Rowetta Cheers on Man U at 2025 Europa League Final

Bilbao Welcomes The Europa Cup Final

The passionate streets of Bilbao played host to the 2025 Europa Cup Final on May 21. As San Mamés buzzed with anticipation, thousands of fans streamed through security into the stadium and the nearby Fanzone, decked out in red, white and black. Singer and former Happy Mondays frontwoman Rowetta arrived with that same electric energy, capturing her journey in a celebratory Instagram post: “🇾🇪 Bilbao – The Europa Cup Final 2025. More beautiful memories & friends made at the airport, in the hotel, in the 🔴⚪️⚫️ Fanzone & in and around the stadium…” Her words underscored one truth: this trip was as much about community and camaraderie as the match itself.

Rowetta first broke through in the late 1980s as a backing singer for Curtis Mayfield, later providing lead vocals on Happy Mondays’ chart-topping single “Step On.” A veteran of festival stages and TV music panels, she’s built a reputation for blending soulful power and approachable stage presence, making her an ideal ambassador for this fusion of sport and song. Her presence also shines a light on women in football culture, as she joins a small but growing cadre of female artists fronting fan events at major sporting finals.

Fanzone Festivities

At the heart of the action was the official Manchester United Fanzone, a sprawling plaza featuring live music stages, interactive games, face-painting stands and club-themed pop-ups. Rowetta balanced her role as performer and superfan, teasing her set early in the morning: “Beautiful morning here in Bilbao with the United & Adidas crew. Running through my sets in the bath before breakfast. Sir Alex is here. See you in The Fanzone.” Branded Adidas installations dotted the zone, giving supporters photo ops with the Europa trophy replica. Group chants and waves rippled through the crowd as the pre-match buzz grew.

Moments Off The Pitch

Rowetta’s stay wasn’t all stadium lights and cheers. Shortly after landing, she posted shots of affectionate reunions with legends and fellow VIPs at Bilbao Airport and in her hotel’s lobby. From sampling pintxos on cobblestone streets to swapping sidra in local bars, she soaked up Basque hospitality. A later post showed her alongside the BBC Manchester Sports crew—including Andrew Bowman, Bill Rice and Joe McGrath—for live interviews against a backdrop of waving scarfs and smiling supporters. “Great interview for @bbcmanchester in the @manchesterunited Fanzone at the Europa Final, Bilbao,” she noted, giving fans a peek into the press zone dynamics.

Sharing The Stage

Rowetta’s Instagram haul wasn’t limited to candid photos—she brought her signature sound to the live lineup. Scheduled at 1pm between Q&A sessions with Andy Cole and Denis Irwin, her performance drew thousands to a raised platform at the center of the Fanzone. Her setlist mixed classic Happy Mondays hits like “Step On” with acoustic covers, inviting fans to sing along in perfect harmony. In a “Landed in Bilbao” update, she hyped the day ahead: “My stage times tomorrow are 1pm & 4pm either side of Mani & Liam Fray, but get down early for Jay Dunn & a very special fanzone.” The result felt like a mini-festival, blending rock nostalgia and football passion.

Fans also caught glimpses of United legends roaming the area. Wayne Rooney joined the crowd for a spontaneous Q&A, while a contingent of past and present players posed for selfies. Rowetta celebrated every handshake and autograph, tagging friends from around the world—from @robert.laing7 in New Zealand to @famousalexnield in the UK. Each photo emphasized the global reach of Manchester United’s community.

Scenes from Bilbao will linger long after the final whistle. Beyond the scoreline, this weekend highlighted how football and music can unite people across cultures. Whether she was cheering in the stands, belting out choruses on stage or sharing a laugh over local cuisine, Rowetta turned the Europa Cup Final into one unforgettable trip.

Reporter

Sakshi

 

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.

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