Offenbach, Germany – September 09, 2026 -- Hyundai Motor Company has signed a multi-year deal to become the Official Automotive Partner of the UEFA Champions League, starting with the 2026/27 season and running through the end of 2030/31.
The deal extends nearly 30 years of Hyundai's football sponsorships
Hyundai has backed football at major international tournaments and clubs for almost three decades. This agreement, struck with UC3 -- UEFA's joint venture with European football clubs -- moves that commitment to the top tier of European club competition.
"Football has been part of Hyundai for almost 30 years," said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. "The UEFA Champions League is the best club football in the world, played every week in front of the most passionate fans in Europe." Muñoz, who is from Madrid, said the partnership follows Hyundai's involvement at this summer's World Cup.
The IONIQ 3 leads Hyundai's on-pitch lineup
The all-electric IONIQ 3, designed in Europe for European customers, is the first vehicle to represent Hyundai in the partnership. It debuted at Milan Design Week and became the first battery-electric model built at Hyundai's İzmit plant when production began in August. It's also the first of five major new models Hyundai plans to launch in Europe during the 2026/27 season.
The compact hatchback enters Europe's most contested vehicle segment with a drag coefficient of 0.263 Cd, up to 497 km of WLTP-rated range, and 441 liters of trunk space. It features a 14.6-inch display running Hyundai's PLEOS Connect infotainment system.
Hyundai's European operations span manufacturing to sales
Hyundai's European Technical Centre and Design Centre both operate out of Rüsselsheim, Germany, while production runs through plants in the Czech Republic and Türkiye. The company sells vehicles across 42 European markets through more than 2,000 sales and aftersales outlets.
"IONIQ 3 is the first of five new models we are launching in Europe this season, designed and developed for our customers here in the region," said Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe.
Guy-Laurent Epstein, Co-Managing Director of UC3, said Hyundai has "a proud history of supporting football at the highest level and a clear belief in its power to bring people together."
The UEFA Champions League features 36 clubs and is described as the world's most-watched annual club football competition, with roughly one in three people worldwide interested in the tournament.