Its Champions Travel eSIM provides data connectivity in 206 countries but is marketed as being partly aimed at football fans travelling to away games in UEFA competitions.

The launch of the proposition is timed to match the start of the UEFA Champions League group stage next week (16 September) and users will gain access to prize draws for match tickets. The move is linked to Vodafone becoming an official licensee of the men’s tournament for the 2025 to 2026 and 2026 to 2027 seasons.

Vodafone Group CEO of European markets Ahmed Essam (pictured)said the company aimed to “further enhance the experience” of supporters, noting the travel eSIM would provide a “range of benefits for football fans around the world”.

Also announced today (12 September), Vodafone’s sponsorship of UEFA women’s football covers the Champions League until 2030; the Euro 2029 tournament and associated qualifiers; indoor competition Futsal Euro 2027; the Nations League; and the federation’s under-19 and under-17 tournaments.

The operator noted it “stepped up investment in its brand” with “a focus on engaging with its customers on what they are passionate about”.

As part of this, it pointed to a recently announced sponsorship of German football team Borussia Dortmund and various other sport tie-ups covering tennis, rugby, volleyball and athletics.