FIFA President Gianni Infantino has warmly embraced renowned Yemeni entrepreneur and millionaire, Hamed Almaqtary, in Morocco ahead of the grand final of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between hosts Morocco and Senegal.

The high-profile meeting took place on the sidelines of preparations for the tournament’s final, where President Infantino expressed appreciation for Almaqtary’s continued support for sports development, particularly football, and for honoring the occasion by attending Africa’s biggest football showpiece.

Infantino commended Almaqtary’s contributions to football-related social initiatives, noting the growing role of private sector actors and philanthropists in promoting the sport as a powerful tool for unity, development, and social change.

Hamed Almaqtary is a prominent Yemeni businessman, entrepreneur, actor, and goodwill ambassador. He is the owner and director of HMC Group companies and is widely known for championing social causes through football, especially initiatives aimed at poverty reduction and youth empowerment.

Beyond business, Almaqtary has also made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, having appeared in notable productions including the popular historical television series Kuruluş Osman. His multifaceted career has positioned him as an influential public figure across business, media, and humanitarian circles.

Based in Istanbul, Turkey, Almaqtary maintains a strong international presence and is actively engaged in advocacy efforts aligned with FIFA’s broader vision under Gianni Infantino, particularly the use of football as a vehicle to combat inequality and foster social inclusion.

The meeting between Infantino and Almaqtary underscores the increasing intersection between global football leadership and socially driven entrepreneurship, as AFCON 2025 continues to attract influential figures from across the world to celebrate African football on its biggest stage.