Football Ground Guide

Pop superstar Madonna was spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Sunday's Women's Super League clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

The Blues bounced back from consecutive defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City with a 2-0 success against their London rivals. Chelsea took their time to get into the groove before England star Keira Walsh opened the scoring in the 39th minute. USA international Alyssa Thompson then doubled the advantage just four minutes in the second period to condemn Spurs to their second defeat in three games.

While Chelsea claimed a crucial win, many viewers were hung up on the fact that music icon Madonna was in attendance to watch the WSL encounter.

Rather than being a true blue, Madonna was actually in attendance due to her connection to Tottenham. The 67-year-old attended the match just a day after she had watched her 13-year-old twins, Stella and Estere, in action for Tottenham Under-14s.

Madonna, who has six children, shared photos of the academy game on Instagram, writing: “I will pay G*D for some sunshine! Go Stella and Estere, Hotspurs win!!! 5-0”.

A day later, the Like a Prayer star revealed on social media that she had taken her ‘second Uber ever' to watch Spurs and Chelsea alongside her boyfriend, Akeem Morris, and her twin daughters, who were born in Malawi in 2012 and adopted by Madonna in 2017.

FGG says: Unlikely appearance but not uncommon

Madonna's appearance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a surprise, but it is certainly not the first time that the Material Girl has visited football games in England. She attended Chelsea's Premier League game against Liverpool last October with Akeem and had previously watched matches when she was married to Chelsea supporter and film director Guy Ritchie.

The music legend also moved to Lisbon back in 2017 when her son David joined the Benfica academy. However, David, whom Madonna adopted in 2006, subsequently gave up his football dream to pursue a career as a music composer.

Given her fairly recent appearances at Stamford Bridge and at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it seems only a matter of time until we see Madonna make another appearance at a UK football ground.

According to respected journalist Rory Smith, Tottenham Hotspur’s world-class stadium was meant to propel the club into football’s elite, but has instead become a symbol of the growing tension between ambition and reality.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, the New York Times chief soccer correspondent suggested Tottenham are stuck between how they see themselves and what they can realistically achieve, despite playing in what he labelled “the best stadium in Britain and one of the best in Europe.”

“It brings a pressure, having 60,000 people there,” Smith explained. “It feels like a super-club stadium, but the reality is Tottenham don’t have the money to be a super-club.”

Stadium sets expectations Tottenham struggle to meet

Since opening in 2019, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has set new standards in English football. Its size, design and commercial capabilities have significantly boosted the club’s revenues and global profile, while allowing Spurs to host NFL games, concerts and major events.

However, Smith believes the stadium has also raised expectations to a level the club’s football operation cannot consistently match.

“Fifth or sixth is a par finish for them,” he said, underlining how Spurs’ league position has remained largely unchanged despite the move into a venue built for elite success.

A club caught between ambition and hierarchy

According to Smith, Tottenham’s biggest problem is not failure, but positioning, as the club desperately wants to be viewed as a title contender and a guaranteed Champions League presence, yet English football’s hierarchy makes that leap extremely difficult.

“The sense that I get is that they are kind of trapped,” he added. “They really want to see themselves as a title-contending, Champions League-qualifying, big team. But there are always five teams ahead of you.”

Unlike the Premier League’s true super-clubs, Spurs continue to operate under financial constraints, partly shaped by the cost of their stadium, limiting their ability to consistently compete at the very top.

The scale of Tottenham’s home has intensified scrutiny. With 60,000 fans inside a stadium that looks built for trophies, even solid seasons can feel underwhelming.

“It feels like everything Spurs do ends up feeling like disappointment even if it isn’t,” Smith concluded.

That sense of perpetual frustration, rather than outright decline, may define Tottenham’s modern era more than any league position.

FGG Says

Tottenham’s stadium is both their greatest achievement and their biggest burden. It projects an image of elite success that the club cannot yet sustain on the pitch, creating a constant mismatch between expectation and reality.

Until Spurs either embrace their role as a strong but limited top-six side or take genuine financial and sporting risks to close the gap on the Premier League’s super-clubs, the feeling of being “trapped” is unlikely to fade.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters delivered a frank verdict to their under-pressure head coach during the match against West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

Thomas Frank's side suffered their third straight defeat across all competition, losing 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to the struggling Hammers.

