Gooner

Lore & Background

Since the 1980s, Arsenal's fans have often been referred to as Gooners, a derivative of the team's nickname 'the Gunners'.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed as the crowd swelled into a sea of red. A voice from the terrace cut through the noise: 'One-Nil to the Arsenal!' The chant rippled outward, vibrating against the concrete steps and steel railings. An old man in a faded scarf gripped his grandson's shoulder, pointing toward the goal where defenders stood ready. There were no words needed for the tension that tightened the air; only the shared rhythm of drums and the collective breath held before kickoff.

Reader's Guide

The term Gooner is used to describe Arsenal supporters, originating from the club's nickname 'the Gunners' and in common use since the 1980s.

Did You Know?

• Arsenal's fans have been called Gooners since the 1980s.
• The term Gooner comes from the team's nickname 'the Gunners'.
• Arsenal's global fanbase was estimated at 112 million in 2005 and 100 million in 2011.