SPOTTED: Michael Jordan makes surprise appearance at Champions League match in Monaco
Hall of Famer Michael Jordan made a rare public appearance this week at the UEFA Champions League match between Barcelona and Monaco. During Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League fall slate, Jordan was photographed in Monaco speaking with another individual.
Outside of appearances at racing events where his 23XI team is competing, the six-time NBA champ doesn't often travel to attend sporting events. In the case of Thursday's match between Barcelona and Monaco, Jordan doesn't have a stake in either club.
Although Jordan doesn't have a stake in either club, the match is one that has drawn considerable attention given the high-stakes affair and the reputation of both clubs.
As many fans were quick to joke, Michael Jordan must be in attendance because of Lamine Yamal, a player who has captivated fans with his dazzling displays.
While it's unclear whether Jordan was in attendance to watch Yamal or simply as a fan, Barcelona fans celebrated a first-half goal from the winger after he evened the score at one goal apiece.
Looking at Michael Jordan's connection to both Barcelona and Monaco
While Michael Jordan doesn't have any sports or business connections to FC Barcelona or AS Monaco, he does have connections to both cities. Back in 1992, Jordan traveled to Barcelona for the Olympics as part of the famed Team USA Dream Team.
There, the team rattled off win after win, going undefeated through the group phase before then capturing Olympic gold. During the medal ceremony, Jordan and several other teammates famously protested Reebok, covering the company's logo on the Team USA warmup with an American flag given his ties to Nike.
On the flip side, Jordan has been photographed in Monaco on more than one occasion. In addition to vacationing in Monaco, Jordan has also traveled by yacht to enjoy time in the region.
Back in 2023, the six-time NBA champ was photographed alongside the owner of Sass' Café, Samy Sass, while promoting his Cincoro Tequila.
Sass, who appears to be a friend of Jordan's, can be seen talking to MJ in photos from Thursday's Barcelona-Monaco game in the photos above.