Known as a soft power since the end of the Cold War, sports are a major issue for nations. On major occasions such as the football World Cup and the Olympic Games, athletes compete not just in their own name, but above all in the name of their country.
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But sometimes it's not all about politics, and some of the world's great leaders have their own sporting tastes. Queen Elizabeth II, who died just a year ago, was, according to the local tabloids, a football fan. And not just any football club!
The Royal Family's favourite football clubs
In England, football is a sport enjoyed by almost everyone. In the course of her long and rich life, Queen Elizabeth II has witnessed the evolution of football. She has witnessed 17 World Cups, the election of the first Ballon d'Or and the first Champions League final between the Real Madrid and Reims in the 1950s. She also saw her country win the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
The link between football and the Royal Family is well known. Prince William, for example, is a fervent supporter of Aston Villa. He has never hidden his love for the Villans. Charles, the new King of England, is a fan of the Burnley team. The royal family has also often been present at club matches in the capital.
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Which London club does the Queen support?
Elizabeth II has seen the rise of several English clubs, including Manchester City in the 2010s and Chelsea in 2000. Despite this, the former queen does not support one of these clubs, but follows the adventures of a London club. The former Commonwealth queen was a supporter of West Ham. The club of the suburb of London is one of the oldest clubs in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1895, it has won 3 FA Cups and a Cup Winners' Cup.
It has seen the likes of Jimmy Greaves, Rio Ferdinand and Frenchman Dimitri Payet pass through its ranks. It's not impossible that Elizabeth II was thrilled by a free-kick from the former Hammers player.
But according to The Sun, the late Queen also had a team close to her heart: the Arsenal Gunners. In fact, they were the only club to share a cup of tea with Her Highness.
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This article has been translated from Gentside FR.
Source used:
The Sun: ALL THE KING'S MEN From the Queen’s love of Arsenal to King Charles being a surprise BURNLEY fan: Who are the Royals’ football teams?
