As soccer has become a truly global sport, it’s no surprise that so many celebrities have gotten in on the fun. For some celebrities, their fandom isn’t surprising, especially those from countries in which soccer is a huge deal. Some are also so vocal about their clubs that it’s common knowledge (*cough* Piers Morgan). Some celebrities are not so obvious about their allegiances, so here are a few that you might not have heard of:
<h1>1. Samuel L Jackson</h1>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-118500" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20141009_CMS_118485_sam-ee-600x294_ec01b2ca.webp&amp;width=506&amp;height=248" alt="sam ee" width="506" height="248" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/sam-ee-600x294.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/sam-ee-150x73.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/sam-ee-300x147.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/sam-ee.jpg 637w" sizes="(max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px"></figure>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-118486" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20141009_CMS_118485_samuel-_5e21c7cb.webp&amp;width=469&amp;height=314" alt="samuel" width="469" height="314" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/samuel-.png 469w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/samuel--150x100.png 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/samuel--300x200.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px"></figure>
Contrary to what <a href="http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/mesut-ozil-deletes-tweet-after-claiming-liverpool-fan-samuel-l-jackson-is-an-arsenal-fan-screenshot/">Mesut Ozil believes</a>, the legendary American actor known for his roles in movies like Pulp Fiction and The Avengers has been seen at Liverpool matches and often tweets his support for the Merseyside club.
<h1>2. Seth Meyers</h1>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-118502" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20141009_CMS_118485_seth-mysers-600x326_7e939eb3.webp&amp;width=475&amp;height=258" alt="seth mysers" width="475" height="258" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/seth-mysers-600x326.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/seth-mysers-150x81.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/seth-mysers-300x163.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/seth-mysers-250x135.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/seth-mysers.jpg 636w" sizes="(max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px"></figure>
The current host of American talk show Late Night, Meyers is a massive sports fan who follows the English Premier League and supports West Ham United. The actor and comedian has mentioned that he became a West Ham fan after playing a show in London and had to pick between Arsenal, West Ham, and Charlton, but he “chose West Ham because I liked the idea of going to East London. Have often regretted not taking Arsenal but will never switch back!” He also follows international soccer closely, having supported the Holland National team during the 2014 World Cup.
<h1>3 &amp; 4. Daniel Craig &amp; Mike Myers</h1>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-118488" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20141009_CMS_118485_craig-d1_ecd1fb2c.webp&amp;width=380&amp;height=274" alt="craig d" width="380" height="274" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/craig-d1.png 380w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/craig-d1-150x108.png 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/craig-d1-300x216.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px"></figure>
Two actors with wildly different backgrounds and careers, Craig and Myers are avid Liverpool fans who attend matches from time to time. Daniel Craig, best known as the latest actor to portray James Bond, grew up supporting the club as he was born in nearby Chester. Myers, on the other hand, who is best known for comedies like the Austin Powers series, came to support the club due to his parents, both of whom are from Liverpool.
<h1>5. Hugh Jackman</h1>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-118503" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20141009_CMS_118485_hugh-j-600x601_3cf8aa5d.webp&amp;width=483&amp;height=484" alt="hugh j" width="483" height="484" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/hugh-j-600x601.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/hugh-j-150x150.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/hugh-j-300x300.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/hugh-j.jpg 608w" sizes="(max-width: 483px) 100vw, 483px"></figure>
The Aussie actor, known for movies like The Wolverine and Les Miserables, showed his support for the Socceroos during the 2014 World Cup. Jackman also played the more traditional Australian sports rugby union and cricket as a teen, but as an adult has expressed quite a bit of interest in soccer. The actor has also stated that he supports the English club Norwich City and MLS club Philadelphia Union.
Spike Lee [PLEASE EMBED THIS] http://instagram.com/p/pr-opVyqn4/?modal=true The American director of movies like Do The Right Thing and Malcolm X supported the US National Team during the World Cup, and even made a short film for Pepsi Max for the tournament.
<h1>6. Drew Carey</h1>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-118489" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20141009_CMS_118485_drew-600x370_7ac64ec0.webp&amp;width=488&amp;height=301" alt="drew" width="488" height="301"></figure>
The actor and The Price is Right host went undercover as a photographer for the 2006 World Cup, and has been known to support FC Barcelona and the Scottish club <a href="http://www.webcitation.org/60EAZDMQW">Rangers</a>. But perhaps his most significant stake in soccer is his <a href="http://www.soundersfc.com/team/staff">minority ownership</a> of Seattle Sounders FC. He has been known to attend matches often, lead the March to the Match through downtown Seattle, and read off the team sheet prior to matches at CenturyLink Field.
<h1>7. Tom Hanks</h1>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-118490" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20141009_CMS_118485_hanks_b7effef9.webp&amp;width=462&amp;height=276" alt="hanks" width="462" height="276" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/hanks.png 462w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/hanks-150x89.png 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/hanks-300x179.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 462px) 100vw, 462px"></figure>
One of the more surprising entries on this list, the actor and producer famous for his roles blockbusters like Cast Away and Forrest Gump has apparently been an Aston Villa fan for a very long time. He was first spotted sporting the club’s scarf in 2001, and was able to see his first&nbsp;<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-tale-of-tom-hanks--super-aston-villa-fan-7979524.html">live match in 2012 </a>when the club played a friendly against the Portland Timbers.
<h1>8. Sylvester Stallone</h1>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-118491" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20141009_CMS_118485_slyv_eada5c3f.webp&amp;width=400&amp;height=323" alt="slyv" width="400" height="323" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/slyv.png 400w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/slyv-150x121.png 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/10/slyv-300x242.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px"></figure>
Stallone, an actor known for films like Rocky and Rambo, fell in love with soccer while filming Escape to Victory, an 80s movie about soccer in a WWII prison camp. The actor later became a huge fan of Merseyside club Everton FC after <a href="http://www.thescore.ie/sylvester-stallone-football-predictions-1259232-Jan2014/">seeing them play </a>at Goodison Park.

