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Footballers targeted by autograph hunters in daily life
Players and managers encounter fans seeking signatures in public spaces-from petrol stations to hotel lobbies-but not all requests come from genuine supporters. Some hunters treat autographs as a business, building collections to sell online for profit.
The two types of autograph seekers
Footballers distinguish between two groups: devoted fans who treasure signed memorabilia and professional hunters who exploit brief encounters to amass sellable items. The latter often arrive with stacks of shirts or photos, pressuring players for rapid signatures.
The global sports memorabilia market, valued at billions annually, fuels this trade. Clubs have responded by restricting access to training grounds, deploying security at common stops like petrol stations, and even escorting players home.
Managers and players speak out
Arsenal's Mikel Arteta recently defended his refusal to sign a shirt after a match, citing discomfort and skepticism about the fan's motives. He told critics he felt "exposed" by the encounter.
"Don't come again-I won't tell you again. I know your faces. Do you want to live your life doing this, honestly? What are your dreams?"
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, confronting hunters near his home
Manchester United's Mason Mount faced repeated harassment when hunters followed him home on consecutive days in 2023. Another United player, Noussair Mazraoui, was filmed half-heartedly signing shirts thrust at his car window after training.
Frustration and confrontation
Former Premier League player Chris Sutton described the annoyance of being asked to sign multiple identical items, knowing they would be resold. He noted that refusals often provoke verbal abuse or public shaming online.
"It's so annoying that the intention is to make money out of players. These people spoil it for kids and genuine fans."
Chris Sutton, former Premier League winner
Phil Jagielka, who earned 40 England caps, recalled a confrontation at Everton where a hunter grew aggressive after being asked to sign 20 identical cards. Some hunters even send children or friends to approach players, complicating interactions.
Women's football: A shift in fan behavior
Players in the Women's Super League (WSL) traditionally enjoyed closer, more respectful access to fans. However, recent seasons have seen rising entitlement and disrespect.
Nikita Parris revealed she was asked to sign shirts by Manchester United fans who had booed her during a match. Helen Ward, Wales's second-top scorer, warned of a growing sense of entitlement among some supporters.
"Supporters having access to players has been a big part of the uniqueness of the women's game. But some people feel because they've paid for a ticket, they're entitled to the attention of the players."
Helen Ward, former WSL player and Watford's head of women's football
The risks of fraud in memorabilia
Not all signed items sold online are authentic. Fraudsters forge signatures, sometimes using expert copiers, and sell them with fake certificates of authenticity. The UK's unregulated autograph verification process makes it easier for scams to thrive.
In 2018, a man was jailed for six years after earning over £1 million from selling forged sports memorabilia. Wayne Rooney helped expose the fraud by confirming a shirt allegedly signed by him was fake.
Even high-priced items carry no guarantee of legitimacy, leaving fans vulnerable to deception.
