What team does Keir Starmer support?

With politicians so desperate to be men or women of the people, football is often the perfect way to connect with the British public.

Some politicians have navigated this potential minefield better than others, although many have dropped clangers when talking about or playing the beautiful game. While being a football supporter should have zero influence on public opinion, it seemingly does.

However, unlike some of his peers, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is a keen football fan. Let's take a closer look at his allegiances.

What football team does Keir Starmer support?

Starmer was born in Southwark, London in 1962 but actually grew up in the town of Oxted, Surrey - a little over 22 miles away. Unsurprisingly given his proximity to the capital, he grew up supporting one of London's biggest clubs in Arsenal.

Unlike many politicians who feign interest in football, Starmer is a passionate supporter of the Gunners. They were his team growing up and he now has a season ticket at the Emirates Stadium, where he can often be seen on matchday with his children.

A keen footballer in his youth, Starmer used to play for Homerton Academicals, an amateur side in north London. He still plays occasionally, turning out in eight-a-side games that he organises in Kentish Town.

During the build-up to the 2024 general election, Starmer regularly visited football grounds up and down the country as he looked to engage with voters. That included appearances at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium and Crewe Alexandra's Gresty Road. When quizzed by one journalist about whether he was attempting to tick off all 92 English Football League grounds, the 61-year-old replied: "We're certainly clocking them up."

The football clubs that politicians support

Leader of the Conservative Party Rishi Sunak is also a football supporter and follows Southampton, the city in which he was born. He attended the Saints' recent Championship play-off final victory over Leeds United and is occasionally spotted at St Mary's Stadium.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is another avid football fan and, despite not sharing many similarities with his successor Starmer, they are both Arsenal fans. Unfortunately for the Gunners, so is Tory MP Priti Patel.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron claims to be an Aston Villa supporter but embarrassed himself back in 2015 by forgetting he supported the Villans. Instead, he had a 'brain fade' and referenced being a West Ham United fan. Yeah, that doesn't quite add up.

Former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband is a Leeds United supporter, with a soft spot for baseball's Boston Red Sox, while Nigel Farage claims to be a Crystal Palace fan, but enjoys football mostly as a tool to divide people.