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Football is arguably the most popular sport in the world and the top clubs in Europe have an almost fanatical following. While some famous and historic clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid make this list, there are also some slightly surprising names like Aston Villa and Everton which have some very famous fans.
From WWE wrestlers to powerful political personalities, everyone has a favourite football club. Without much ado, let us take a look at some famous celebrities and whom they support:
#10 John Cena – Tottenham Hotspur
Probably the most famous WWE wrestler of this generation, John Cena is reportedly a huge fan of Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. The American wrestler visited White Hart Lane in 2008 and even received a jersey from former Tottenham manager Gerry Francis.
Speaking to the Sun, Cena said:
“There is such an atmosphere in that stadium, even when it's empty. It was an honour to receive this shirt from a legend like Gerry Francis – especially as he's a big WWE fan.”
Other famous fans of the club include Rupert Grint (yes Ron Weasely supports Tottenham Hotspur) and Jude Law. With the Lilywhites playing some beautiful football under Mauricio Pochettino, the likes of John Cena, Rupert Grint and Jude Law will be hoping that this season the Premier League side finish above their arch rivals Arsenal.
#9 LeBron James – Liverpool
American Basketball star LeBron James is a huge Liverpool fan. in 2011, the Cleveland Cavaliers star even bought a minority stake from FSG and is a shareholder of the historic Merseyside club.
The 2 time Olympic Gold medallist still speaks fondly about his visit to Anfield. In a recent interview in 2016, James said that the visit to Anfield was one of the ‘single best experiences of his life’
Elaborating on that amazing experience, James said:
“That came from the simple fact of how passionate and loyal those fans are, he said. But to walk through the facility the day before – to see all the history and achievements was very powerful.
“Liverpool have won 18 league championships and it meant a lot to read about King Kenny and Steven Gerrard – a hometown kid who captained the team. And then to be at Anfield and see 40,000 fans screaming at the top of their lungs, the whole game was an unbelievable experience for me.”
Other famous Liverpool fans include Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig and tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.
#8 Sylvester Stallone – Everton
Famous actor and lead in the Oscar-winning Rocky movie, Sylvester Stallone is probably Everton’s most famous fan. The 70-year-old actor started supporting Everton from 2007, ever since his friend and Everton chairperson Bill Kenwright introduced him to the Toffees.
The veteran American actor has been so impressed by the club, that he even admitted that he should have bought the club 10 years back. Speaking to Daily Mirror two years back, Stallone said:
“If I knew what I know now I’d have snapped it up. That was when football clubs were affordable but now it’s a billionaire’s game.”
Other famous Everton fans include Judi Dench and Tennis legend John Mcenroe. With Ronald Koeman’s Everton performing admirably in the Premier League, Stallone and Co will be hoping that the Toffees seal a place in Europe this season.
#7 Queen Elizabeth II – Arsenal
The England royal family are all supporters of Arsenal. Royal sources even revealed that the Queen has been a fan of the Gunners from over 50 years. Queen Elizabeth II’s mother, the late Queen mother, and Harry, the Queen’s grandson are also supporters of the Gunners.
The revelation came after the Queen met the Arsenal team and manager Arsene Wenger at a reception in Buckingham palace in 2007. The Queen was reportedly a huge fan of Cesc Fabregas and the Spanish midfielder who was 19 at that time spoke to Spanish radio about his experience:
"It seems the Queen follows football and she told us she was an Arsenal fan. She appeared to definitely know who I was and we exchanged a few special words."
A royal source even confirmed to the Sun about the Queen’s allegiance:
“Her Majesty has been fond of Arsenal for over 50 years. Her late mother was a self-confessed Gooner, due largely to her admiration of their former player Denis Compton."
Other famous Arsenal fans include Fidel Castro, Jay-Z, Roger Waters and Peter Gilmour.
#6 Usain Bolt – Manchester United
Probably the most well-known celebrity fan, Sprinting legend Usain Bolt has time and again spoken of his admiration for Manchester United. The Jamaican has even spoken about the possibility of playing for the Red Devils some day.
