While Jurgen Klopp's departure may have left Kopites feeling unsettled, he will always be a favourite among the famous Liverpool fans.
Most importantly, the anthem “You Will Never Walk Alone“ that reigned supreme during the German's tenure at Anfield remains true to the Reds creed, offering comfort and inspiration to a legion of supporters.
This post lists other famous Liverpool fans cutting across celebrities, popular political figures and sports personalities who add to a rich list of dyed-in-the-wool supporters.
Was Nelson Mandela a Liverpool fan?
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Given the massive following behind their success, politicians do not always come out openly to declare their allegiance to a football club. However, as an unparalleled global football brand, the Premier League has always garnered support from prominent political figures. Nelson Mandela was no exception.
While the former South African President was not the most social person, his charismatic and easy-going nature was never in doubt. When the South African freedom fighter hosted the Reds in 1994, he did not shy away from saying he was a lifelong Kopite, making him a highly-ranked figure in the league of famous Liverpool fans.
The Liverpool squad visited South Africa in May 1994 to participate in a friendly fixture at Ellis Park Stadium during a football festival. During this time, Mandela, while taking a picture with the squad, declared he had been a lifelong supporter of the Reds.
Moreover, given the circumstances that preceded Mandela's election, his stand on an EPL club he supports was monumental. As the first black South African president, Mandela's support for the Reds meant millions more Africans who revered the apartheid icon followed suit.
Since then, Liverpool have always commemorated the decreased South African apartheid icon.
Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela #YNWA pic.twitter.com/IvrIIESdoi
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 5, 2013
Which celebrities and film/TV personalities support Liverpool?
Like any EPL club enjoying the backing of famous fans, Liverpool have always had a massive support base behind their glory and successes. Popularly known as Kopites, the Reds ultras comprise people of all ages, including young and old, celebrities and seasoned ticket holders.
A glance at Liverpool FC's social media platforms reveals the immense following of a club that is consistently growing. For example, there are at least 48 million Reds followers on Facebook, 45.5+ million on Instagram and 20.2 + million on TikTok.
Moreover, at least 24.5 million people follow Liverpool on X, including famous Liverpool fans such as former players. With that, here is a list of celebrities, artists, film stars and TV personalities who are Kopites.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is a big name in the film industry. As a big movie star, one would expect that the American remains coy about a football club he supports as it sometimes comes with brand allegiance.
However, that is no longer the case because Pitt confirmed in November 2011 during an interview about the Moneyball movie that he is among the famous Liverpool fans. The statement must have surprised many, but it nonetheless made the actor a famous Liverpool supporter.
While declaring his support for the EPL club, the popular actor indicated to the Reds website that he has close friends supporting Liverpool so anything contrary would have seen him disowned by his social circle. Pitt's statement was published on Liverpool FC's official website.
Angelina Jolie
Actress Angelina Jolie is another renowned celebrity supporting Liverpool F.C. Jolie's support for the Reds started during a film shoot in 2001. Jolie's adopted son, Maddox, was gifted a Liverpool jersey by British-born actress Eunice Huthart, sparking a special football fandom.
At some point, the actress was quoted saying her son was only interested in playing for Liverpool and not movies, so she probably had no other choice other than to become a famous Kopite.
Angelina Jolie is Pitt's former wife, from whom she officially divorced in 2019.
Dr Dre
In November 2001, the same year Jolie officially declared she was among the famous Liverpool fans, Dr Dre spoke about his love for the Reds. The hip-hop superstar's support for the EPL club started way earlier, in 1988 while in London.
Speaking to the Liverpool website, Dr Dre said he always looks out for the club when relaxing at home. While recalling his 1988 promotional tour in London with NWA, Dr Dre fondly remembers watching a Liverpool match in 1988, where he says club John Barnes made the ball talk.
Samuel L. Jackson
LIVERPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️👊🏾
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) June 26, 2020
The club's rich history makes it popular, and the fact that Samuel L. Jackson supports the Reds adds to the list of American film stars who are confirmed famous Liverpool fans.
When the A-list Hollywood star was asked on X social media platform why he supports the Premier League club, he responded that Liverpool is his first love in football. The actor often posts on X whenever he watches Liverpool matches.
LeBron James
NBA superstar LeBron James is yet another American celebrity and Liverpool fan. LeBron visited Anfield for the first time in 2011 during which it was even rumoured he owned the club partially. It was later confirmed that the basketball player had bought a minority stake at Afield after striking a deal with Fenway Sports Group.
Moreover, when Klopp announced his departure from Anfield, LeBron was among the famous Liverpool fans who took to social media to express their support for the German tactician. He said the Reds will miss Klopp, terming the German tactician “one helluva manager.”
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING AND MORE!! You are one helluva manager and you’ll never be forgotten and more importantly YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE!! The Reds will miss you!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🔴🔴❤️https://t.co/owGsPKjxwu
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 26, 2024
The growing list of famous Liverpool fans
Thus far, Liverpool's association with celebrity supporters like LeBron strengthens the bond with millions who admire the NBA superstar. Therefore, the club is no stranger to celebrity fandom. So while we cannot exhaust the list of renowned people who support the Reds, let's look at a few more honourable mentions.
English songwriter Gary Barlow who performed at Anfield in 2019, days after the Reds lifted the Champions League trophy is a renowned fan of the club. Barlow has visited Anfield several times to watch the Reds' home matches.
English actor Daniel Craig is another famous Liverpool fan who attends home matches. Pop star Lana del Rey sang an acapella version of Liverpool's anthem in 2022 and was a huge fan of former Reds player Luis Suarez.
Other popular Liverpool fans include Clive Owen, Stephen Graham, Damian Lewis, Mike Myers and actress Millie Bobby Brown. Brown said during an interview that former captain Steve Gerrard contributed to her celebrity status.