Sports
Famous People you never knew are fans of Arsenal
Premier League and North London club, Arsenal has in recent times seen itself become the banter side for the top 6 teams in the English first division, but if there is one thing the club boasts of; it’s loyalty from its fanbase.
Come rain, come sunshine, the Gunners or Gooners as they are famously called, all stand behind their favorite team, Arsenal.
The football club even boasts a diverse array of celebrity supporters, each with their unique stories of how they came to embrace the North London team and their level of admiration for the team.
Here’s a glimpse into the star-studded fanbase:
Matt Damon:
Renowned actor Matt Damon didn’t shy away from expressing his feelings about football allegiance back in 2008. At a charity auction organized by the Willow Foundation, he inscribed ‘Tottenham sucks’ on a canvas, showcasing his support for Arsenal.
The charitable event, initiated by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson, aimed to raise funds through celebrity-contributed artwork.
Thus if we see Matt Damon playing the role of Jason Bourne again while holding a gun, know he is a famous Gunner.
Jay-Z:
American rapper Jay-Z’s association with Arsenal traces back to his friendship with the club’s icon, Thierry Henry. The artist even contemplated buying shares in the club and expressed admiration for Arsenal’s style of play. Reflecting on his introduction to Arsenal fandom, Jay-Z acknowledged Thierry Henry’s lasting impact on the team.
Kevin Costner:
Hollywood star Kevin Costner revealed his love for Arsenal during a Premier League victory over Burnley in 2014. Costner, known for films like “Robin Hood,” reminisced about attending a match at Arsenal’s old stadium and being captivated by the emotional experience.
Danny DeVito:
Actor and “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star Danny DeVito declared his affection for the Gunners at the National Television Awards in 2019. DeVito, known for his humor, playfully mentioned his desire to take up Petr Cech’s job, eliciting a mixed response from the audience, including likely boos from Tottenham fans.
Alfie Allen:
The Game of Thrones actor, known for playing Theon Greyjoy in the famous HBO series is another celebrity who is an Arsenal supporter. Alfie Allen, at one point paid a visit to the famous Emirates Stadium and showed the world a picture of his time there.
Jamie Foxx:
In 2016/17, actor Jamie Foxx was prominently involved in Arsenal’s kit launch in Los Angeles. He professed his love for the club, chanting, “Jamie Foxx is a Gooner,” before players like Santi Cazorla showcased the new strips.
Andrew Garfield:
Actor Andrew Garfield, known for his role as Spider-Man, was spotted wearing an ‘AFC’ sweatshirt in 2014. The actor, who reprised his role as Spider-Man in 2021, proudly displayed his affiliation with Arsenal.
Now we’ll hate to imagine how filming Spiderman No Way Home went for him considering co-star and fellow Spiderman, Tom Holland is a famous Tottenham Hotspur fan.
Perhaps they may have spun multiple web of banters on each other while on set the famous Marvel film.
Piers Morgan:
Controversial broadcaster Piers Morgan has been an outspoken Arsenal supporter, frequently sharing his opinions on the team and manager Mikel Arteta. Despite past criticisms, Morgan recently expressed a change of heart, stating he is “trusting the process.”
If you want to see Piers tweet anything aside politics or him critiquing a social lifestyle, then it is certainly about Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.
Morgan surely isn’t convinced about Mikel Arteta in the job as the Spanish manager has endured the brunt of Piers Morgan’s jabs.
Fidel Castro:
Popular Cuban dictator was also a famous Arsenal fan and his love for the Gunners came into light during the 1994/95 season when the Gunners were drawn against Ligue 1 side Auxerre in the European Cup Winners Cup.
While coincidentally in France on a diplomatic visit, he took out time to watch the Gunners humble their opponents in the second leg of the tie in a 1-0 victory thanks to Ian Wright. After the match, he revealed his love for Arsenal started in the 1970s.
Dido:
Award-winning singer Dido has been a dedicated Arsenal fan since childhood, attending matches at the Emirates stadium. She has a long-standing history with the club, dating back to her early years.
Idris Elba:
Actor Idris Elba, celebrated for his roles in various films and series, declared his support for Arsenal and playfully mocked Chelsea in 2015. Elba has also joined the Adidas “No More Red” campaign, addressing the issue of knife violence in London.
Robert Pattinson:
Known for his role in “Twilight” and acclaimed performances in recent films like “Tenet” and “The Batman,” Robert Pattinson is an avid Arsenal fan. Expressing his longing for English football news, Pattinson has publicly professed his support for the Gunners.
Well, there is a reason he is Batman now. He has a utility belt full of ‘Arsenals’ in his weaponry.
Daniel Kaluuya:
It is of course kind of ironic to see Daniel Kaluuya star in the famous ‘Get Out’ film without anyone wondering why he still supports Arsenal despite many decades heartbreak.
The British actor who won Oscars and a Golden Globe in 2021 for his role in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” proudly identifies as a diehard Arsenal fan. He also narrated Arsenal’s documentary “All Or Nothing” on Amazon Prime.
Osama Bin Laden:
There also is the speculation that the late Osama bin Laden was a big fan of the North London side after schooling at Osford in the 1970s. He is also said to have bought his son an Ian Wright shirt from his time in London.
Well, according to history, he really took being a ‘Gunner’ really seriously.
A cohort of Nigerian luminaries has showcased their unwavering support for Arsenal Football Club. From religious leaders to music icons, the Gunners have found themselves a diverse and passionate fan base.
Apostle Johnson Suleiman, a prominent clergyman and televangelist, has not shied away from expressing his views on Arsenal’s performances, often using social media as a platform to critique the team’s form.
Meanwhile, former Vice President of Nigeria Abubakar Atiku has revealed his fondness for the Gunners, occasionally expressing concern over the club’s struggles.
Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, has hinted at potential interest in acquiring Arsenal, leaving fans to speculate whether it’s purely a business move or a testament to his affection for the club.
Comedian Alibaba and musician Banky W have also pledged their allegiance to Arsenal, with Banky W even strategically supporting Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League final to thwart Arsenal’s North London rivals.
Falz the bad guy, a popular Nigerian comedian and musician, has taken his love for Arsenal to the next level by visiting the Emirates Stadium and making appearances on Arsenal Fan TV. Engaging in friendly football banter on social media, Falz has become a notable representative of Arsenal’s Nigerian fan community.
Legendary rapper MI Abaga consistently uses his social media platforms to voice his unwavering support for Arsenal, sharing opinions on various matters concerning the club.
Soulful singer Timi Dakolo, whose emotional reaction to Arsenal’s loss once went viral, has visited the Arsenal training ground and proudly displays his affiliation with ex-players of the club.
Patoranking, known for his hit song ‘Abule,’ actively participates in online banter related to Arsenal and played a vocal role in supporting the team’s pursuit of Thomas Partey. The late Sound Sultan, a respected Nigerian musician, remained an ardent Arsenal supporter until his passing.
Kizz Daniel, the Flyboy Entertainment honcho, has solidified his status as a well-known Arsenal fan, representing the team on various club-related TV game shows and regularly tweeting about his beloved club.
Finally, the chief among them all is legendary Super Eagles player Nwankwo Kanu, who once graced the pitch for Arsenal under the managerial reign of Arsene Wenger.
