Don’t you mess with Zohran: NYC’s new mayor is a die-hard Arsenal fan

Zohran Mamdani, 34, who won the New York City mayoral election yesterday, is an avid soccer fan — and his favorite club is Arsenal of London.

Mamdani said he developed a love for the Gunners because several African players once starred for the team, inspiring pride in him as a young Ugandan.

He spoke about his passion for Arsenal on the Vulture podcast, explaining that he became a fan in the early 2000s thanks to his uncle.

African players in Arsenal

Born in Uganda, in East Africa, Mamdani was drawn to Arsenal at a time when it was among the first major European clubs to feature several African players — including Lauren, Kolo Touré, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Eboué, and Alex Song.

Under then-manager Arsène Wenger, he said, the team transformed English football.

«As a Ugandan kid looking at this team, I was just so proud,» Mamdani recalled.

The mayor-elect added that he no longer has much time to watch full matches but keeps up with the club’s progress and listens to the Arsenal fan podcast Arseblog Arsecast.

Notably, Mamdani will take office on Jan. 1, 2026, becoming the first Muslim mayor in New York City’s history.