Veteran actor Anthony Hopkins, 88, recently drew attention on social media for his enthusiastic support of England during a World Cup match. A photo posted to Instagram showed Hopkins wearing an England jersey, while his wife, Stella Arroyave, donned Mexico's colors as they prepared to watch the game.
The Oscar-winning actor, known for his dramatic transformations in films like "The Silence of the Lambs" and "The Father," appeared in good spirits, sporting a playfully competitive expression. His caption for the post read, "We're all winners... #WorldCup2026."
However, the post quickly ignited a debate among his followers, particularly given Hopkins's Welsh heritage. Born in Port Talbot, Wales, the actor has often expressed nostalgia for his roots and supported Welsh causes. This led to comments from fans questioning his choice of jersey.
"Take that shirt off Sir... you're Welsh!" one user commented, while another added, "Anthony Hopkins is Welsh, not English."
Others defended Hopkins, suggesting he was simply enjoying the global sporting event like many others. England ultimately won the match against Mexico with a score of 3–2, advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Hopkins remains a prolific figure in Hollywood, with several projects reportedly in post-production or pre-production. He is celebrated for his extensive filmography, including his Academy Award-winning performances as Dr. Hannibal Lecter and for his role in "The Father." The actor also maintains an active presence on social media, sharing updates on his artwork, music, and daily life with fans.