Yakubu Joins Fans In Houston To Celebrate "Perfect" Everton Start

Yakubu was the star guest as hordes of Evertonians turned out in downtown Houston on Saturday to watch the Blues kick-off the 2026/27 season in victorious fashion.

Despite the 9am kick-off time in the US city, more than 450 Blues packed into Pitch 25, close to Houston Dynamo’s Shell Energy Stadium, to cheer David Moyes’ men to a satisfying 2-0 win.

The watch party – part of the Premier League’s Coast to Coast weekend which will see all 20 top-flight clubs host events across the States – gave Texan supporters, and those who had travelled from across the US, the opportunity to experience a taste of a home Everton matchday.

Giant banners – one emblazoned with Alan Ball’s famous quote that ‘Once Everton has touched you, nothing will be the same’ – added an element of Hill Dickinson Stadium’s South Stand to the pre-match build-up. Guests also sang along to fan favourites Spirit of the Blues and Forever Everton, before Pitch 25 filled with the sound of Z-Cars as the players emerged for kick-off.

A special video message from Everton and US Men’s National Team favourite Tim Howard was played out across the screens, while supporters got to meet and grab autographs and selfies with former striker Yakubu.

A Q&A saw The Yak declare his joy at being in Houston to mark the start of the new Premier League campaign, and discuss his four years with the Toffees between 2007-2011.

The event was also attended by representatives from The Friedkin Group, including Everton’s Executive Chairman Marc Watts, while CEO of the Houston Sports Authority, Ryan Walsh, was present to formally welcome Everton to the city.

Yakubu said: “It was a fantastic event and it was so special to see so many Evertonians, and to hear how much they love the team.

“People were telling me about how they became Everton fans and goals of mine that they remembered. It was really good.

“The atmosphere was great all morning and even better when we won. I said we would win 2-0!

"I want to thank all the fans who were there. It was really special – the perfect start to the season.”

Tony Sampson, Chair of North American Toffees, added: “There’s something special about Evertonians wherever you find them.  Seeing hundreds come together in Houston was a reminder of the reach the Everton family has.

"Different city, different time zone - but the same passion for our Club.

"Having the Club and the Yak out here has created some special memories for Blues of all ages and has strengthened the bond even further.

"There’s more than 50 supporters' clubs across North America and, just like in Houston, they’ll have enjoyed our opening day win.”

The Premier League's Coast to Coast weekend marks the return of Premier League football on the back of this summer’s largest ever World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Fans were able to register to attend the free event and, as well as meeting the Yak, enjoyed giveaways, chances to win squad signed 2026/27 home and away shirts and performances from local freestyler footballer Zohair Ali.

On Friday, Yakubu was a guest of the Houston Texans and was shown around the NFL team's 72,000-capacity Reliant Stadium by former first round draft pick cornerback Johnathan Joseph.

Later on Saturday, he was a special guest of Houston’s Major League Baseball side, the Astros. The Nigerian was invited pitchside for batting practice before meeting and exchanging jerseys with the Astros' 2022 World Series-winning manager Joe Espada.