Spurs were behind in the first half due to a strike from Crysencio Summerville before Cristian Romero equalised the contest.

However, there was a late twist in the offing in the capital, with out-of-favour striker Callum Wilson netting the winning goal for West Ham.

Losing their ninth Premier League fixture of the term last time out, Frank's side have dropped further into the bottom half of the standings.

The Lilywhites face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday night before travelling to Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

Tottenham's Frank responds to supporter chants

During the defeat to West Ham last time out, the Tottenham Hotspur supporters delivered a brutal message by the way of chanting to their under-pressure head coach.

Large stretches of the North London ground's South Stand were held singing directly at the Danish manager: “You're getting sacked in the morning”.

Rather inevitably, Spurs boss Frank was quizzed about the chants following the defeat during his post-match press conference.

“Of course, I probably have had better times. I understand – I'm the man in charge, so the blame will go to me. That's fair, no problem in that sense,” said Frank on Saturday evening.

“As long as they are backing the players, doing everything they can to support them and drive them forward, and we will keep going forward.”

Frank thrown to the side

Just 22 games into his Premier League reign at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Frank has been thrown to the side by both supporters and players alike.

Only a few weeks ago, players were seen snubbing the offer of a handshake from the head coach after a sobering defeat.

Now heading towards the end of January, it appears as if the majority of Spurs fans have turned against the Danish boss.

FGG says: Lack of respect is shocking

After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, Tottenham supporters are seemingly set on their team having the god-given right to challenge at the top of the division once again.

This simply is not the case, and with Frank showing his capability as a coach at Brentford, maybe the fans need to be a bit more patient.

The architect firms behind the new San Siro design have drawn up a feature similar to one already seen at Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur's home ground.

The San Siro is regarded as one of the most iconic venues in world football, but the current stadium is entering its final years as the home of arch-rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Last year, the two clubs purchased the stadium from the city council, with the aim to demolish the historic venue and replace it with a modern 71,00-capacity venue.

The new venue will be oval-shaped, feature a fixed roof and include two tiers rather than the three currently seen at the San Siro. The site will also include offices, hotels and green spaces, making it a hub of activity rather than just being usable on matchdays.

New San Siro to include exclusive feature

Another new design feature has come to light, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that there are plans to include something that is already seen in two Premier League grounds. The two architecture firms tasked with designing the new San Siro, Manica and Foster + Partners, have drawn up plans to build a transparent tunnel in the new stadium. The report suggests that ticket holders of the most exclusive hospitality packages will get the chance to view the players in the tunnel from behind a glass wall.

The glass tunnel would be the first of its kind in Italy, although the ‘Tunnel Club' feature is already available in the Premier League, at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London.

FGG says: A new era of stadiums

The new stadium will be a fitting home to two of Europe's biggest teams and will create new revenue streams that should help AC Milan and Inter compete with the continent's elite. The ‘Tunnel Club' will provide fans with a closer insight into how their heroes prepare and focus in the final moments before a game. It also seems to be a feature that will become more prevalent as more new state-of-the-art stadiums continue to pop up around Europe.

That said, it should be noted that this is a feature that will only be available with exclusive hospitality packages, meaning the majority of supporters will be priced out. It is ultimately up to the stadium designers and the two clubs to make sure the focus is on all match-going fans and not just the wealthiest supporters.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to eclipse Everton's £10m naming rights deal within the next calendar year.

The Lilywhites currently ply their trade at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following a move from a temporary base of Wembley Stadium in 2019.

On the other hand, Everton have only just settled into their Hill Dickinson home at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign.

Thomas Frank is now in charge of Tottenham but is coming under serious scrutiny after a 3-0 loss at Nottingham Forest on the weekend.

The Europa League winners are languishing down in 11th in the Premier League standings, 14 points behind North London rivals and league leaders Arsenal.

A tough remainder of the festive period awaits for Spurs who welcome current champions Liverpool to the capital on Saturday evening.

Tottenham heading towards major naming rights deal?

According to football finance expert Dan Plumley via Tottenham News, Tottenham are set to make positive changes off the pitch in the near future.

