If you’d told die-hard Arsenal fans back in their Invincibles era (2003/04) that it would be more than 20 years before they lifted another major trophy, most wouldn’t have believed you. But Arsenal supporters are nothing if not hopeful—and, as they say, it’s the hope that kills you.
That same hope now pulses through a fanbase that includes some pretty unexpected names—Kim Kardashian and her son Saint West, pop sensation Dua Lipa, and now, Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway, who has just gone viral for her surprise celebration of Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Yes, you read that right. Hathaway—Hollywood royalty and certified New Yorker—recorded herself dramatically crooning Louis Dunford’s The Angel (North London Forever), earbuds in, in a luxe hotel room. Her version? Less stadium chant, more Les Misérables. Ending with a kiss to the camera and a heartfelt “Congratulations lads… especially Rice, especially [Mikel] Marino, especially Rice again,” she served the kind of chaotic energy normally reserved for a tipsy aunt at Christmas.
Naturally, fans are buzzing. “When Anne Hathaway sings North London Forever, is this just fandom, or is Arsenal turning into a global cultural movement?” one person asked on X. Others were more cynical: “Where were you when United beat us 8-2 in 2011?” Another dragged Tottenham into the mix, joking, “Only one club’s been in North London forever—and their fan sings better (Adele).”
Anne’s fandom might seem sudden, but whispers suggest she’s been quietly attending matches for years, sporting the classic celeb disguise: sunglasses and a baseball cap. She officially outed herself as a Gooner last year while promoting The Idea of You, when co-star Nicholas Galitzine checked a live score mid-interview. “One-nil, Trossard,” he announced. Cue a fist bump, a “phwoar, I love you!” from Anne, and a reveal that her whole family supports Arsenal—and had even added Galitzine to their group chat.
And she’s not the only A-lister wearing red. Dua Lipa has posted glam Emirates box shots with boyfriend Callum Turner and her dad, while Kim Kardashian attended a match in 2023 with son Saint. The list of unexpected Gooners also includes Demi Moore, Dido, and Charlize Theron—random, yes, but it only adds to the club’s eclectic appeal.
Critics will claim they’re hopping on the bandwagon—especially with Arsenal poised to finish second yet again—but let’s be honest: if Anne Hathaway singing a slightly awkward rendition of North London Forever gets more eyes on the club, who’s really losing?
Also, let’s not forget the Arsenal Women. They also knocked out Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals and sit second in the Women’s Super League, just six points behind Chelsea. They’ve been flying the flag for the club long before it was cool.
So whether it’s red leather jackets at the Emirates or dramatic ballads from hotel rooms, one thing’s clear: Arsenal’s never looked so A-list.