ElClasico landed in MENA with giant events held in 6 countries

ElClasico, the biggest club football match in the world, returned in style last weekend, transporting the excitement and passion of LaLiga to football fans all over the Middle East and North Africa.

Hundreds of football fans across the region enjoyed the drama at a host of public viewings, watch parties and promotional events organized by LaLiga in over 6 countries across MENA, including 13 activations with local partners in some of these countries. 

Over 2,000 fans attended in-person events on matchday regionally, taking part in activations such as meet & greets with football legends, watch parties, and social media competitions in Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco.

In Jordan, LaLiga fans had the chance of watching the match in company of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona legend Luis Figo in an event organized by Ingot Brokers, the new regional partner of LaLiga in MENA. 300 fans were able to take pictures with the football star at an event celebrated in the Jordanian capital of Amman. 

In Egypt, a massive event was held in partnership with ORA Developers Egypt, with the attendance of over 700 people including the presence of top social media football influencers performing remarkable freestyle live shows in front of an incredible crowd of Egyptian football fans who also had also the chance to connect live with the content creator Amr Nassouhy (@nsoo7y). 

In Qatar, a giant event attracting over 300 football fans and famous social media influencers such as Mohamad Adnan was held with local partner, The Pearl Island, Qatar. Situated at the Amphitheatre, a massive screen was set up for the crowd to enjoy the most football match of the planet. 

In Morocco, three watch parties were organised in Hotel Marriot and Hotel Barcelo with over 400 people attending including several engaging promotional activities and games keeping fans entertained.

Additionally, ElClásico has been shown in 28 cinemas at VOX Cinemas located in UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait. 

The number and relevance of these activations are in line with the strategy of LaLiga across the MENA region. It was recently announced that LaLiga was negotiating the formation of a joint venture with the transmedia company Galaxy Racer for the MENA region and the Indian subcontinent. 

This deal will help LaLiga to speak to younger audiences meaningfully, through content creation and a crossover focus on gaming and esports, as well as new consumer products - from apparel to collectibles - and a wide range of activations ushering in a new way of thinking for the world of football and sport.