The Unlikely Football Icon: Ed Sheeran's Journey with Ipswich Town

Ed Sheeran, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, is not just a global music sensation but also a passionate football fan. His connection with Ipswich Town, a club he has supported since childhood, has grown stronger over the years. In August 2024, Sheeran took his fandom to the next level by purchasing a 1.4% stake in the club. This move solidified his bond with the Tractor Boys, a nickname affectionately given to Ipswich Town.

The Birth of the Number 17 Jersey

At the start of the 2021-22 season, Ipswich Town decided to honor Sheeran's contributions to the club by offering him a shirt number. The number 17 was chosen as it signifies his date of birth: 17 February 1991. This gesture was a token of appreciation for Sheeran's unwavering support and his role as the main shirt sponsor from 2021 until the current season.

A Symbol of Fandom and Legacy

Since the 2021-22 season, Ipswich Town has consistently named Sheeran as their number 17, with the exception of the 2024-25 campaign when the club was in the Premier League. The Premier League has stricter rules regarding shirt numbers compared to the English Football League, which led to the absence of a designated number 17 during that season.

The Popularity of the Sheeran 17 Jersey

Despite the temporary hiatus, the 'Sheeran 17' jersey has been a massive hit among fans. Over the past four seasons, it has been the most popular shirt sold by the club. This phenomenon highlights the unique blend of music and football culture, where a global music icon's influence transcends into the world of sports.

Quirky Shirt Numbers in Football History

Sheeran's jersey is not the first instance of unconventional shirt numbers in football. In the late 1990s, Inter Milan striker Ivan Zamorano wore the number 1+8 after losing the number nine to Ronaldo. At the 1978 World Cup, Argentina midfielder Norberto Alonso wore the number one shirt due to the alphabetical order of shirt numbers, while the first-choice goalkeeper Ubaldo Fillol wore the number five. Additionally, former Netherlands international Edgar Davids wore the number one shirt during his player-manager role at Barnet in the 2013-14 season, and former Mexico goalkeeper Jorge Campos, who also played as a striker, wore the number nine throughout his career.

Conclusion

Ed Sheeran's association with Ipswich Town and the number 17 jersey is a testament to the powerful connection between music and football. It showcases how a global icon can influence and be influenced by the beautiful game, creating a legacy that resonates with fans worldwide.