8 Celebrities Who Are True Hardcore Soccer Supporters

8 Celebrities Who Are True Hardcore Soccer Supporters - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/640px-Steve_Zakuani_dribble.jpg"></a><figure class="image"><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/640px-Steve_Zakuani_dribble.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-117570" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20140930_CMS_117569_640px-Steve_Zakuani_dribble-600x405_8679640c.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=405" alt="640px-Steve_Zakuani_dribble" width="600" height="405" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/17050434/640px-Steve_Zakuani_dribble-600x405.jpg 600w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/17050434/640px-Steve_Zakuani_dribble-150x101.jpg 150w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/17050434/640px-Steve_Zakuani_dribble-300x202.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/17050434/640px-Steve_Zakuani_dribble.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a></figure>
The question was only asked because there was nothing else to talk about. The press conference lasted all of 50 seconds.
The Portland Timbers had just crushed Guyanese side Alpha United 6-0 in front of one of their smallest home crowds ever since joining MLS in a midweek CONCACAF Champions League respite from the furious <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/09/10/analysing-the-race-for-the-mls-playoffs/">MLS playoff race </a>with a team of backups. For the few journalists assembled in the basement press room at Providence Park, it was the most forgettable of forgettable nights.
So instead of asking about the game, someone asked a question about Steve Zakuani.
The prolonged absence of the former #1 MLS draft pick was growing more and more conspicuous. Not in a match-day squad since late August, Zakuani, a former starter, was nowhere to be found in this Champions League game –&nbsp;even&nbsp;with the team resting starters for weekend MLS games.
Turns out, there was something up.
The mention of Zakuani brought an immediately resigned air over a satisfied Caleb Porter. This coach and player have always been close – Porter coached Zakuani at Akron, where the Congolese international was named Soccer America’s College Player of the Year in his sophomore season. In many ways, Zakuani helped make Porter’s star.
When it became clear that Zakuani would be available in last offseason’s Allocation Draft, Portland traded up in the draft order to get him.
Eight months later, on this gray, drizzly night, Porter said, “He’s not healthy. He continues to pick up little strains. He’s got a groin strain right now, so for him it’s been tough.”
“He continues to have problems,” Porter said. “I don’t know if it’s biomechanics or what, but he continues to have problems with muscle strains. I think it stems ultimately from that broken leg, most likely.”
“We’re probably going to end up shutting him down for the season and figure out the next steps with him and his body, try to get him in to see a specialist.”
So that’s it. Zakuani is done for the year. And that’d be unfortunate enough, considering that Zakuani is a thoughtful and well-liked player on a competitive team that was once considered a transcendent talent.
But with this latest setback – after a season in which Zakuani was given every chance to thrive and played a measly, miserable brand of soccer – it’s hard to shake the idea that Zakuani’s career is ending.
It’s becoming harder and harder to shake the idea that Zakuani’s career ended on April 22, 2011, when Brian Mullan’s horrifying lunging tackle broke Zakuani’s tibia and fibula, leaving his lower leg flopping around around in the Commerce City night.
Zakuani was airlifted to the hospital. He wouldn’t play again for 15 months. Mullan, coincidentally, recently retired. Though he’s one of the only MLS players to win five MLS Cups, he rewrote the first line of every article about his career that night he broke Zakuani’s leg. Mullan was sent off, fined, and suspended for ten games. His life would never be the same.
