In the vibrant world of women’s football, one unlikely fan has captured the hearts of thousands. Meet Basil Goode, a 65-year-old retired baker from London who has become a viral sensation on TikTok for his unwavering support of Chelsea FC Women. With his infectious energy, dedication, and heartwarming interactions with fellow fans, Basil has become an integral part of the matchday experience at Chelsea games.
From Local Fan to Internet Celebrity
Basil’s journey as a Chelsea Women superfan began in 2022 when he attended the Conti Cup final near his home. Despite Chelsea’s loss that day, Basil was hooked. Since then, he has only missed two games, becoming a fixture at Chelsea matches with his signature blue attire, drums, horns, and flags.
While Basil himself isn’t on social media, his passionate displays of support have made him a TikTok sensation. Videos of him leading chants, dancing, and interacting with fans have gone viral, garnering millions of views and endearing him to football enthusiasts worldwide.
A Matchday Ritual Like No Other
For Basil and his wife Jean, who accompanies him to every game, match days are a carefully orchestrated affair. Hours before kickoff, Jean lays out Basil’s Chelsea-themed outfit, complete with accessories gifted by young fans. As Basil shared with ESPN:
“I really treasure them because they don’t have to give you those things, I don’t expect them. And they feel in their heart to do that. That, I think, is very, very nice. I’m very touched by it.”
Once at the stadium, Basil greets fellow supporters, poses for photos, and hands out sweets to children. His pre-match ritual involves rallying the crowd with chants and dancing, setting the tone for an electric atmosphere.
A Symbol of Women’s Football’s Growth
Basil’s rise to fame coincides with a surge in popularity for women’s football in England following the Lionesses’ triumph at Euro 2022. Chelsea FC Women, in particular, have been at the forefront of this growth, winning five consecutive WSL titles and seeing a significant increase in attendance.
For Basil, supporting the women’s team is a natural extension of his lifelong love for Chelsea. As he explained:
“The men have got a lot of support; every seat has got a bottom on it. But the women now, they need the support more… Chelsea men or women, it’s all the same.”
A Beloved Figure Among Players and Fans
Basil’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Chelsea players. Club captain Millie Bright gifted him a signed jersey, bringing him to tears, and invited him to join the team’s celebrations after their 2023 FA Cup victory—a moment he cherishes as an “out-of-body experience.”
For young fans like 16-year-old Beatrice, meeting Basil is a highlight of attending Chelsea games. As she put it:
“He’s such a fan. He’s so loud. I think the only reason why Chelsea did so well is because of Basil. He keeps the crowd going and the crowd supports the team.”
In Basil, Chelsea fans see an embodiment of their own passion, making him an integral part of the matchday experience. As women’s football continues its rapid growth, fans like Basil serve as a reminder of the power of dedication, community, and the sheer love for the beautiful game.