The Lilywhites are preparing to welcome Alex Scotcher to the club as a new commercial director, with the chief helping Everton secure their naming rights deal with Hill Dickinson.

The Toffees receive around £10m from Hill Dickinson for the rights, with Tottenham looking to pocket even more for the name of their stadium in North London.

It is understood that Spurs' recent success in the Europa League and current status as a Champions League club will help them to secure a more lucrative deal than Everton.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium also hosts NFL and F1-related events, further boosting its attractiveness to potential sponsors.

How much could Spurs pocket from naming rights deal?

Given that Everton are earning £10m per year from Hill Dickinson, Tottenham will be looking to pocket a greater amount.

The top naming rights deal in Europe supposedly collect from £17m-£20m in 12 months, although Spurs may fall slightly short of those figures.

As a result, it is reasonable to expect that the North Londoners are seeking to earn around the £15m mark per year.

FGG says: The inevitable is upon Spurs

Following its grand opening in 2019, The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has gone a long time without having a sponsorship deal attached to its name.

That is extremely surprising, given the world-class nature of the venue, its ideal location in London and the fact that it hosts multiple sports and concerts to capture attention across the globe.

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North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to lock horns in Sunday's derby clash at the Emirates.

The Gunners are leading the way in the Premier League, while Tottenham are eight points adrift of their local rivals in fifth position.

Arsenal may be a stronger force than Spurs on the pitch, but The Athletic claims that the latter is ‘way ahead' in the stadium battle between the two clubs.

Tottenham's stadium has developed a reputation as one of the best venues in Europe since it opened in 2019, overshadowing Arsenal's 19-year-old Emirates Stadium.

Why is Tottenham's stadium better than Arsenal's?

Away from football, Tottenham has become the home of different sporting events and concerts. The Tottenham Hotspur stadium holds annual NFL games and has been the venue for a number of major boxing bouts. The stadium has provided the backdrop for Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury vs. Derek Chisora and both fights between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn.

The Tottenham Hotspur stadium has also hosted Rugby Union and Rugby League games, while there is a go-karting track open to the public below the South Stand.

In regard to concerts, the stadium has welcomed major artists like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Kendricck Lamar and Guns N' Roses.

The multi-purpose venue has created fresh revenue opportunities for the club, especially as it is allowed to host 30 non-football events per year. The retractable pitch also makes it possible for Spurs to host events all year round.

In contrast, Arsenal are only permitted six non-football events and can only hold those events during the off-season.

With their stadium trailing behind their local rivals, Arsenal are believed to be looking at how they can improve the Emirates to create more revenue opportunities.

FGG says: Results on the pitch remain priority

Arsenal will still feel they have the upper hand over Spurs due to their performances of the pitch. The Gunners have established themselves as consitent Premier League title challengers, and currently in a good position to mount another title tilt this term.

Fans will always care more about results on the pitch than the revenue being made off it. With that said, Tottenham will hope that the extra funds generated by the stadium will allow them to invest wisely to become a regular operator at the top of the table.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust has claimed that high ticket prices are the main contributor to the recent lack of atmosphere at home matches.

After winning the Europa League under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglou last season, Spurs are back in the Champions League at their Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.

However, the Lilywhites have failed to fill the ground in both of their European nights so far this term, with matches against Villarreal and Copenhagen seeing supporter numbers well below capacity.

Following the international break, Thomas Frank's side make the short trip across North London battlelines to face Arsenal at the Emirates on November 23.

“Unaffordable” ticket prices to blame for declining atmosphere

After significant decreases in attendance at the beginning of this term, especially in the Champions League, The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust have released a message to the club.

“Over the last couple of seasons, it's undeniable that the atmosphere has declined at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The reasons are simple – too many empty seats and too many supporters, particularly young supporters, priced out of attending. Thin the crowd and you thin the noise,” said the statement.

“Europa League nights last season, with sensibly-priced tickets, proved the point: fair ticket pricing fills the ground, often with the next generation of Spurs fan and the noise follows.

“This season, the illusion has gone. The Champions League – our flagship nights – has seen thousands of empty seats, in our view due to unrealistic and unaffordable match pricing.

“We're asking the club to make ticketing fair and affordable and encourage the next generation of all match-going fans, so the stands are packed, every match, all season. Fill our home – and we'll find our voice again.”

