Arsenal’s long-awaited Premier League triumph is being felt far beyond north London, including on the streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone, where devoted Gunners fans are celebrating a title many thought they might never see.
For years, supporters in Sierra Leone have gathered in cinemas, bars and fan zones to follow their team, often leaving disappointed as title challenges faded. This season, the story is different. From downtown Freetown to neighbourhood viewing centres, fans clad in red and white shirts are marking what they see as a historic victory.
Young supporters like Mohamed Dumbuya are experiencing this moment for the first time in their lives.
“To all the fans in the world; let’s never give up. This is Arsenal. We are always with the team,” he says. “As the song says ‘North London forever’, no matter the provocations and criticisms, we will always stand with the team.”
Football holds a powerful place in Sierra Leone, where European clubs are followed with intense loyalty. For many Arsenal fans, this title is a reward for years of patience and unwavering support.
