In the world of football, there are many stories of passionate fanbases, legendary players, and historic stadiums. But few stories are as curious and unexpected as the tale of the Michael Jackson statue that once stood outside Fulham stadium, Craven Cottage. This unusual monument not only raised eyebrows but also became a symbol of the unique relationship between Fulham’s former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed, and the King of Pop.

The Man Behind the Statue: Mohamed Al Fayed

 

 

To understand why a statue of Michael Jackson would be placed at a football stadium, one must first look at Mohamed Al Fayed, the Egyptian billionaire who owned Fulham FC from 1997 to 2013. Al Fayed, known for his flamboyant personality and business acumen, was also the owner of the famous Harrods department store in London. His business empire and larger-than-life persona made him a well-known figure in the UK.

Al Fayed's relationship with Michael Jackson began through their mutual connections in the world of celebrities and high society. They became friends, and Jackson made a memorable visit to Craven Cottage, the Fulham stadium, where he not only attended a match but also walked on the pitch with Al Fayed, waving to the cheering fans. This close friendship eventually led to the idea of commemorating Jackson in a way that only Al Fayed could conceive.

 

The Birth of the Michael Jackson Statue

 

 

After Michael Jackson’s untimely death in 2009, Mohamed Al Fayed wanted to honor his late friend. In a move that surprised many, Al Fayed decided to commission a statue of Jackson to be placed at Craven Cottage, Fulham stadium. The statue was originally intended to be installed outside Harrods, but after Al Fayed sold the department store in 2010, he decided that Fulham’s stadium would be the new home for this tribute.

The statue, unveiled in April 2011, depicted Michael Jackson in a typical pose, wearing his signature outfit from the "Dangerous" tour. The decision to place the statue outside a football stadium baffled many, as there was no direct connection between Jackson and Fulham FC. However, Al Fayed saw it as a fitting tribute to a global icon and his personal friend.

Fans’ Reaction and the Controversy

 

 

The reaction to the statue among Fulham fans and the broader football community was mixed, to say the least. Some fans were bemused, others outraged, and many simply found it bizarre. Fulham supporters were puzzled as to why a statue of a pop star, with no direct connection to the club or football in general, was placed at the entrance to their beloved Fulham stadium, Craven Cottage.

Despite the controversy, Al Fayed remained unapologetic. He famously told fans that if they didn't appreciate the statue, "they can go to hell." Al Fayed's brash defense of the statue only added to its notoriety, making it a subject of conversation far beyond the football world.

The Statue’s Fate and What Replaced It

 

 

The statue remained at Craven Cottage for just over two years. In 2013, when Al Fayed sold Fulham FC to Shahid Khan, the new owner decided to remove the statue. The removal was met with little resistance from the fans, many of whom had never warmed to the idea of a Michael Jackson tribute at their football ground.

As of now, the Michael Jackson statue is no longer on public display. After its stint at the National Football Museum, the statue was reportedly returned to Mohamed Al Fayed, and its current whereabouts are not widely publicized. It remains a curious footnote in the history of both Fulham FC and Michael Jackson’s legacy.

 

 

In its place at Craven Cottage, the area once occupied by the statue has been repurposed, but no new statue has taken its place. Today, the only statue that stands outside the Fulham stadium is that of club legend Johnny Haynes, a tribute to the footballer who spent his entire career with the club and remains a beloved figure in Fulham’s history. The spot where Jackson once stood is now a reminder of the eccentricities of football ownership and the sometimes unexpected intersections of sport and pop culture—a fitting conclusion to the strange tale of the Michael Jackson statue at Craven Cottage.

 

For more insights into the iconic home of Fulham FC, visit our detailed page on Craven Cottage. Discover the rich history and unique features of this historic football ground.