It’s not uncommon to spot a celebrity or two in west London, especially around Chelsea. Stamford Bridge, the home of the Blues, is often graced by some of the world’s most famous faces.
Among the club’s supporters are Steve McQueen, Matt Damon, and Timothee Chalamet, while WWE superstar John Cena has also been spotted cheering on the Blues from the stands. However, it was the presence of pop royalty Madonna during Liverpool’s visit that raised a few eyebrows.
But perhaps it shouldn’t have. The Queen of Pop is no stranger to SW6 and has been seen in the stands on multiple occasions last season, including during Saturday evening’s thrilling victory.
The 67 year old was present for Chelsea’s Conference League match against Legia Warsaw in April, when Enzo Maresca’s team drew the smallest crowd of the season as they fell to their Polish rivals. She was also there when Chelsea triumphed over Brighton and Hove Albion 4-2 in September 2024.
On both occasions, Madonna was accompanied by Akeem Morris. Morris, her partner, is a former forward for NY Renegades FC, a team that competes in the United Premier Soccer League in the United States.
Madonna’s connection to the Blues seems to have originated with Guy Ritchie. The pop star was married to the film director, who is a Chelsea supporter, from 2000 to 2008.
Chelsea experienced a period of unprecedented success under Jose Mourinho, clinching back-to-back league titles in 2004/05 and 2005/06, followed by an FA Cup victory in 2006/07.
Madonna’s connection to the club may now be through another long-standing associate who has assumed a significant role at Chelsea following the 2022 takeover.
Barbara Charone, co-founder of MBC PR and a close acquaintance of Madonna for over four decades, is said to have played a pivotal role in the star’s rise to fame. Charone now holds a position on Chelsea’s board.
This American music industry trailblazer has been attending matches since the 1980s and was appointed as a director of Chelsea Football Club and a trustee of the Chelsea Foundation shortly after Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquired the Blues.
“A lot of people talked about putting fans on the board, but no one really did it, and they did it,” Charone told the BBC.
“I met Jonathan Goldstein, then I met Todd Boehly and the Clearlake guys, and obviously I never ever imagined that would happen – that I would be involved with Chelsea – so now I’m really excited.”
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