Arsenal has embraced its African heritage since Arsene Wenger was hired. Wenger, who had earlier discovered talent in George Weah when at AS Monaco, took over as manager of the venerable English club in 1996. The Liberian attacker, Weah, went on to win the Ballon d’Or in 1995 after flourishing at PSG and AC Milan.
After joining Arsenal, Wenger famously signed players like Togolese forward Emmanuel Adebayor, Ivorian midfielder Kolo Toure, and Nigerian striker Kanu, who won gold at the 1996 Olympics. Wenger also continued to draw in African talent during the late 1990s.
According to a 2020 survey cited by Business Daily Africa, Arsenal is one of Kenya’s most adored brands. Politicians have publicly shown their admiration for the North London club, notably former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Arsenal has adopted a business plan targeted at the African market over the years. Every African country now has a supporter section of the club. The Arsenal African Fans Festival will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, this year. Rwanda is one of the club’s primary sponsors, and its “Visit Rwanda” emblem is prominently displayed. Rwandan president and ardent supporter Paul Kagame even took to Twitter in 2018 to express his annoyance after the team lost 2-0 to newly promoted Bradford City.
