When discussing the Premier League era, it is impossible to ignore Arsenal. The Gunners are often described as one of the league’s most iconic yet unfortunate clubs. Despite repeatedly positioning themselves as genuine title contenders, Arsenal supporters have had to live with the reality that the club’s last Premier League triumph came in the legendary 2003/04 season — the famous “Invincibles” campaign.
In recent years, Arsenal have once again risen to prominence under Mikel Arteta. Over the past two seasons, they have consistently challenged for the title, only to be edged out by the relentless dominance of Manchester City. While silverware has remained elusive, Arsenal’s style of play, identity, and history continue to command admiration across the football world.
That admiration extends further than many fans might expect. Over the years, several world-class players — some even associated with Arsenal’s fiercest rivals — have quietly admitted a fondness for the North London club. Here are three legendary names whose hidden affection for Arsenal may come as a surprise.
Gareth Bale: A Spurs Icon With an Arsenal Soft Spot
At first glance, Gareth Bale and Arsenal seem an unlikely pairing. Widely regarded as the greatest modern-era player in Tottenham Hotspur history, Bale built his reputation tormenting defenders before becoming a global superstar with Real Madrid.
Yet beneath that Spurs identity lies an unexpected truth. Bale has openly acknowledged that Arsenal were the English team he followed growing up. In a 2015 interview during his time in Madrid, the Welshman made a candid admission.
“I used to really like Arsenal,” Bale revealed. “But when I moved to Tottenham, of course I didn’t like Arsenal as much anymore.”
While his professional loyalties changed, his admiration for Arsenal’s legends never faded. Bale went on to praise iconic figures such as Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, describing them as “incredible players.”
The revelation adds an intriguing layer to Bale’s story. Despite becoming a symbol of Tottenham success, his footballing inspiration was shaped by Arsenal’s golden era — a testament to the club’s influence during the early Premier League years.
Eden Hazard: Chelsea Hero With French-Arsenal Roots
Few players tormented Arsenal more consistently than Eden Hazard during his prime at Chelsea. Hazard was a Stamford Bridge hero, dazzling Premier League defences and playing a key role in multiple title-winning campaigns.
However, Hazard has admitted that as a child, Arsenal were his favourite English team. The reason? France.
Growing up, Hazard was heavily influenced by the France national football team and its golden generation. Speaking in 2019, he explained that his footballing idols shaped his club preferences.
“For me, the players I admired were Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry,” Hazard said. “It’s difficult for me to say this because of my relationship with Chelsea, but I really liked Arsenal at that time.”
Arsenal’s strong French core in the early 2000s made them irresistible to a young Hazard. Players like Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, and Patrick Vieira formed a spine that combined flair, intelligence, and winning mentality.
For Hazard, Arsenal were not just a club — they were an extension of the French football he admired most, leaving a lasting impression long before his Premier League stardom.
Diego Maradona: An Unexpected Arsenal Admirer
Perhaps the most surprising name on this list is Diego Maradona, one of the greatest players to ever grace the game. Arsenal may not be the first club associated with Maradona, but the Argentine icon held a deep appreciation for the way the Gunners played football.
Maradona once revealed that Arsenal had shown interest in signing him when he was just 19 years old — a move that ultimately never materialised. Reflecting on his experiences in England in 2008, he spoke warmly about the club.
“Arsenal played beautiful football,” Maradona said. “They attacked very quickly on the counter. They defended and attacked as one unit.”
He went even further, adding: “I was an Arsenal fan when I was in England.”
For a football purist like Maradona, Arsenal’s emphasis on collective movement, fluid attacking transitions, and technical quality clearly resonated. His words highlight how Arsenal’s philosophy transcended borders and eras, captivating even the game’s most revered figures.
Arsenal’s Enduring Appeal
The stories of Bale, Hazard, and Maradona underline a powerful truth: Arsenal’s influence goes far beyond trophies. Even in periods without league titles, the club’s identity — rooted in style, creativity, and bold football — has continued to inspire players across generations.
As Arsenal once again chase Premier League glory under Arteta, these hidden admirers serve as a reminder of what the club represents. Success may be measured in silverware, but legacy is built through ideas, heroes, and the ability to make people fall in love with the game.
And sometimes, that love is quietly carried — even by those you would least expect.
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