Dortmund was going to win. But if I had known Real Madrid was going to be in the final, I would’ve picked them instead. I’m happy that Real Madrid won.”
The match results certainly amplified his jubilant mood after this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Luke went home with souvenirs aplenty: football cards and scarves for his younger brother, and the Mastercard mascot jersey which he proudly showed off to his friends at school upon returning to Singapore. As a bonus, Luke and younger brother Rory were also gifted the 2024 UCL Official Match Balls. But the best souvenir of all? Memories to last a lifetime.
Above This once-in-a-lifetime Player Mascot Mastercard Priceless Experience was also a perfect opportunity for father-son bonding, creating cherished memories that Scott and Luke will treasure forever
This once-in-a-lifetime Player Mascot Mastercard Priceless Experience was also a perfect opportunity for father-son bonding, creating cherished memories that Scott and Luke will treasure forever
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“It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life,” he said. “Now when I perform well in football, it motivates me to try harder and keep on improving.” It’s safe to say this incredible opportunity has fuelled his dream of becoming a professional footballer. And hopefully, one day, Luke will make his professional debut at Wembley Stadium.
For the proud dad, the Player Mascot Priceless Experience gave Scott many treasured memories with his son. “Being at the UCL Final and getting to watch Luke walk onto the pitch were phenomenal. But the best part of this experience was getting to spend time with him, travelling, exploring, and bonding over our love of football.” Luke added: “I really couldn't have done any of it really without my dad. I would have been way too nervous, so I’m glad I had him with me on this trip.”
Player Mascot Priceless Experience
Mastercard is a long-standing sponsor of the UEFA Champions League and was able to bring Citibank Singapore customers closer to the sporting action with the Player Mascot Priceless Experience. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity granted children of Citigold Private Client customers the chance to become a player mascot at the 2024 UEFA Champions League (UCL) Final in London. The experience included an all-inclusive, four-day, three-night trip to London with luxury accommodation, dining, a guided city tour, and to cap it all off, tickets to watch the selected player mascots walk onto the pitch at Wembley Stadium at the UCL Final 2024.
To qualify, Citigold Private Client customers had to enrol for the draw on the Citi Mobile App by first spending a minimum of $6,000 on any Citi Credit or Debit Mastercard within the qualifying period. In addition, clients had to have a minimum of S$2.5 million Assets Under Management (AUM) with Citibank and be a legal parent or authorised legal guardian of a nominated child.
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Images: Courtesy of Citibank Singapore and UEFA Champions League
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