Neither was Zakuani’s. At the time of his injury, Zakuani was one of the most electrifying players in the league – someone who US National Team fans wanted nationalized and called up, and certainly someone who was in line for a big money move to Europe. Zakuani was young, exciting, and only going to get better.
That all changed with his broken leg. Instead&nbsp;millions of dollars, Zakuani got a long, grueling, arduous and dark rehab process that has seemingly never fully been completed. After working his way back in 2012, Zakuani only appeared in six games for Seattle in 2013, before needing two surgeries to repair a sports hernia.
He then was left unprotected by his only ever club, where he was an unparalleled fan favorite, and was picked up by Portland.
In some ways, it was a blessing – in Portland Zakuani got a chance to start with first-choice winger Rodney Wallace recovering from an ACL tear, and a coach in Porter who cared about and believed in him.
But it’s fair to say that Zakuani hasn’t worked in Portland – at all. His pace is gone. His first-step, his precision, his tenacity, all gone. Watching Zakuani now is watching a shell of a player grasping for ability he once had, talent he once took for granted. There’s something excruciating about it.
Zakuani is making $120,000 this year – not bad, by any stretch of the imagination – but also $60,000 less than he was making the year he was injured. If Zakuani’s play continues to decline, that discrepancy will continue to increase.
Considering that, Zakuani could probably have brought a strong civil case against Brian Mullan and collected a lot of money in damages. He hasn’t done that. In fact, Zakuani has been nothing but conciliatory and forgiving towards Mullan as he tries to understand the injury that all but took his bright career.
He writes a blog, Zakuani does, sometimes regularly and sometimes not, but in it is heart-wrenching honesty and reflection on soccer, life, and fate. He’s a guy you want to pull for, Zakuani. Maybe the only guy that everyone in Cascadia can agree they want to succeed. Problem is, no one really wants Zakuani on the field for their team either.
Despite playing seventeen league games in one of the most potent attacks in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/09/23/mls-coaching-stability-and-how-it-differs-from-europe-and-south-america/">MLS</a>, Zakuani finishes 2014 with no goals and three assists. In the three seasons he’s played after his injury, Zakuani has only one goal and five assists. He’ll never be the same. The only question left is whether he’ll ever be anything close.
Of course, there are horrific injuries in sports all the time. Will Johnson, the Timbers captain, suffered one within seconds of the start of the Timbers’ match with Toronto this weekend. On paper, his injuries is the same as Zakuani’s: Tibia and fibula break. But Johnson’s prognostication is good – he’s undergone successful surgery and could be back by the start of next season.
Truth is, with modern medicine working its miracles, few injuries we’ve seen in sports have been as gory or as damaging as the one suffered by Zakuani. It came just as he was ready to become a star, just as everyone was realizing how many possibilities he had.
Those possibilities have dwindled now. In a soccer sense, they’re almost gone. Zakuani’s challenge now is to save his career – whether he’s in Portland next year, or someone else. The challenge is also to make his narrative something more than a really good sob story, not that that element won’t always be there.
There’s no shortage of goodwill or sympathy for Steve Zakuani. There’s also no going back. No cure for what ails him.

The Sad Tale Of Steve Zakuani’s Ailing MLS Career

The Sad Tale Of Steve Zakuani's Ailing MLS Career - World Soccer Talk

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