Liverpool has made an impact on a global stage with some of the most famous people in the world forming their own affinity with our region. Last week, the ECHO took a look at some of the stars who have developed a connection with Merseyside through their love for Liverpool FC.
Hollywood star Brad Pitt featured on the list as the actor has previously spoken about his support for the Reds. The 61-year-old revealed his favourite football team ahead of his appearance in the 2011 film Moneyball.
Although he may hail from Oklahoma, the superstar actor explained he has formed a bond with the team that plays in L4. He said: “I have some friends who are very close to Liverpool, so if I went another way I might be disowned.”
In Moneyball, Brad plays Billy Beane, the general manager who revamped the Oaklands Athletic baseball team through his pioneering use of data analytics to rebuild the squad.
The film features a close connection to Liverpool FC as the Reds’ principal owner, John Henry is a character in the film. Moneyball features a dramatisation of the now famous moment when Billy Beane rejects an offer from the Fenway Sports Group owner, played by Arliss Howard in the movie, to become general manager of the Boston Red Sox.
Although the offer was turned down, the data led philosophy was implemented at the team and inspired the Red Sox to the World Series in 2004.
Mr Henry acquired Liverpool FC in 2010 when FSG, then known as New England Sports Ventures, completed their takeover of the Anfield club for a fee in the region of £300m.
The club have used a similar data led approach to player recruitment across FSG’s tenure as owners. Michael Edwards is a proponent of using data in football and returned to the club last year to oversee operations as the CEO of football across FSG.
Brad won plenty of acclaim for his role in the sports biopic as he was nominated for Best Actor at the 2012 Academy Awards. However, he eventually lost out to Jean Dujardin for his performance in The Artist.
The superstar actor was one of 17 famous faces to appear on the ECHO’s list of celebrities that support Liverpool FC. You can see the full version here.