The die-hard Manchester United fan revealed that he ended up supporting the Premier League giants. because of his admiration for Ruud van Nistelrooy. “[Ruud] van Nistelrooy played for them. I was like, ‘I like this guy. He’s cool. He’s very good.’ And I just started supporting him,” Bolt revealed.
The Old Trafford crowd could have Bolt as a regular visitor once he decides to hang up his sprinting boots. Other famous fans include Justin Timberlake, Megan Fox and popular rapper Drake.
#5 David Cameron – Aston Villa
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron is a self-acclaimed fanatic of fallen English giants Aston Villa. Cameron claimed that he has been an Aston Villa supporter since 1982 when he saw the West Midlands club clinch the European Cup.
Cameron who made a much-publicised gaffe confusing West Ham and Aston Villa even spoke about his disappointment at Aston Villa’s relegation last season. Speaking after their relegation, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister, like many Villa fans, is disappointed and [thinks the club] now need to focus on next season and turning it around.”
Cameron is not the only famous fan of the Villans. Other famous fans include Prince William and famous Hollywood star Tom Hanks.
#4 Boris Becker – Bayern Munich
Tennis legend Boris Becker has long been a fan of Bayern Munich. The 6-time grand slam champion even proclaimed that he was a football fan and player before he was a Bayern Munich fan.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNN, Becker when asked why he supports Munich said:
“I am a big fan of Bayern and have been for years. I've actually been on the advisory board for ten years. Every German kid, before they walk and before they can talk, they love their football. It is a similar story for me. Before I was a tennis player I was a football player [and supporter].”
Other famous fans include Steffi Graf and Nico Rosberg. With Bayern dishing out commanding performances, the likes of Becker, Graf and Rosberg will be really pleased with the Bundesliga giants and Carlo Ancelotti.
#3 Barack Obama – West Ham United
The former President of the United States, Barack Obama is surprisingly a West ham United fan. During the Presidency race in 2008, an advisor accidentally let it slip that Obama had followed the Hammers ever since making a visit to Kent to see his half-sister Auma in 2002.
Speaking about his love for sports, his campaign team had revealed that:
“Obama is a big sports nut and loves his soccer.
“He never really followed it, though, until he was told all about the passion of West Ham fans by some of his English relatives. He’s always keen to find out how his adopted club are getting on.”
Other famous West Ham fans include Matt Damon and Russel Brand. With the Hammers not upto the mark this season, the former President of the United states will be hoping that Bilic and his men finish the Premier League season strongly.
#2 Ranbir Kapoor – Barcelona
One of the most famous actors in India, 34-year-old Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor is a huge Barcelona fan since childhood. The superstar even revelaed in an exclusive interview with barca TV, that he has been a huge fan of the club since the early 1990s.
"I have always been a Barça fan because of the way the play football, the players ... It is like a religion, they play well and are also well organised. Also because of their solidarity. They play the best football I have ever seen anywhere in the world. I have been a Barça since the early nineties"
He also had no doubts as to who the best player and the best club in the world was:
“Messi is the best player in the world and people know about Xavi, Puyol, Piqué..., because they are all such good footballers. Football is a growing phenomenon in India and Barça is also growing every day. It's the best club in the world".
Other famous fans of the Catalan giants are Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Bill Gates and Shakira.
#1 Tom Cruise – Real Madrid
Probably the most recognisable Hollywood actor in the world, Tom Cruise has been a Real Madrid fan ever since his close friend David Beckham made the switch to Los Blancos in 2003.
The Mission Impossible star was even pictured at the Bernabeu watching a crucial League match between Real Madrid and Mallorca in 2006. The All Whites are one of the most successful clubs in the world and have won an incredible 11 Champions League titles.
It is no surprise that they have plenty of famous fans like Tom Cruise, Rafa Nadal, Jennifer Lopez and Magnus Carlsen. With Los Blancos favourites to win the La Liga title, the likes of Tom Cruise and Nadal will be hoping to celebrate the Spanish giants’ triumph at the end of the season.
