Zohran Mamdani laughs at Liverpool for good reason ahead of NYC Mayoral election

Zohran Mamdani may be staring down the biggest moment of his political career, the New York City mayoral election, but lately, his attention also has been on something far more entertaining to him: Liverpool’s Premier League struggles, with a recent loss to Brentford leaving the locker room "silent."

For Mamdani, the Democratic nominee and current New York State Assemblyman, the sport isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifelong passion that now weaves naturally into his politics, similar to FBI Director Kash Patel, who faced backlash after sporting a $15 Liverpool tie.

At 34, Mamdani leads polls ahead of independent former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and his ability to connect with diverse communities has helped make him a favorite in a crowded field.

“My uncle is an Arsenal fan,” Mamdani said. “He introduced me. Wenger was one of the first managers to really bring African players into the EPL."

“I grew up with Kolo Toure, Kanu, Alex Song, Lauren and Emmanuel Eboué. I had the Invincibles as magnets on my fridge. I loved David Seaman, Sylvain Wiltord — all these guys. It really has been a big part of my life and my identity.”

In September, Mamdani launched his “Game Over Greed” petition, demanding that FIFA end dynamic ticket pricing for the 2026 men’s World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and reinstate a cap on resale prices while reserving 15 percent of tickets at discounted rates for local residents.

“As a lifelong soccer fan, I have grown up with memories of the World Cup; whether watching on TV or being there myself,” he said. “I went in 2010 to South Africa. I know what this tournament represents — the most popular tournament in the world — and also what it could be, a celebration of the world’s game. Yet these kinds of policies from FIFA threaten to price out the very people that make this game so special.”

Mamdani tied his campaign’s affordability platform directly to that cause, hosting a community soccer tournament in Queens called the “Cost of Living Classic,” where fans wore blue, white, and orange scarves emblazoned with his campaign logo.

“To make the most expensive city in America affordable, our fight is not limited to housing, childcare and public transit,” he added. “It also extends to the moments that give New Yorkers such joy, like the World Cup next year.”

Only after all that policy talk does Mamdani allow himself a smile, one born of pure fandom.

“God bless you, Ruben Amorim!” he says with a laugh, referring to Manchester United’s manager after his side stunned Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield. “Four defeats in a row for Liverpool,” he grins. “Beautiful.”

The Arsenal devotee, who still watches games between campaign stops, sees soccer not just as entertainment but as a bridge to people who share his passion. “I don’t think a stable future for soccer can be built upon the denial of working-class fans being able to watch the game themselves,” he said.

And as for Arsenal, Mamdani remains as hopeful as ever. “There were a lot of jokes when we won the primary about how unexpected a feeling it must be for an Arsenal fan,” he laughed. “Every year after disappointment is one of hope. But this one will be different.”

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