In the central chamber of the governor’s room at City Hall—a space once graced by George Washington and Albert Einstein—New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani sat down with The Athletic for the "Why I Love the Beautiful Game" series. For Mamdani, soccer is not just a sport; it is a lifelong passion that bridges his childhood in Uganda and his current role as a political leader in New York.

A Lifelong Arsenal Fan

Mamdani’s devotion to Arsenal was inherited from his uncle, sparked by the legendary 2003-04 "Invincibles" squad. He fondly recalls the era of Arsene Wenger, citing players like Nwankwo Kanu and defenders Lauren, Kolo Toure, and Emmanuel Eboue as key influences. Despite his current administrative duties, Mamdani remains a student of the game, recently reflecting on Arsenal's heartbreak in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

When asked about future signings to propel Mikel Arteta’s squad forward, Mamdani emphasized the need for "ruthlessness" in the wings and attack. While acknowledging that a player like Kylian Mbappé might be a "dream too far," he expressed trust in the leadership of Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta.

The Working-Class Fight for the World Cup

As Mayor, Mamdani has leveraged his love for the game to challenge FIFA's commercial practices. Entering office in January, he campaigned for radical changes to ticketing policies, fighting against dynamic pricing and high resale fees. His efforts led to a rare concession: 1,000 tickets priced at $50 for New York City residents, distributed via ballot.

"I made the case that I’ve been making in public, which is that at its core, football is a working-class game," Mamdani told The Athletic. "We want to make sure people can see themselves as part of the game."

Mamdani has not shied away from public confrontation with FIFA. He successfully intervened when FIFA attempted to ban supporters from bringing water bottles into venues during the North American summer, forcing the organization to reverse the policy within 24 hours. However, he admits that some challenges remain, such as the high cost of transit for fans traveling to MetLife Stadium.

From Kampala to Brooklyn

Mamdani’s own playing career has been a journey of transition. Having played in Kampala, Uganda, before moving to New York at age seven, he evolved from an ambitious striker to a hardworking full-back. He currently plays for Talking Headers, a coed recreational team in Brooklyn.

He also revealed a deep-seated love for Football Manager, recalling the "divorce between data and branding" when Championship Manager transitioned into the FM brand—a change that left him feeling personally affected.

Looking Toward the Future

While the current World Cup provides a focal point for his political and sporting interests, Mamdani is already looking ahead. He has expressed strong interest in New York's involvement in the bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, viewing it as a way to build on the momentum of the current tournament and the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

For Mamdani, the goal is simple: ensure the legacy of the World Cup is defined by inclusivity and accessibility, rather than just the elite few who can afford a ticket.