Liverpool vs AC Milan match kicks off Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 with record-breaking attendance

The Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 commenced on Saturday with a captivating match between the reigning Premier League champions Liverpool and the Italian giants, AC Milan, at Kai Tak Stadium.

The match, which kicked off at 7.30pm, drew a record-breaking crowd of 49,704—the highest attendance since the stadium’s inauguration. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering, singing, and rallying behind their teams throughout the night.

Fans bring the energy in team colors

Hours before kickoff, the stadium was already buzzing with excitement. Supporters donned their team’s jerseys, waved scarves, and gathered for photos, while some broke into chants to show their passion.

Liverpool fans: "It feels like we’re at Anfield!"

Among the crowd, Zhao, a Liverpool fan from Tianjin who had traveled to Hong Kong specifically for the match, shared his hopes for a 3-0 lead by halftime. Experiencing a Liverpool game for the first time, Zhao was thrilled to witness his favorite team play so close to home, remarking on the incredible atmosphere that reminded him of Liverpool itself.

He complimented the Kai Tak Stadium for its modern facilities and convenient transport links, noting that the security checks were swift. Securing tickets was challenging, but Zhao managed to purchase them regardless of the price. Having arrived in Hong Kong with his family on Tuesday, Zhao plans to stay for a week, with a daily budget of HK$3,000–4,000 for meals, accommodation, and sightseeing.

A local fan, surnamed Cheng, and her friends, also Liverpool supporters, arrived as early as 4 pm. Cheng expressed her excitement, which had been building all week, and her anticipation to see the team’s star players, including new signings. Before entering the stadium, she spent HK$1,000 on merchandise at a nearby mall and praised the smooth entry process.

Fans rave about Kai Tak Stadium’s design and efficiency

Cheung, another Liverpool fan, arrived at 3pm despite the heat. She was impressed by the stadium’s stunning design and efficient security checks, although she was disappointed that official merchandise had sold out. She plans to return the next day to try her luck again.

On the AC Milan side, a supporter surnamed Lo shared his excitement about attending his first live match to support Milan, particularly to see Rafael Leão play. He mentioned the ease of accessing the stadium and the hassle-free entry process.

With such a dynamic start, the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 promises more unforgettable moments as top clubs continue to compete in the heart of the city.