Michael Jordan, the NBA legend, took a break from basketball to enjoy some Champions League soccer action. Jordan was seen at the Stade Louis II in Monaco for the Champions League game between AS Monaco and FC Barcelona. The basketball star was enjoying the game with his wife, Yvette Prieto, by his side. This marked the first-ever European club game the former basketball superstar was spotted attending.
The six-time NBA champion was dressed casually in a black T-shirt, matching Air Jordan cap, and khaki pants, and was seen soaking in the electric atmosphere alongside his wife. Jordan has frequently been spotted on vacation in Monaco over the years, while he was also seen in Saint-Tropez with Prieto over the summer.
Jordan's presence at a Champions League game added to the excitement of an already star-studded event. Monaco, a city used to hosting the world's rich & famous, witnessed how Michael Jordan and his wife, Yvette Prieto, enjoyed the thrilling game at Stade Louis II on Thursday, where the hosts secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona.
The match marked Monaco's return to the Champions League, and they did not disappoint their fans. Barcelona was reduced to ten men after Eric Garca's early red card in the 11th minute, leaving them vulnerable. Monaco quickly capitalized on the man advantage when Maghnes Akliouche broke the deadlock, cutting inside from the right and unleashing a precise strike from the edge of the box.
However, Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal responded swiftly, equalizing in the 28th minute with a beautifully placed left-footed shot, becoming the second-youngest scorer in Champions League history at 17 years and 68 days. The balance tipped back in Monaco's favor in the second half. George Ilenikhena, coming off the bench, latched onto a long ball from Vanderson, calmly slotting past Marc-Andr ter Stegen in the 71st minute to restore Monaco's lead.
The home side held on for the victory, bringing an end to Barcelona's flawless start to the season under new coach Hansi Flick, who had previously led his side to five consecutive LaLiga victories.
Beyond the Game
Beyond his appearance at the football match, Jordan has been making headlines for other reasons. Earlier this week, it was reported that the NBA legend has finally secured a buyer for his long-listed estate in Highland Park, Illinois. The massive 56,000-square-foot mansion, which features nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, an indoor gym, a basketball court, and even a cigar room, was last priced at just under $15 million, a significant reduction from its original $29 million listing back in 2012.
The estate sale marks the end of a lengthy attempt to sell the property, which Jordan had owned since the 1990s. This buyer has not yet been identified, but they landed themselves a massive 56,000-square-foot home. Amenities for the mansion include nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a cigar room, a library, an indoor gym, a circular infinity pool, a basketball court, a tennis court, and an iconic front gate with the number 23 on it.
A Mansion in Disarray?
It's unclear what condition the home is currently in after a months-old TikTok clip appeared to show the house in complete disarray. Footage of the six-time NBA champion's home resurfaced again, apparently showing the abandoned property in complete disarray. Jordan's private indoor basketball court is flooded while one of his multiple kitchens looks like it's in the process of being disassembled.
The footage was recorded about nine months ago by an 'urban explorer' and posted on TikTok in January. Now it's gaining traction across social media - despite representatives for Jordan saying it is not his house. The NBA legend was seen at a VIP box at Louis II Stadium. The NBA legend, for many the best basketball player in history, attended his first blaugrana game, no less in the Champions League.
Jordan's Soccer Love
While Jordan is known for his basketball prowess, his presence at the Monaco vs. Barcelona match highlights his love for soccer as well. Jordan's Jordan Brand has collaborated with Paris Saint-Germain since 2018, helping produce several alternative kits and clothing collections. But the 61-year-old travelled to the south of France - and a bit beyond - to get his soccer fix at the home of PSG’s Ligue 1 rivals this week, snapped in the stands before kickoff at Stade Louis II. Jordan's presence at the Monaco vs. Barcelona game on Thursday night after finally managing to sell his $15million Chicago mansion earlier this week.
Monaco is, of course, synonymous with luxury, with mega-yachts parked in the harbour and designer stores everywhere you look. The world renowned Monte Carlo Casino is one of its stars attractions, and the Formula One Grand Prix in Monaco is the one sporting event celebrities can’t afford not to be seen at. Barcelona, meanwhile, have long been seen as one of European soccer’s most attractive clubs due to their play on the field (although that may have changed slightly in more troublesome recent years). From Cruyff’s Dream Team, to Guardiola’s tiki-taka, to La Masia, to Messi, to Xavi and to Iniesta, teams across the globe did their utmost to imitate the Catalans when they were at their peak.
If, therefore, a major world star such as Jordan were to pick one match to go to, Monaco against Barcelona in the principality seems like a logical choice. Few would argue with Jordan being considered the best of all time. A figure who transcended his sport, with the Chicago Bulls he won six NBA titles. On five occasions he was named MVP of the season in the North American league and with the US he won two Olympic gold medals.
