If Arsenal secures victory in the Champions League final today, it is anticipated that celebrations will erupt across Africa. Following their recent Premier League title win—marking their first in 22 years—joyous scenes erupted in major cities like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Kampala, and Lagos. Even in Nigeria’s Zamfara state, where security concerns due to Boko Haram’s activities persist, people took to the streets to celebrate.
This prompts an intriguing question: how has a club from north London become so integral to African culture?
Kenya is likely to witness some of the most exuberant celebrations. Following last week’s title win, estimates suggest that tens of thousands—or even up to a million—Arsenal fans flooded the streets, adorned in red jerseys, creating an unprecedented spectacle. Enthusiastic supporters climbed lampposts, waved flags, and sang club anthems, including localized versions. In a widely circulated video, one fan proclaimed the title as a triumph that had transcended global animosity. Additionally, celebrants made their way to the grave of Raila Odinga, the late Kenyan opposition leader who was a passionate Arsenal fan.
Kenya is not alone in its fervor. Social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok are awash with videos from Ethiopia, where fans transformed Addis Ababa into a vibrant scene of car parades and cheering crowds. In one heartwarming instance, a grandmother donned an Arsenal shirt while celebrating alongside her grandsons, leaving Manchester United supporters watching on enviously.
In Uganda, thousands congregated in Nsambya, a known Arsenal hub in Kampala, for an overnight concert dubbed “vimbisa Arsenal” after enjoying the match on large screens. One dedicated fan livestreamed the event for those unable to attend. Additionally, worshippers en route to churches or mosques donned Arsenal-themed attire as they expressed gratitude for the victory, showcasing the spontaneous excitement prevalent across the continent.
The roots of this phenomenon can be traced back to the 1990s when the Premier League began broadcasting across Africa. Following its establishment in 1992, clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea cultivated fanbases on the continent. A pivotal moment occurred in 2000 when South African satellite network DStv secured rights to Premier League matches, making games accessible in homes, bars, and viewing areas from Kenya to Nigeria and Ethiopia on a weekly basis.
These football bars evolved into communal gathering spots, fostering the emergence of fan clubs characterized by elections, annual meetings, and vibrant celebrations. Unintentionally, SuperSport and DStv nurtured a form of non-political Pan-Africanism centered around shared sporting experiences. Despite the presence of African players in English clubs, this newly formed football community had yet to find a symbolic identity.
The arrival of Arsène Wenger marked a turning point. When he joined Arsenal from the Japanese league in 1996, African players were still a rarity in English football. Wenger transformed this landscape, and by the time he departed in 2018, Arsenal had become emblematic of African football’s ascent in the Premier League and a reflection of London’s African diaspora.
Historically, Arsenal signed its first South African player, Danie le Roux, in 1957. Wenger’s initial African signing was Liberian striker Christopher Wreh, whose success at Monaco reinforced Wenger’s belief in African talent. Wreh was related to George Weah, who also played for Wenger at Monaco before becoming Liberia’s president. Throughout Wenger’s tenure, over twenty African-born players graced the club, including luminaries like Lauren, Patrick Vieira, Kolo Touré, and Nwankwo Kanu. This connection helped solidify Arsenal’s image as inclusive, cosmopolitan, and forward-thinking—qualities that resonate with supporters who often feel these values are lacking in their own political environments.
Football celebrations also serve as a form of political expression. In regions where politics often appears as elite maneuvering and elections devolve into vote-buying, these spontaneous public displays of joy feel authentic and collectively unifying. The streets temporarily belong to the common people.
While figures like Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame are known Arsenal fans and the club’s sponsorship ties to Rwanda complicate its public image, this does little to diminish the vibrant enthusiasm that Arsenal elicits as a symbol of continental and diasporic Black pride.
The internet has further amplified this culture. Social media has become a vital platform for the political and cultural expressions of young Africans. Notably, Black British and African diaspora supporters dominate many influential Arsenal fan media channels.
On platforms like YouTube, personalities from Arsenal Fan TV have gained recognition across Africa. Kelechi, a Nigerian scientist and avid Arsenal supporter, often sings over Afropop tunes before diving into match analyses. He and other AFTV figures now visit various African countries, where their watchalongs resemble national celebrations. This has inspired young Africans to create their own fan-TV channels, echoing the enthusiasm and humor of their London counterparts.
This week, I spoke with my cousin Leon in Cape Town. A civil servant who grew up in a township north of the city, he has supported Arsenal since 1999, influenced by his older brother, coinciding with Wenger’s teams increasingly showcasing African talent. Although his favorite player was the Dutch forward Dennis Bergkamp, he also admired Kanu and later Emmanuel Adebayor. For him, Arsenal represented more than just a football team; it embodied style, flair, and a sense of identity reflective of South African culture.
