‘It’s any football fan’s dream’: Ed Sheeran buys stake in boyhood club Ipswich Town

Ed Sheeran, a popular singer, recently invested in Ipswich Town, becoming a part-owner of the football team.

Sheeran, born in West Yorkshire but raised in Framlingham, Suffolk, has always been a big fan of the Tractor Boys. Starting in 2021, he has been sponsoring the men's and women's teams' shirts. He owns 1.4% of the Premier League club, acquired through Gamechanger 20 Ltd, but he won't have voting rights or be part of the board.

In the deal, Sheeran will have exclusive access to a luxury suite at Portman Road for an extended period of time, which he has customized ahead of the 2024-25 season. "I'm thrilled to have invested in my hometown football club," Sheeran shared on Ipswich's website.

Many football fans dream of owning the club they love, and I am extremely thankful for this chance.

I have made Suffolk my home since the age of three. Despite my frequent travels and occasional feelings of being a stranger in bustling cities, Suffolk and Ipswich have always given me a sense of belonging and security as part of the community.

This is simply my way of supporting my favorite club financially, and in return, they are showing their appreciation. Please refrain from bombarding me with recommendations for new signings or strategies for the team.

Sheeran is the newest famous person to support a less popular team. Chef Delia Smith has been closely linked to Ipswich's rival team, Norwich City, for over twenty years. Elton John was the leader of Watford FC, the team he loved since he was seven, from 1976 to 2002. In 2021, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took full control of Wrexham FC, known for their roles in "Deadpool" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" respectively.

Ipswich has returned to the highest division for the first time in almost 20 years after being promoted from the Championship. They will kick off the new season this Saturday at their home stadium against Liverpool.

Mark Ashton, the head of the club, expressed that having one of the most popular musicians in the world dedicate so much of his time to the club and showcase it globally, all without asking for much in return, really emphasizes the unique and special nature of this relationship.