Al-Khelaïfi Extends Invitation too Tom Hanks for High-Stakes Match

As Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) prepares to face Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-finals, club president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi is pulling out all the stops to create a memorable atmosphere at the Parc des Princes. The first leg, scheduled for April 9th, will not only see a reunion for former PSG figures like Unai Emery and Lucas Digne, but also a potential visit from a very special guest: Hollywood icon Tom Hanks.

A Star-Studded Affair: Former Presidents and a Hollywood Fan

According to reports, Al-Khelaïfi has extended invitations to all former PSG presidents, marking his own milestone as the club’s longest-serving president, surpassing Francis Borelli. But the invitation list doesn’t stop there. Bruno Salomon of France Info revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Prince William and Tom Hanks, both known supporters of Aston Villa, have also been invited to witness the clash firsthand.

At the request of Nasser Al-Khelaïfi,all the former presidents of Paris saint-Germain were invited for the PSG-Aston Villa match of April 9. Prince William and Tom Hanks (fans of the Villans) will also receive an invitation.
Bruno Salomon, France Info

Hanks’ Enduring Affection for Aston Villa

Tom Hanks, the celebrated star of cinematic masterpieces such as Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, The Green Mile, and Toy Story, has been a vocal supporter of Aston Villa for years, despite his American roots. His affinity for the club reportedly began in the mid-2000s. In a 2008 interview with James Corden, Hanks humorously explained his initial attraction to the club:

Aston Villa seems to be a charming place.It looks like a spa. I said to myself “Aston Villa”, what a beautiful vacation place! Aston Villa. It is a beautiful villa, you open the doors, and you have the magnificent port of Aston below you. And it turns out that it is indeed in Birmingham. There is nothing wrong with that, nothing wrong with Birmingham. But it is indeed not a city to take lightly, I tell you. As then, I have been an unconditional fan of aston Villa. I saw them play once, in a amiable match in the United States, so yes, I support them.

Will Hollywood Magic Influence the Game?

The question remains: will the potential presence of Tom Hanks at the Princes Park inspire Unai Emery‘s Aston Villa squad as they face the formidable PSG? While PSG currently holds a strong position in Ligue 1, Aston Villa is striving for a Champions League spot in the Premier League, making this quarter-final a highly anticipated contest. The psychological impact of having a Hollywood icon in the stands could be a wildcard factor in this crucial match.