Although these celebrities may excel in their own specific areas, their love of the beautiful game ties them all together.
Soccer is the world’s most popular sport. Billions around the world enjoy the game, and some of the most famous individuals among us are no exception. Join us as we take a look at some of the world’s most famous soccer fanatics.
LeBron James – Liverpool
LeBron may be from Ohio, and he may be currently working in Los Angeles, but there is a part of his loyalty reserved for Merseyside. LeBron is a minority owner of Liverpool Football Club, a stake he acquired through a deal with Fenway Sports Partners in 2011. Fenway Sports Partners, led by John Henry, also own the Boston Red Sox.
LeBron’s initial investment was reportedly around $6.5 million, but as the Reds have become more successful in recent seasons, his stake has grown substantially.
According to ESPN’s Darren Rovell, LeBron’s stake in Liverpool grew to around $32 million after Liverpool’s run in the Champions League last season.
Unlike some celebrity minority owners, LeBron hasn’t been shy about his involvement with the club. He celebrates their success on his social media, wears their gear, and produced a version of his signature shoe with Nike in a Liverpool-themed colorway. When Liverpool toured the United States two years ago, he even jokingly offered his services to Jurgen Klopp as a “walk on” for the Reds. LeBron posted a kit with his name and Dejan Lovren’s number 6 on the back, a number Lovren said he’d be willing to give up for King James.
LeBron may have upset a few Reds supporters with recent comments, however. In an interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, he cited Manchester United as one of the “historic franchises” in all of sports. Liverpool fans may not like to hear such praise given to their hated rivals, but there’s no denying LeBron’s affinity for their club.