Inside NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's soccer obsession and Arsenal fandom: Promoting affordable soccer in the Big Apple

Zohran Mamdani's rise to power in New York  City is breaking new ground in many ways, as it's also a story about one man's lifelong love affair with the beautiful game.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents, Mamdani moved to New York at age seven, and soccer quickly became his social anchor. In a new city where he was just a child, the sport offered a way to connect with neighbors and forge friendships, whether playing on concrete streets, grass pitches, or virtually through FIFA video games.

By the time he was a teenager, he had embraced Arsenal, the club that would become a defining part of his identity. He recalls growing up watching players like Kolo Toure and Nwankwo Kanu and following the "Invincibles" season, when Arsenal won the Premier League undefeated in 2004.

His passion extended beyond fandom: in 2012, he purchased a share in Real Oviedo to help the struggling Spanish club avoid financial collapse. This act highlighted not only his enthusiasm for soccer but also a commitment to supporting teams and communities he cared about.

Mamdani's dedication to soccer has continued to intersect with his political journey. Before running for mayor, he served as a campaign manager and later represented Astoria, Queens, in the New York State Assembly, defeating a five-term incumbent in 2020.

He has consistently leveraged social media to engage supporters, often combining commentary on soccer with political messaging, demonstrating how his personal interests and public service intertwine.

A grassroots soccer campaign meets municipal ambition

Soccer is more than a hobby for Mamdani, it's a platform for community activism. In October 2025, he partnered with NYC Footy to host the Cost of Living Classic, a 32-team five-a-side tournament uniting players from all five boroughs.

The event aimed to highlight the scarcity of affordable playing fields and access to recreational soccer, a longstanding challenge in New York. NYC Footy noted that field permits have become increasingly difficult to obtain due to budget cuts, raised fees, and removed lights, making Mamdani's initiative a timely effort to raise awareness.

Simultaneously, he launched the "Game Over Greed" petition, urging FIFA to cap resale prices, limit dynamic pricing, and reserve 15% of tickets for local fans for the 2026 Men's World Cup, with several matches set for nearby MetLife Stadium.

While the campaign faces immense structural challenges, it reflects Mamdani's commitment to affordability and accessibility, themes that run throughout his mayoral platform ranging from fare-free city buses to universal child care, rent stabilization, and city-owned grocery stores.

Mamdani's election marks multiple historic firsts: he is the first Muslim and Indian-Ugandan mayor of New York City and the youngest since 1894. His unique profile combines grassroots organizing, immigrant family roots, and a lifelong soccer fandom, providing him a relatable, dynamic connection to a broad range of New Yorkers.

As Mamdani begins his term, the city will watch closely to see whether his passion for soccer can translate into civic opportunities, ensuring that the sport is not only celebrated but also accessible. If successful, New York may not only feel like a soccer city - it could act like one, reflecting a mayor whose love for the game informs his vision for the city.