Assessing the attendance problem

Following their 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last campaign, there was understandable jubilation from Tottenham fans as their side qualified for the Champions League via Europa League glory.

However, that excitement amongst supporters has not translated to their 62,000-seater stadium, which has seen poor attendances for European fixtures.

Just shy of 55,000 people were present for Spurs' narrow success over Villarreal in September, whilst only 49,500 came out for the battering of Copenhagen at the beginning of November.

FGG says: Adjust the prices

Given the size of Tottenham Hotspur as a club, it is baffling to say massive areas of empty seats during Champions League contests.

This is a clear indicator that fans are being priced out of attending matches that are not included on their season ticket.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to benefit from a major upcoming shirt sponsor deal thanks to their state-of-the art Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

The club revealed that current front-of-shirt partner, Hong Kong insurance group AIA, will not be extending their deal beyond the 2026-27 season, instead becoming the new training kit sponsor on an agreement running until 2032.

Tottenham set for £40m sponsor deal?

Speaking to Football Insider, former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson revealed the Lilywhites' next deal could be worth around £40m.

“I would think £35-40m would be the target price, probably something in that order.

“I mean, we know where the market is because it looks like Chelsea have been trying to get it for let’s say £60m.

“Now, I suspect that the proposition as a main sponsor of Tottenham Hotspur has more that you get within the sponsorship, partly because the stadium is just that much better and has more events and all of this sort of stuff.”

Lilywhites set to exceed Chelsea's sponsorship targets

Borson advised that Thomas Frank's side should be able to command a higher price than neighbours and rivals Chelsea due to the extent of the facilities at their new home opened in 2019.

“You’ve got the boxes and all this sort of stuff, so it’s not impossible that there’s a lot more value of the kind of peripheral marketing and hospitality rights that you get with Tottenham Hotspur,” said Borson.

“When you add these things up, that could be worth £3m of value maybe. I would think that the upper limit is probably the sort of £60m that Chelsea haven’t been able to achieve.

“The more realistic level is, as I say, probably around £35-40m a season.”

Chelsea are, indeed, still yet to agree a front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2025-26 season and beyond as the Blues hold out for their £60m valuation.

FGG says: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium continues to prove its worth

Since the £1.2bn investment in their new North London home, Tottenham Hotspur have continuously made the state-of-the-art venue and facilities count to form a lucrative arena – one with a greater scope for income than those around it at the top end of the Premier League.

The sponsorship details should only continue those rewards, with the club better able to capitalise on their asset in a bid to build further on the £255m of commercial income generated in the 2023-24 financial year per the club's accounts.

This adds to year-round income available from the ground's ongoing NFL deal, reportedly earning Spurs £2m per matchday, which has been extended until at least 2030, while the stadium also continues to serve as an attractive London venue for a variety of concerts and other shows.

Tottenham have received a £100m cash boost from their owners, the Lewis family trust, aimed at funding transfers and key infrastructural projects.

The investment was channelled through ENIC, the family’s investment vehicle, and according to The Guardian, a source close to the Lewises confirmed their commitment to long-term success across all fronts.

It also sends a strong message to potential buyers – who have shown interest since Daniel Levy’s exit in September – that the club remains under firm ownership and is not for sale.

Among the major infrastructural targets are the expansion of the club’s Enfield training ground and several non-football development projects.

Tottenham reveal infrastructural plan

Tottenham’s next phase of development includes the construction of a hotel and an indoor arena near the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, both aimed at boosting non-matchday revenue.

The training ground expansion will also include a purpose-built hub for the women’s team and a bespoke NFL training complex.

In addition, Spurs plan to take on multiple residential developments in the Tottenham area, underlining their commitment to community growth alongside football success.

On-field success remains the principal driver

Despite the growing off-field ambitions, The Guardian reports that the board recognises on-pitch success as the key to sustaining wider growth.

After winning the Europa League but finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, the club sacked Ange Postecoglou in search of greater consistency.

To that end, Tottenham invested £125m this summer on new signings, including Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, both expected to raise the squad’s competitive level.

FGG Says

This investment is a strong statement of intent from the Lewis family, reaffirming their belief in Tottenham’s long-term vision both on and off the pitch.