Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club boasts a remarkably diverse and illustrious array of celebrity supporters, spanning the worlds of music, film, sports, and broadcasting. While some are lifelong devotees with deep roots in the Black Country, others have developed a fondness for the club through unexpected connections. This exploration reveals the surprising famous faces who cheer on the team in gold and black.
A Legacy of Musical Devotion
The connection between Wolves and the music industry is particularly strong, with several iconic figures proudly supporting the club. Robert Plant, the legendary frontman of Led Zeppelin, stands out as perhaps the most prominent fan. His passion for Wolverhampton Wanderers runs so deep that he now holds the honorary position of Vice President at the club, regularly attending matches and engaging with the community.
He is far from alone in his musical allegiance. Beverley Knight, the acclaimed soul singer born in Wolverhampton in 1973, is a keen supporter who was honoured with an honorary doctorate by the University of Wolverhampton. Kevin Rowland, lead singer of Dexys Midnight Runners, hails from Wednesfield and has been a fan since childhood, often joining fellow supporters on the famous South Bank. Additionally, Gary Stringer, frontman of the rock band Reef, and Jas Mann of Babylon Zoo are also well-known followers of the Wanderers.
From Film Scores to Hollywood Stardom
The club's appeal extends to the silver screen, attracting fans from the film industry. Clint Mansell, the renowned film score composer behind works like Black Swan and Moon, is a fervent Wolves supporter, having previously been the singer for Pop Will Eat Itself. In a more unexpected twist, Mark Hamill, globally famous for portraying Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, became involved with the club through a series of social media interactions, ultimately declaring his support for the old gold and black army.
Further afield, Raul Jimenez, during his time as a Wolves player, was presented with a Mexican wrestling mask by former WWE star Sin Cara, who himself adopted the club due to Jimenez's exploits. This cross-cultural connection highlights the international reach of the Wolves fanbase.
Sporting Icons and Broadcasting Legends
The sporting world is well-represented among Wolves' celebrity followers. Ben Whittaker, the Olympic boxing medalist from the local area, is a keen fan, as is athletics icon Tessa Sanderson, whose nephew Dion once played for the club. In tennis, former British player and Davis Cup captain John Lloyd supports Wolves, and even Andy Murray was said to have developed a soft spot for the team, occasionally training in a Wolves shirt.
From the broadcasting arena, the late David Coleman OBE, a legend who covered multiple Olympic Games and World Cups, was reported to be a fan. Contemporary presenter Jacqui Oatley is also a known supporter, alongside television personalities like Suzi Perry and Mark Rhodes, both of whom have strong Wolverhampton connections.
Historical Figures and Unexpected Admirers
The club's celebrity fanbase has historical depth. Edward Elgar, the world-famous composer of Land of Hope and Glory, first fell in love with Wolves after visiting Molineux in 1898. Eric Idle of Monty Python fame became a supporter after being enrolled as a boarder at the Royal Wolverhampton School at age seven, despite being born in South Shields.
More recent and surprising admirers include Tito Jackson of the Jackson family, who has attended several Wolves games, and former boxing champion Mike Tyson, who expressed interest in seeing the team play after comments from Dean Saunders were relayed to him. Even George Best was reportedly inspired by Wolves great Peter Broadbent to become a fan of the club.
This list, while extensive, is not exhaustive. From comedians like Steve Edge, a season-ticket holder, to rumoured fans such as Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears and Sue Lawley, the celebrity support for Wolverhampton Wanderers showcases the club's broad cultural appeal and enduring legacy beyond the football pitch.
