What was Elton John's favorite football club?

Elton John’s Love Affair with Watford FC

Long before streaming concerts and global tours, Elton John was making headlines off the pitch—leading a football club with the same passion he brought to the piano. A devoted fan since childhood, Elton’s connection to Watford FC runs deep, rooted in loyalty and an ambitious dream.

In 1976, he didn’t just cheer from the stands—he stepped into the boardroom, becoming chairman of the club. His vision was bold: lift Watford from the lower tiers into the First Division. At the time, the Hornets were languishing in the Fourth Division, far from the spotlight Elton was accustomed to. But true to his larger-than-life persona, he wasn’t there to watch—he was there to transform.

One of his first decisive moves was sacking manager Mike Keen in April 1977, a bold statement of intent. The search for a new leader ended with the appointment of Graham Taylor, a move that would go down in Watford folklore. Though Taylor started with the team at the bottom, Elton’s backing—both financial and emotional—gave him the foundation to rebuild. The result? A remarkable ascent through the divisions, culminating in a fairy-tale promotion to the First Division just a few years later.

Elton’s tenure wasn’t without controversy, but his heart never wavered. He once said, “I’ve got two great loves—football and music.” For Watford, he proved it. Even during his global fame, match days at Vicarage Road remained sacred. His legacy isn’t just about trophies—it’s about devotion, identity, and what happens when a superstar chooses to fight for his hometown team.