A life long passion: Queen Elizabeth II and love for football
Queen Elizabeth II was a big fan of football, not only English football, but also admired players from other countries.
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom died at the age of 96 after ruling her country for 70 years. During her lifetime, she was present in all aspects of British culture, including football, the sport she most enjoyed watching. She was even part of the most important moment in the history of English football, winning the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
Which football team did
Queen Elizabeth II support?
Unlike other royal leaders, Elizabeth never publicly revealed which football team she supported. However, there are 2 possible teams, West Ham and Arsenal FC. In the case of the first team, this was due to a story in The Mirror newspaper in 2009. The monarch supposedly revealed her secret love for The Hammers, when she heard one of her family members reveal his passion for Millwall, (West Ham's rival).
But most believe that she was a fan of Arsenal FC. In all of history, Arsenal FC was the only English team to be invited to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the royal family. This happened in 2007 when Arsene Wenger was still the coach of The Gunners. Elizabeth was to inaugurate Arsenal's new stadium, the Emirates Stadium but was unable to attend due to back problems. And to make up for his absence, he decided to invite the team to the official residence of the British monarchy.
Then Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger with the Queen
At that time, Cesc Fàbregas was a team player and he was the one who had a brief conversation with her. "It seems that the Queen follows football and she told us that she was an Arsenal fan. She seemed to definitely know who I was and we exchanged a few words", the young Fàbregas told Spanish radio.
Elizabeth II invited Arsenal FC players to Buckingham Palace
Elizabeth II and the 1966 FIFA World Cup
In 1996, English football experienced the best moment in its history. Not only because England was the host country, but because "The Three Lions" won the title for the first and only time in its history. And of course, Elizabeth II did not want to miss that moment. That is why she was present during the award ceremony. It was she who had the honor of presenting the Jules Rimet Trophy to the historic English captain, Bobby Moore.
Elizabeth II congratulating Bobby Moore, captain of the English National Team
When England qualified for the UEFA Euro 2020 final, the Queen recalled that emotional moment and gave the English team a few words of encouragement. He also congratulated the England women's team as they claimed the UEFA Euro 2022 title.
A very, very special message for Gareth Southgate and the #ThreeLions.Thank you for your support, Your Majesty. pic.twitter.com/YlWfEFb08I
— England (@England) July 10, 2021
Queen Elizabeth II and her admiration for
Pelé and Cristiano Ronaldo
In 1968, Elizabeth II visited Brazil and had the privilege of attending a friendly match at the Maracanã Stadium. That night, Pelé scored his 900th goal. Later, in 1997, the British sovereign recognized "O Rei" Pelé as a Knight of Great Britain, an honorable mention for considering him one of the best footballers in history.
On the other hand, the Portuguese player was another footballer that she admired. Last year, when Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the Premier League, Queen Elizabeth II took advantage of the moment and asked him for a shirt signed by CR7 and another 80 to distribute among the Palace employees. It was the first time in history, that the Queen publicly requested the signature of another person.
Queen Elizabeth II with Pelé
Queen Elizabeth II asked Cristiano Ronaldo for his signed shirt
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