TAKEAWAYS

• Arsenal’s fan base remains strong despite a long trophy drought
• Arsène Wenger’s diverse squad built global appeal
• The club’s modern media and branding keep it relevant

Musician Ykee Benda, a known supporter of Arsenal, has shared his thoughts on what keeps the club among the most iconic in world football.

While appearing on Salt Television, the singer—real name Wycliff Tugume—was asked what sets Arsenal apart from other top clubs. In his response, Ykee pointed to the club’s ability to maintain a loyal fan base despite going years without major silverware.

“There is no club that has gone over 20 years without winning a major trophy and still keeps such a strong fan base, both young and old,” he said.

Ykee also credited the legacy of former manager Arsène Wenger for shaping Arsenal into a global brand. He explained that Wenger’s recruitment approach, which brought in many Black players from Africa, Europe, and the Americas, helped the club connect with fans across continents.

“That diversity made people from different parts of the world feel represented. It gave Arsenal a global identity,” he added.

Beyond history, Ykee praised Arsenal’s modern media presence, noting that the club has embraced content creation better than many of its rivals. From player announcements to behind-the-scenes footage, he said Arsenal consistently delivers high-quality digital content.

He also described Arsenal as a “classy club,” contrasting it with Manchester City, which has faced multiple financial-related allegations in recent years.

Comparing rivals, Ykee argued that Manchester United lacked the same cultural diversity during their peak years, while Liverpool has struggled to appeal across different age groups.

According to him, if Arsenal consistently competed for and won major trophies, it would easily rank as the biggest club in the world.