Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face off in the Europa League final in Bilbao this evening, and with upwards of 80,000 supporters of the clubs taking to the Spanish city for the game, there was always likely to be a few well-known faces among the bunch.
Both clubs are among the most well supported in England, meaning there was no shortage of star power on show in the Basque region.
Here are some of the standout names at the Europa League final.
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Famous faces spotted at Europa League final in Bilbao
It was no surprise to see Rory McIlroy make his way to Bilbao, with the Holywood man a lifelong Manchester United fan. His private jet made its way from the USA yesterday, making a short pit stop in Belfast before heading towards the Basque city.
The 36-year old and his caddie Harry Diamond were pictured with United legends Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand, as well as football commentator Darren Fletcher, in the buildup to the game.
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Another major Manchester United was perhaps spotted in Bilbao ahead of the final, with as potential sighting of former FAI chief John Delaney shared on social media by former Wexford Youths boss Shane Keegan.
A good friend of mine is over in Bilboa for the game tonight.
He sent me through this picture last night of him & another mate & told me to zoom in on the man in the background on the phone.
๐ณ ๐ฎ ๐ค pic.twitter.com/wDhE6CX8nU
โ Shane Keegan (@ShaneKeegan81) May 21, 2025
From a Spurs fan perspective, well known comedian and television host Michael McIntyre was also on site.
He wasn't all that confident in his team getting a result.
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Prediction from Michael McIntyre #THFC #MUFC pic.twitter.com/dDX39mHkY1
โ Michael Bridge (@MichaelBridge_) May 21, 2025
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Of course, there was always going to be plenty of figures associated with the two clubs that would also make their way to Bilbao.
Alex Ferguson was seen at the airport, before later being photographed at the stadium ahead of kick-off.
Look who I bumped into @BPete1970 the Gaffer with Rooney on their wayโฆ united united pic.twitter.com/9xSmeDgmBv
โ Rich Pike (@Rpikey1001) May 21, 2025
Sir Alex Ferguson visited Athletic Club's museum at San Mames Stadium ahead of the #UEL final tonight โค๏ธ๐ฅน
He signed a ball and a pennant from the famous 2011/12 Europa League tie ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ pic.twitter.com/4N8UFNH8Ha
โ UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 21, 2025
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When it came to ex-United players, the likes of John O'Shea, Denis Irwin, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Nani, and Raphael Varane were all spotted.
"He's been inspirational, he's our leader" ๐
Manchester United legend Denis Irwin praises Bruno Fernandes before the Europa League final ๐ด pic.twitter.com/qX0rzv4dzV
โ Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 21, 2025
John OโShea with club member @jmagmufc in Bilbao for Europa Final @ManUtd @FAIreland pic.twitter.com/fJ9n4VYQjK
โ RISSC London Branch (@Rissclondon) May 21, 2025
Just a few football legends ๐คฉ pic.twitter.com/sdBDl5cXj2
โ utdreport (@utdreport) May 21, 2025
Wayne Rooney among the legends addressing fans at the #MUFC fans zone in Bilbao #EuropaLeagueFinal@talkSPORT pic.twitter.com/KAzFWvhMuM
โ Alex Crook โฝ๏ธ๐ (@alex_crook) May 21, 2025
๐๏ธ | Luis Nani on Rรบben Amorim:
"So far, he's doing great. We know it's not easy. Every manager has been there. It's been tough for them.
"So far, for Ruben Amorim, it's good. But we know he can do better. And tonight will be a big step for him for the next season to build up."โฆ pic.twitter.com/Y2WaruYrqw
โ UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 21, 2025
Come on @ManUtd !!! ๐ด๐ด pic.twitter.com/hCDLbvTvYs
โ Raphaรซl Varane (@raphaelvarane) May 21, 2025
You could also see former Spurs legends Glenn Hoddle and Gareth Bale above, and they were not the only Tottenham players in Bilbao.
The likes of Ossie Ardiles, Ledley King, Fernando Llorente, and Sandro all mixed with the Spurs faithful in the City. The latter of those even led the fans in a singsong on stage at the local fan park.
Sandro, what a geezer
pic.twitter.com/DjhsYKWh9r
โ The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) May 21, 2025
In the #Spurs fan park and Ossie is living the dream ๐คฃ๐๐ผ
๐ฅ @midnite fan cam pic.twitter.com/zZWOdWWhSY
โ Jonny H (@JonnyH3232) May 21, 2025
Former #Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente in Bilbao with Spurs fans ๐ณ๐ค
[๐ธ: @spursflagscoys] pic.twitter.com/h04Zsr7wU2
โ The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) May 20, 2025
"Let's finish this season with a trophy and let's give these fans something to be proud of" ๐
Spurs legend Ledley King is feeling optimistic โช pic.twitter.com/jY3ME6o05C
โ Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 21, 2025
European finals always bring many of the usual suspects to whatever city is hosting the fixture, with this year's Europa League decider being no exception.
Rafael Benitez was among those who were spotted travelling to Bilbao for the meeting of Manchester United and Spurs.
Former #NUFC boss Rafa Benitez spotted on a flight to Bilbao by a Man United fan.
On the post the fan went onto comment about how he spoke to the Spaniard who is apparently making the trip due to his love of European finals.
I mean, fair. pic.twitter.com/VKTiZus8q8
โ Oliver Gill (@OllyGill_) May 21, 2025
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