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Mascots of football clubs have become an integral part of the football world. These charismatic characters animate matches, capture the attention of fans and carry a special energy that is transmitted from the stands to the players. Let’s take a look at the most unusual mascots that have become true icons of football culture and inspire fans to win with their teams.

The football mascot phenomenon

Mascots represent the spirit of the club, support fans in difficult moments and add an element of fun to every match. The variety of characters ranges from animals to mystical creatures that tell the history and traditions of teams. Mascots of football clubs become part of the teams’ identity. Which football club mascots deserve special attention?

Tony the Tiger (Hull City): the legend of the striped hero

A true symbol of Hull City’s resilience and strength. He unites fans and represents the strong spirit of the team, especially at home games. The history of Tony the Tiger dates back to the 1970s, when the team needed a strong symbol to unite fans and attract new supporters. The idea of creating the image of a tiger has to do with the club’s nickname, the Tigers. When you see him in the stands, you see a representative of the club who stands for strength and determination. Tony wears a striped suit and is always smiling, which contributes to the positive mood of both players and spectators.

Tony and his role at matches: working with the fans and entertaining the crowd.

Mascots of football clubs often play an important role in creating atmosphere in the stadium. Tony the Tiger actively cooperates with the public, encouraging fans before the match and participating in various games on the pitch during half-time. For many children and adults, meeting Tony at the stadium remains one of the most vivid memories of attending a football match.

The tiger has become a symbol not only of the team itself, but also of the city. Many consider him a true ambassador of the club. He has appeared many times in schools and hospitals and supported various social projects, helping to keep Hull City at the heart of the city and beyond. His effigy has become an icon for fans of all ages, uniting them under the slogan: ‘We are Tigers’.

Gunnersaurus (Arsenal FC): the dinosaur that fascinated fans

The Gunnersaurus is probably one of the most recognisable football club figures in the world. He always takes centre stage at Arsenal FC matches, delighting fans with his benevolent and unusual appearance.

The Gunnersaurus appeared in 1993 as a result of a competition among fans. The winning idea was a dinosaur that symbolised strength and invulnerability. The name is a pun referring to the club’s nickname, ‘The Gunners’. Since then, the mascot has become a constant companion of the football club, despite some rumours about its replacement in recent years.

How the Gunnersaurus affects the atmosphere inside and outside the stadium

The symbol not only entertains children and adults, but also encourages the players before the start of each match. The Gunnersaurus takes part in pre-match activities, competes with fans in various mini-games and often attracts the attention of cameras, making him recognisable to all football fans.

The dinosaur is not only a source of fun, but also a symbol of loyalty. Even in difficult times for the team, when financial problems forced temporary cuts, fans have actively fought to preserve the Gunnersaurus by organising petitions and holding rallies to support him. This shows how closely connected he is to the club’s culture and how important he is to fans. For many fans, he has become a true symbol of resilience and unwavering love for Arsenal FC, as evidenced by the massive campaigns on social media and public rallies for his return.

King Penguin (Sheffield United): Arctic glamour on a green pitch

The King Penguin was a unique mascot for Sheffield United Football Club that immediately attracted attention because of its uniqueness. The penguin is not the most obvious choice, but this made him even more popular with fans.

He appeared as a symbol in the early 2000s, when the team decided to add something unconventional to their visual identity. The penguin was chosen by a vote of the fans, who wanted to see something unique and easy to remember. This image highlights the club’s personality and brings smiles to viewers of all ages.

King Penguin and his interaction with the audience

Mascots of sports teams, such as King Penguin, play an important role in the bond between the team and the audience. He actively participates in pre-game shows, enters the field before the opening whistle to encourage the crowd and even performs dance routines.

More than just a symbol, King Penguin is part of the Sheffield United brand. His recognisable image is often used in the club’s advertising campaigns and social initiatives. The Penguin regularly appears at events to promote football to young people and is actively involved in charity events, giving the club close links with the local community. He is the epitome of fun and friendliness and helps create a positive image of the club both nationally and internationally. King Penguin also often appears in the club’s videos and adds an element of humour and lightheartedness to the content, appealing to old and new fans alike.

Conclusion

Mascots of football clubs are not only part of the entertainment programme, but are true symbols that reflect the spirit of the team. These characters play a key role in maintaining the bond between the team and fans, contribute to the festive atmosphere and create unique memories for everyone who attends matches. They unite generations and make football even more fun and exciting.

Cycling has long ceased to be a hobby for fans of speed and fresh air. It’s a business where every effort translates into six-figure contracts. The world’s highest-paid cyclists earn as if every uphill climb they make is an investment with a return higher than Tesla shares in 2020.

Top 10 highest paid cyclists: who earns the most

At the financial pinnacle of cycling are the top ten who combine medals with marketing and turn seconds on the track into large sums of euros in their accounts. Here’s how the ranking of the richest cyclists currently looks like:

1. Tadej Pogačar.
2. Primož Roglić.
3. Geraint Thomas.
4. Tom Pidcock.
5. Egan Bernal.
6. Remco Evenepool.
7. Julian Alaphilippe.
8. Wout van Art.
9. Jonas Wingegaard.
10. Mathieu van der Pool.

The sums are not just the salaries of professional athletes. They are a fraction of advertising contracts, win bonuses, leader’s jersey bonuses and signing bonuses from teams.

