Arsenal and Spurs Take the North London Derby to Hong Kong
So, here’s something that’s making headlines right now—Arsenal and Tottenham are about to make football history, and not just because of who’s playing. For the first time ever, the North London Derby is leaving the UK and being staged overseas—in none other than Hong Kong. That’s right, one of the most intense, emotionally charged rivalries in English football is being played 6,000 miles away from home, and it’s stirring up some big reactions on both sides.
Now, this isn’t your typical Premier League showdown. It’s actually a preseason friendly, but let’s be honest—there’s no such thing as a casual North London Derby. This is Arsenal vs. Spurs. No matter where or when they meet, sparks are expected to fly. And even though it’s technically “just” a friendly, there’s still a lot of pride on the line.
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The match is set to close out the Hong Kong Football Festival at the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium, which seats 50,000. And get this—attendance is expected to smash local football records. That gives you an idea of how big this is for fans in Asia, many of whom have never had the chance to see these clubs live, let alone in a derby match.
Spurs’ new manager Thomas Frank spoke about how meaningful this is, calling it a great way to develop such a historic rivalry. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta echoed that, saying it’s brilliant to bring all that tradition and passion to fans on the other side of the world. Both sides have been warmly received throughout their Asia tour, with training sessions drawing thousands of fans. Arsenal’s newest signing, Viktor Gyökeres, has already become a fan favorite, and supporters turned up in full force just to watch him and the squad train.
But it’s not all celebration. Some hardcore fans back in the UK feel like something sacred is being tampered with. The North London Derby has only been played outside of London once—and never outside the UK. For lifelong supporters, moving it overseas feels like messing with football tradition.
Still, for fans in Hong Kong, this is a dream come true. Many say it’s their only chance to experience what a derby feels like live. It’s a moment of inclusion in a sport that’s becoming increasingly global. And while the move is clearly part of a broader commercial trend, it’s also a genuine outreach to a passionate fanbase far from North London.
Whatever side of the debate you’re on, one thing’s certain: this isn’t just another match. It’s a new chapter in a century-old rivalry—and it’s being written in Hong Kong.
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