Why Madonna was at Chelsea vs Liverpool explained as pop legend makes feelings clear

It's no surprise to see a famous face around west London and in particular around Chelsea. The Blues' Stamford Bridge home can often play host to some of the world's most renowned celebrities.

Steve McQueen, Matt Damon, and Timothee Chalamet are among the club's fans, while WWE superstar John Cena has been seen in the stands watching the Blues. For some, however, it was surprising to see Madonna, the Queen of Pop, in attendance for Liverpool's visit.

But maybe it shouldn't have been. The music icon is no stranger to SW6 and popped up in the stands on more than one occasion last season, before being treated to a dramatic win on Saturday evening.

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The 67-year-old was in place for Chelsea's Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw in April, when Enzo Maresca's side drew the smallest attendance of the season as they were defeated by their Polish opponents. She was also spotted when Chelsea beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2 in September 2024.

Madonna was joined by Akeem Morris on both of those occasions. Morris, her partner, previously played as a forward for NY Renegades FC, who competed in the United Premier Soccer League in the United States.

The popstar's links to the Blues appear to have started with Guy Ritchie. Between 2000 and 2008, Madonna was married to the film director, who is a Chelsea fan.

That period was full of success for the club as Chelsea entered an unprecedented period under Jose Mourinho, and won consecutive league titles in 2004/05 and 2005/06, before claiming the the FA Cup in 2006/07.

Madonna's link to the club may now be from another longstanding connection. One who has a significant role at Chelsea following the takeover of the side in 2022.

Barbara Charone, a co-founder MBC PR, has known Madonna for more than 40 years and said to have helped the star achieve such significant fame. Charone is now on Chelsea's board.

The American music business pioneer has been a match-goer since the 1980s and was named as a Chelsea Football Club director and Chelsea Foundation trustee soon after Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took ownership of the Blues.

“A lot of people talked about putting fans on the board, but no one really did it, and they did it," Charone told the BBC.

“I met Jonathan Goldstein, then I met Todd Boehly and the Clearlake guys, and obviously I never ever imagined that would happen — that I would be involved with Chelsea — so now I’m really excited.”