Meta’s WhatsApp and Facebook services have announced a new global partnership with the London-based Arsenal Football Club where the collaboration will bring supporters from around the world closer to the club spotlighting a unique role both apps play in the rituals, connection, and passion that defines what it is to be a Gooner.

Arsenal supporters (a dedicated fan of the football club is known as a ‘Gooner’) have long used WhatsApp and Facebook to come together through the emotional highs and lows that come with the love of the game, a joint statement from the collaborators stated earlier this week.

WhatsApp group chats are for supporters’ inner circle, used for everything from debating team strategy, to turning in-jokes into stickers, and celebrating over voice messages with close friends all year round.

Facebook is the global stage where supporters unite to celebrate their passion, watching Reels about the team and discussing player trades and news in Groups. Locally, supporters turn that energy into real-life experiences — coordinating Facebook watch parties and finding other Gooners in their area.

This partnership will build on this, creating new ways for supporters to engage with the club across both platforms: the ‘It’s Official’ film premiered on Arsenal, WhatsApp, and Facebook’s owned channels across YouTube, Instagram and in-app on April 9. The film captures the moments that define being an Arsenal supporter — from the anticipation before kick-off to the conversations, celebrations and shared experiences that continue beyond the final whistle across WhatsApp and Facebook’s global communities of Gooners.

According to the joint press statement, supporters will be able to access new and unique digital experiences, as well as exclusive opportunities for the most passionate supporters to get even closer to the team they love through the official WhatsApp Channel and Facebook’s official page.

Supporters can also expect a series of exciting activations at the Emirates stadium across April and opportunities to attend matches through Arsenal Facebook communities.

Vivian Odior, Head of Marketing, Family of Apps, commented: “We know that being an Arsenal supporter doesn’t start at kick-off and end at the final whistle. WhatsApp and Facebook are where that year-round passion lives – the transfer speculation, the tactical debates, the shared memories and hopes for next season. Whether in a private WhatsApp group chat or echoed across Facebook’s global groups, we’re proud to bring Gooners even closer to the club they love.”

Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal, commented: “Being an Arsenal supporter is about shared moments, connection and a sense of belonging in our community.

“Our partnership with Meta builds on how our supporters already come together, wherever they are in the world, and will create more ways to feel closer and more connected to our club. As we continue to compete to win major trophies, partnerships like this play an important role in supporting that ambition and strengthening our connection with supporters.”