The highly-anticipated Steel City derby between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday kicks off on Sunday as the two clubs meet for the first time in over five years. The last three meetings have all ended 0-0 with the Blades the last to win a derby after securing a 4-2 victory at Hillsborough back in September of 2017.
United were relegated from the Premier League last term and once Wednesday had secured their Championship status, excitement started to build over the prospect of the club’s coming face to face once more. The contest, which will take place at Bramall Lane, is sold out. Both clubs have been backed by some famous faces over the years and below we take a look at some of the most well-known people who support the clubs. From TV to Hollywood and music to all variety of sport - there are plenty of big names who back both teams.
21. Dalton Smith, boxer - Sheffield Wednesday
The 27-year-old is 16-0 in his professional career and has held the lightweight British and Commonwealth titles. He is an avid Owls fan and has hopes of fighting at Hillsborough one day. | Getty Images
22. Michael Palin, actor - Sheffield United (& Wednesday)
Back in 2000, Palin told football magazine When Saturday Comes: "United were the club I supported when I was growing up, mainly because their ground was the nearest to our house. But then I was always excited when either club was involved in a big game and Wednesday tended to be involved in bigger games. When I first came to London, it was 1966 and Wednesday were in the Cup final, so I couldn’t say I wasn’t interested because they were from my city." | AFP via Getty Images
23. Gary Cahill, footballer - Sheffield Wednesday
The former England and Chelsea star was a boyhood Owls fan and says ex-Wednesday defender Des Walker was his childhood hero. | Getty Images
24. Michael Peter Balzary aka Flea, musician - Sheffield United
The bass player from the iconic band Red Hot Chili Peppers tweeted out his support for the Blades back in 2022 ahead of their play-off semi-final against Nottingham Forest. | AFP via Getty Images