Colin Firth stars in Arsenal Football Club's Christmas advert, which includes a playful reference to his role in the film Love Actually. The advert, titled 'Twas the Season, celebrates the club's Premier League title win and FIFA Women's Champions Cup with a festive twist.
Firth reprises Fever Pitch role
Firth plays an Arsenal fan in the advert, echoing his role in the 1997 film adaptation of Nick Hornby's novel Fever Pitch. Set in the streets of north London, the advert shows Firth walking with a crowd of red and white shirts heading to the club's Emirates Stadium.
The mini-movie recreates the Islington crowds seen in May, when the Gunners gathered to celebrate the club's first win in 22 years. Firth walks past Christmas sights like fairy lights, tinsel and conifer trees while delivering a monologue about the season and the club's 2025/2026 victory.
Love Actually reference and player cameos
In the advert, Firth encounters Arsenal players Alessia Russo, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhães at a cafe. He says in Portuguese: 'Across a language barrier.' The players jokingly reply that they don't know what he says, referencing Firth's Love Actually character, who learns Portuguese to woo his housekeeper.
Firth then rounds a corner to the club's N5 home, where fireworks pop and he is handed a baby. The advert culminates with the 'Twas the Season title in a banner outside the stadium and the tagline: 'Gifts worth waiting all season for.'
Player reaction
Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhães said of appearing in the campaign: 'At Arsenal, we support each other and keep moving forward together.' He added: 'The support I feel from the club and our supporters means so much to me and my family. Christmas is about being together, showing thanks and remembering what matters.'
Magalhães concluded: 'This film celebrates that connection, and we want to carry that with us as we look forward to everything we have ahead.'
