Friedkin Watch: Everton owners rub shoulders with Hollywood, all smiles over ‘dual success’

If Everton fans are wondering what the Friedkins are up to lately, then have no fear, Sport Witness is here.

We’ve been keeping a close eye on the American owners over the last few weeks after they put Everton on the market. And their latest adventure includes Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner.

The Americans were expected in Rome last week for the big clash between Inter Milan and Roma at the top of Serie A.

Several reports in Italy had hinted that Ryan Friedkin, at least, would be in attendance. The appearance of his right-hand man in Rome early that day even hinted as much.

Roma absence explained

But, alas, he and Father Dan were nowhere to be seen at the Olimpico. Now we know why. Ryan was over seven hundred kilometres away, busy saying “I do.”

Last Saturday the Giallorossi vice-president was in the French Riviera – specifically Saint-Tropez – to marry his partner, Julia LeBlanc. The wedding took place at the Château de la Messardière, a 19th-century castle set within more than ten hectares of private grounds.

It was, as you might be able to imagine, a picture-perfect setting and packed to the rafters with VIPS, including actors and entertainment stars.

The standout name was actor Timothée Chalamet, who has been a friend of Ryan’s for over a decade. He was accompanied by girlfriend Kylie Jenner. Perhaps we can expect a star-studded episode of Keeping Up With The Friedkins in future?

All smiles for Friedkins

Back to matters on the pitch and it’s all smiles for the American group as both of their assets – Roma and Everton – have enjoyed memorable starts to the season.

Like the Giallorossi, Everton remain unbeaten after the first month of action in England. With two wins, three draws and progress in the League Cup, it’s their best start to a season since 2020.

Roma are performing at an even higher level. They’ve managed four wins and two draws in six Serie A games to date. Both sides are in the group of nine in Europe to remain unbeaten – that includes Monaco, Paris FC, Freiburg, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Brentford. So, it’s all smiles for the Americans, and not just for wedding photos.

They will be savouring the ‘dual success’ say Forza Roma, who argue that perhaps criticism from Everton fans has been unwarranted. At the very least it’s a pleasing statistic for an ownership that has come under fire in recent weeks.

That’s just on Merseyside though. The atmosphere in Rome is different because the group are ‘more vocal and visibly present’ over there. That is something manager Gian Piero Gasperini has already stated clearly and is pleased by.

For now, the Friedkins are resting easy as ‘they have truly built two excellent teams’. We’re not sure Everton fans would agree, even if they’re unbeaten so far.