Music Stars and Their Football Ventures
The world of football has long captured the hearts of millions, but it's not just fans who are drawn to the beautiful game. Many music stars have taken a step beyond being supporters and have invested in football clubs, creating unique intersections between the worlds of music and sports. From major league teams to local non-league clubs, these artists have made their mark on the pitch.
Snoop Dogg: A New Chapter with Swansea City
Snoop Dogg, the iconic rapper known for his laid-back style and influential career, has recently become a co-owner and investor in Swansea City. This move marks a significant shift in his relationship with football, as he took a minority stake in the Championship club. The 53-year-old artist was the surprise model for Swansea’s home kit launch for the 2025-26 season.
Snoop expressed his excitement about joining the ownership group, noting that the story of the club and its working-class roots resonated with him. “This is a proud, working-class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me,” he said on the club’s website. His involvement adds a new dimension to the club’s identity and brings a fresh wave of attention from his fanbase.
Ed Sheeran: Supporting Ipswich Town
Grammy Award-winning singer Ed Sheeran has been a long-time supporter of Ipswich Town, showing his commitment through both sponsorship and investment. In 2021, he became the club’s shirt sponsor, with his logo appearing on both men's and women's kits. This partnership helped raise the profile of the club, bringing additional media attention and a unique connection between his music and football.
Sheeran also acquired a minority stake in the club last year, hoping to see Ipswich promoted back to the Premier League. His continued support highlights the deep bond between music and football, especially at the grassroots level.
Drake and Stormzy: Expanding Their Reach
Drake, one of the biggest names in the music industry, joined forces with LeBron James as an investor in AC Milan in October 2022. His influence extended beyond football, as his OVO owl logo appeared on Barcelona’s shirts during El Clasico as part of a sponsorship deal with Spotify.
Stormzy, a prominent grime artist, took over at AFC Croydon Athletic in 2023, teaming up with Crystal Palace legend Wilfried Zaha. This partnership brought a new energy to the club, which competes in the ninth tier of English football. While the team finished 12th in the Isthmian League South East Division in the 2024-25 season, the collaboration highlights the growing interest of musicians in supporting local football.
Elton John: A Longtime Fan of Watford
Elton John, a three-time Grammy winner, has been a lifelong fan of Watford. In 1976, he became the club’s owner, leading them from the fourth division to the top flight. Under his ownership, Watford achieved several milestones, including finishing as league runners-up to Liverpool and reaching the FA Cup final.
Although he sold the club in 1987, he repurchased it again 10 years later before stepping down as chairman in 2002. Despite no longer being a majority shareholder, he still holds a financial interest and has a stand named after him at Vicarage Road.
Other Notable Investments
Fatboy Slim invested £100,000 into Brighton and Hove Albion in 1999, with his Skint Records logo appearing on the club’s shirts. He later launched a limited-edition Brighton shirt in 2004 to celebrate his album release.
Olly Murs, known for hits like "Troublemaker," invested in Coggeshall Town after playing for them. He co-owned the club for six years before stepping down in 2022.
Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix became a shareholder in South Shields FC in 2020, helping the club achieve promotion to the National League North within three years.
D’Banj, an Afrobeats star, founded Koko FC in Nigeria, encouraging aspiring players to showcase their skills online. Ciara, Russell Wilson, and Macklemore are part of the ownership group of Seattle Sounders, which won the CONCACAF Champions League in 2022.
These examples illustrate how music and football continue to intersect, creating exciting opportunities for both industries. Whether through sponsorship, investment, or ownership, these artists bring their unique flair to the world of football, enriching the experience for fans and players alike.