Hollywood star Anne Hathaway’s admiration for English football club Arsenal F.C. is well known, but the story behind it has now come to light.

Origin of her Arsenal fandom

In a recent interview with the BBC, Hathaway shared that her connection to the club dates back to her father’s support.

Speaking alongside co-actor Meryl Streep while promoting The Devil Wears Prada 2, she recalled how it all began:

“There was this team called the ‘Invincibles’—arguably the greatest side ever—with Thierry Henry leading it. My dad was watching a match, with James McAvoy narrating, and that was it—he became an Arsenal fan. And once someone in the family picks a team, everyone follows.”

Streep laughed at the anecdote, prompting Hathaway to add: “We’ve got a great squad, and if anyone’s going to do it, it’s this team. North London forever—whatever the weather.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by BBC SPORT (@bbcsport)

Busy year ahead for Hathaway

Hathaway is set for a packed 2026 with multiple high-profile projects.

She reprises her iconic role as Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada 2 and stars in Mother Mary, a psychological drama released on April 17.

The actor will also appear in The Odyssey, portraying Penelope, and headline the thriller Verity based on a bestselling book.