For Anne Hathaway, the current sports calendar reads less like reality and more like a screenplay she might star in. The acclaimed American actress, a lifelong and vocal supporter of both Arsenal Football Club and the New York Knicks, is witnessing a remarkable convergence of success from her two favorite teams across two continents and two major sports.
The first act of this dream scenario unfolded in Europe. Arsenal's dramatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League final, overcoming Atlético de Madrid, sent a wave of euphoria through the club's global fanbase. Hathaway was no exception. She took to Instagram to share her unbridled joy, posting a video of herself passionately singing the club's anthem. Her celebratory message singled out midfielders Declan Rice and Mikel Merino for special praise, a testament to her engaged and knowledgeable fandom.
This deep connection to the North London club is not a recent development. Hathaway has previously recounted how her allegiance was forged in 2004, during the legendary "Invincibles" season under manager Arsène Wenger. That team, which went an entire Premier League campaign unbeaten, was spearheaded by the brilliance of Thierry Henry, whom Hathaway has lauded as "perhaps the best player of all time." Her passion for the club was inherited from her father, who was captivated by that historic, undefeated squad.
The timing of Arsenal's return to Europe's biggest club final has not gone unnoticed by fans with a keen eye for pop culture. The last time the Gunners reached the Champions League final was in 2006, the very year the first installment of the iconic film The Devil Wears Prada was released. Now, two decades later, Arsenal is back on the grandest stage, facing Paris Saint-Germain, coinciding perfectly with the release of the film's sequel, in which Hathaway once again stars. This poetic symmetry has delighted supporters, blending football history with Hollywood lore.
Hathaway's support has been consistently visible. At the recent premiere for the Prada sequel, she was photographed with an Arsenal jersey draped over her shoulder. When questioned about the team's chances in the Premier League title race, her response was filled with conviction: "They are better, I believe in them!" Her emotional investment was further highlighted in 2024 when she was visibly moved after receiving a personal video message from Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard, following an interview where she had celebrated one of his goals.
While Arsenal's European adventure captures headlines, the second chapter of Hathaway's sporting joy is being written in New York. The Knicks are authoring a compelling playoff run in the NBA, much to the delight of their celebrity fan. The team recently secured a pivotal Game 2 victory in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Philadelphia 76ers, a win that solidifies their status as serious contenders. This followed a dominant first-round series where they dismantled the Atlanta Hawks.
Hathaway's Knicks fandom is equally passionate and public. While promoting her new film on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon ahead of the playoffs, she revealed her game-day ritual, expressing a desire to wear a player's jersey—specifically mentioning OG Anunoby—to show the team she knows and believes in them. Her presence courtside at Madison Square Garden is a familiar sight, and her enthusiasm is palpable.
In a charming crossover between her two worlds, Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns even made a cameo appearance in The Devil Wears Prada 2, further intertwining Hathaway's cinematic and sporting passions. As the NBA playoffs progress and Arsenal prepares for its date with destiny in the Champions League final, Anne Hathaway finds herself at the nexus of an extraordinary sporting moment. The possibility of celebrating a historic double—a European trophy for Arsenal and an NBA championship for the Knicks—would indeed be a finale worthy of Hollywood.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.