Mayor Zohran Mamdani Dons Arsenal Thobe For Eid Prayers In New York City

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has never shyed away from showing his love for his favourite sports team, whether it is football or baseball. For the celebrations of Eid al-Adha in the Bronx in New York, the first Muslim mayor of the city joined his citizens in prayers.

Eid al-Adha comes after Eid al-Fitr, a different holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Among a sea of white, light blue and black thobes, Mayor Zohran Mamdani stood out in his Arsenal’s blue, red, and navy 2025-26 away shirt turned into a thobe that showed his support for his favourite football team. Having been a lifelong, die-hard Arsenal supporter, the mayor made a bold statement to show his love for the football club in this attire.

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A post shared by Mayor Zohran Kwame

Mamdani (@nycmayor)

A thobe is a traditional long, ankle‑length, loose‑fitting robe worn mainly by men in the Arab world and across the Muslim community. It has long sleeves and is usually collarless, made from cotton, linen, or synthetic blends, and comes in plain colours like white, black, or earth tones. The thobe embodies modesty, dignity, and simplicity in Islamic dress and is worn for daily life, religious occasions like Friday prayers, and formal or casual events depending on the region.

And taking to his social media, the 34-year-old wished his followers, “Eid Mubarak!”, and wrote, “Today as we honor Prophet Ibrahim, Eid al-Adha reminds us that sacrifice is not a burden. It is an opportunity to see ourselves as part of something larger. To extend a hand to those who need it most (sic).”

He went on to add, “I am honored to be New York City’s first Muslim Mayor and I am determined to lead through solidarity. Together, we are working to ensure every New Yorker can afford the groceries, housing, and child care they need. Our solidarity is our strength. Eid Saeed, New York.”

Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years this season and will play against PSG in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday, May 30.