The Premier League is one of the most popular sporting leagues in the world and has attracted supporters from all walks of life. Hollywood too has been caught up in the football frenzy and the most popular league in the world continues to draw celebrities towards it, because of its flair and fierce competition.
Both football and Hollywood have the source of much entertainment in the 21st century and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Hollywood stars, much like us, have their favourites and are often spotted at stadiums displaying their support for their favourite club.
Sportskeeda brings to you five clubs who are followed by some of the biggest names in the movie industry:
#1 Arsenal
The Gunners, who are currently 2nd on the league table, have had a solid campaign so far. Arsene Wenger’s summer signing Shkodran Mustafi has been a big success and has not yet lost a single match that he has played in.
Alexis Sanchez as the central striker has worked wonders and the player is currently the top scorer in the league. However, danger looms ahead as Sanchez’s and Ozil’s contract situation is still unclear. The club will definitely have to reach some kind of a middle ground if they are to keep their two best players.
Arsenal’s dominance historically has ensured a huge supporter base for the club, including some famous Hollywood stars.
Kevin Costner – The actor/director was spotted in London in 2014, where he revealed that he was an Arsenal fan. The star was shooting the movie “Criminal” and admitted his love for the club. Costner became a fan of the Gunners after seeing the team play some great football at Highbury.
Idris Elba – The Englishman, who is reportedly next in line to play James Bond, has on several occasions professed his love for the Gunners. Elba has also expressed his disdain for Chelsea and Spurs. In an interview with BBC, Elba once said that he’d be physically sick if Spurs won the Premier League title.
Spike Lee – The American director is not only a big name in Hollywood but he is also the director and writer of NBA 2K16. Lee was pictured in an Arsenal shirt with Henry and Wenger back in 2004.
#2 Manchester United
Jose Mourinho’s appointment as the manager drew mixed reactions from the Manchester United fan base. The Red Devils started off poorly but have got slowly back on track. The club certainly haven’t done as well as the fans would have expected and currently sit at the 6th spot in the league. However, a trophy does look in the horizon as the club is in the final of the EFL Cup where they will battle it out against Southampton.
Manchester United are easily one of the biggest clubs in the world. 20 Premier League titles have not only brought plaudits to the club from critics but have also drawn hordes of people towards the club including several stars.
Jamie Dornan- The star who shot to fame after the release of Fifty Shades of Grey is a lifelong Manchester United fan and even saw his team play at the Wembley in 1993/94. Jamie, who was a season ticket holder said that George Best and his father were two people who played a major role in him supporting the club.
Justin Timberlake- The singer/actor became a Manchester United fan after meeting ex-Manchester United player Alan Smith, who invited the singer to a match. The Hollywood star instantly fell in love with the game. Timberlake hailed Manchester United fans praising their faithfulness to the club.
Megan Fox- The Transformers star is a huge fan of Javier Hernandez and was spotted celebrating a goal in the Manchester United jersey in 2011. Although, she has never formally accepted that United is her team, the jersey and the celebration was a big give away.
#3 Liverpool
Liverpool’s first full season under Jurgen Klopp started off in style. The team were playing electrifying attacking football and swept away most opponents. However, the team continues to be unreliable, especially against weaker opponents. The new year has certainly not been kind to the Reds and the team has been knocked out of the EFL cup and the FA cup in a space of 3 days. The absence of Sadio Mane has hit them hard and Klopp certainly needs to get his team back on track.
Liverpool may not have been the biggest club in the 21st century, but a glorious history and Anfield’s legacy make the club a special team to support. A club as beautiful as Liverpool is bound to become a favourite of several celebrities with their storied history and rapturous matchday atmosphere.
Daniel Craig- Agent 007 has been spotted several times at Anfield and is a huge fan of the Reds. Born and brought up in Liverpool, Craig is a lifelong fan of the club. He also suggested that Steven Gerrard could probably make a great 007 because of his leadership skills.
Liam Neeson- The king of badassery, Neeson has on several occasions showed his love for the Reds. Back when there was speculation regarding Gerrard’s status at the club, Neeson actively came out supporting the player and called him an ambassador of the club. Unfortunately for him, Gerrard left soon after for LA Galaxy.
Samuel Jackson- On a radio show, Jackson revealed his love for Liverpool not only the football club but the city as well. The star also revealed how he fell in love with football when he first came to watch the game at Anfield and instantly became a fan. Jackson has also professed his love for the Liverpool anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
#4 Chelsea
Antonio Conte’s appointment has certainly been a huge boost for the club. The charismatic Italian had a turbulent start to the season but now there is no stopping the Blues. The club sits comfortably at the top spot in the Premier League and the 3-4-3 formation has paid huge dividends in terms of gameplay and points.
Diego Costa has been scoring consistently after a rather below average season last time. Arguably one of the best English club in the Premier League in the 21st century, Chelsea has left no stone unturned to spread their influence far and wide. The Blues boast of some of the biggest celebrity fans in football.
Emma Watson - The one person that almost everyone likes, Emma Watson is a Blues fan. This was revealed by Fernando Torres who tweeted a photo of the actor with the caption ‘Emma Watson is a Chelsea fan’. The actress has also been spotted at Stamford Bridge with club owner Roman Abramovich’s partner.
Will Ferrell - The actor/comedian first came to football limelight when he was seen with several Chelsea players during their pre-season tour in the USA. Chelsea’s downhill form during Jose Mourinho’s regime drew sharp criticism from Ferrell who criticised the Portuguese's tactics at the GQ Awards. Ferrell was also the honorary captain for a pre-season match against Inter Milan.
Sir Michael Caine - Batman’s Alfred is a huge supporter of the Blues whom he has supported since a child. The much-revered actor was born in London and revealed his allegiance when he called Chelsea his ‘beloved blues’ in an interview to an Australian newspaper.
#5 Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs under Mauricio Pochetinno have always been an impressive bunch that somehow fails to make the impact at the top level. Tottenham have obviously set their goal higher this year after finishing third last season and would love to challenge for the title this time around.
However, this season, Spurs’ plans have been spoiled often due to injuries. But the club continues to do well in the league and are currently at the 3rd spot just below arch-rivals Arsenal. The next few matches will definitely be crucial for Tottenham who are playing without first choice centreback pairing Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.
The Londoners may not have been history makers, but the club is certainly on the right path. Over the years it has gained immense support for the beautiful brand of football they play.
Jude Law - The BAFTA winner who was born in London is a lifelong fan of the Lily Whites. The actor has been spotted at the training ground and even gave an interview to Spurs TV professing his love for the club after Spurs qualified for the Champions League back in 2010. Law also reportedly said that he regrets the fact that his schedule does not allow him to watch a lot of matches.
Rupert Grint - The Harry Potter star is another big fan and his grandfather once owned a box in White Hart Lane. The actor was also seen bantering with Theo Walcott in the Harry Potter premiere afterparty along with Watson (Chelsea fan) and Radcliff (Fulham fan). The lads had a go at each other with some football banter and chants.
Jamie Foreman - The actor of Eastenders fame grew up in the Tottenham area of North London and was naturally drawn towards the club. The actor was also one of the first celeb fans to have stressed on the need for a bigger stadium. Foreman, in a Sky Sports exclusive, claimed that Tottenham needed a bigger stadium if they wanted to be counted amongst the English elite.
