DRAMATIC HEIST IN LISBON: WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY STOLEN AND RECOVERED

In a scene reminiscent of an action thriller, criminals stole the Women's Champions League trophy on Saturday, May 17, from the garage of Lisbon's Alvalade Stadium during a Portuguese First Division match. The trophy, set to be awarded to the winners of the final between Arsenal and FC Barcelona on May 24, was swiftly recovered by police, but the incident has left the football world stunned.

A Bold Theft Amid Sporting Celebrations

The theft occurred during the match between Sporting Portugal and Vitoria Guimaraes, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Sporting, securing their 21st Portuguese league title. According to police reports, “several hooded individuals” forced their way into the stadium’s garage, where the trophy was being stored ahead of the upcoming final.

Credit photo : Via FanNationFootball

UEFA Equipment Also Targeted

The criminals did not stop at the trophy, they also stole other UEFA equipment, making off with valuable items before authorities were even aware of the crime. The theft was only discovered on Sunday, May 18, prompting an urgent investigation.

By Tuesday, May 20, police had successfully retrieved the stolen trophy and returned it to UEFA. A total of thirteen suspects have been identified, though details of the operation leading to the recovery remain undisclosed. Authorities continue their investigation, hoping to recover additional stolen items and make further arrests in the coming days.

A Final Unshaken by the Heist

Despite the dramatic events, the Women's Champions League final between Arsenal and FC Barcelona will proceed as planned at the Estadio José Alvalade on May 24. The trophy, now safely back in UEFA’s possession, will be awarded to the deserving champions, ensuring that the competition’s integrity remains intact.

This unexpected turn of events has added an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming final, making it one of the most talked-about matches in recent history. Football fans worldwide will be watching closely, not just for the action on the pitch, but for any further developments in this high-stakes investigation.