Tadej Pogačar: a million for pedalling smoothly

Top of the list of the world’s highest paid cyclists is a Slovenian who has already won the Tour de France twice. UAE Team Emirates pays him €6 million a year. This does not include sponsorship contracts with Red Bull and Colnago. In 2021, Pogachar won three consecutive mountain stages. Such a result is rare. It made the rider a sensation in both sport and finance.

His transfer was the most expensive in the last 10 years in cycling. A 5-year deal totalling over €30 million, his financial growth symbolises a shift in the distribution of income in cycling. Now the bets are not only on experience, but also on an attacking riding style.

Primož Roglić: when strategy costs millions

Another Slovenian on the list. His career started with ski jumping. But his transformation into a world-class cyclist has earned him €4.5 million annually. The Bora-Hansgrohe team offers not only a salary, but also a share of sponsorship integrations. In 2020, Roglić won the Vuelta and in 2021 he won silver at the Tokyo Olympics. An example of a cyclist who compensates for age with experience and economy of effort. His style is a careful saving of energy in the first stages with a powerful finish. This appeals to team analysts and advertisers willing to invest in stability.

Geraint Thomas: experience turned into euros

The Briton with the personality of a physics teacher and the legs of a sprinter brings Ineos Grenadiers around €3.5m in expenses per year. The 2018 Tour de France winner is consistently in the top 10 of the highest-paid cyclists. In the 2022 season, Thomas finished in the top three at two grand tours at once. He proved that age is no barrier to victory.

In addition to racing, Thomas is actively involved in documentary projects, podcasts and promoting the Ineos brand. This strengthens his financial position. He generates his income from cycling not only through racing, but also through his image.

Tom Pidcock: an all-rounder in business and on a budget

British phenomenon. Olympic champion in mountain biking and winner of the Strade Bianche. One of the most promising contenders for the Tour de France. Pidcock earns €2.7m a year. His income includes contracts with Red Bull and Ineos. He wins in different disciplines. For this he has been compared to a young Peter Sagan.

Pidcock’s financial forecasts are optimistic: his style and charisma could double his income in the next 2 seasons. The world’s highest-paid cyclists are shaping a new paradigm where it’s not just speed that matters, but also media exposure.

Egan Bernal: a breakthrough that cost a lot of money

The Colombian has surprised with his speed of recovery after a serious injury in 2022. Despite the forced break, the Ineos team keeps him under contract at €2.5m per year. Winning the Tour de France in 2019 brought Bernal instant recognition. A return to training after a road accident only enhanced his status.

He remains a marketing asset due to his charisma, age and the South American market. His name is associated with a symbol of resilience. The answer to the question of how much cyclists earn, in his case, is a story of perseverance, not just victories.

Remco Evenepool and other rising millionaires

Positions in the ranking of the richest cyclists are no longer limited to veterans. Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian phenomenon, earned €2.3 million in 2024. His victory at the World Road Race Championships and his strong starts at the Grand Tours strengthened his contract with Soudal-Quick Step. For his attacking riding style, analysts are calling him “the new Cancellara”. This approach is perfectly monetised – the team actively uses the rider’s name in promos. Nike signed a contract with him until 2026.

Julian Alaphilippe is also consistently on the list of the world’s highest-paid cyclists. He is the leader in terms of classics victories among active Frenchmen. His income of €2 million is justified by his results, his popularity in the national market and his status as the face of Deceuninck. He is regularly quoted by the French press as the main inspiration for the “new wave” in cycling.

Wout van Art and media cycling

The Belgian, who can win any stage from flat to mountain, earns €1.9m annually. The Jumbo-Visma team rates his versatility higher than most sprinters. The energy drink adverts bring in a steady income. He often appears in special issues of magazines and takes part in various disciplines, including cyclocross. This attracts brands and increases interest in his persona.

These riders are shaping the new face of cycling. To versatility on the track is added versatility outside of racing. His income from professional sport comes not only from victories, but also from his popularity outside of competition.

Jonas Wingegaard: the price of the yellow jersey

The Dane, who won the 2022 and 2023 Tour de France, earns €1.8m. His contract with Jumbo-Visma remains lower than many in the top, yet Wingegaard has been extremely efficient, with 40 per cent of his starts finishing in the top 3.

Contracts with Scandinavian brands increase personal income. The team’s internal strategy allocates bonuses to riders based on team tactics. This model reinforces financial discipline and reduces salary spikes. But that doesn’t stop him from staying in the ranking of the world’s highest-paid cyclists.

Mathieu van der Pool: creative billionaire on a bike

The Dutch rider, often featured on the covers of cycling magazines and in Shimano adverts, earns €1.6 million. He has won the Milano-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders, as well as consistently finishing at the top of the world championships.

His income is generated at the intersection of sporting performance and marketing uniqueness. Van der Pool collaborates with brands from the fashion sector, including G-Star RAW. This extends the reach of the audience beyond cycling.

Conclusion

The world’s highest paid cyclists are not only strong riders but also media figures. Their income is derived from results, popularity and commercial value. Today, cycling is a business where victories bring capital and earnings depend on the level: from thousands of euros to multi-million dollar contracts. Success is a combination of form, strategy and image.