In the award-winning Apple TV series Ted Lasso, Jason Sudeikis' eponymous protagonist finds himself presiding over the fortunes of AFC Richmond in the Premier League.
Coach Lasso must navigate the team through encounters with the best teams in English football, despite having no prior experience in the sport.
- Is AFC Richmond a real team?
- Are there real footballers in Ted Lasso?
- Which stadium do AFC Richmond play in?
- Ted Lasso filming locations
Is AFC Richmond a real team?
AFC Richmond is a fictional team, despite being portrayed as a competitor in the Premier League in the Ted Lasso TV series.
However, while Coach Lasso's team is not real, the club understandably takes some inspiration from actual football teams in England and plays up to the idea that it is real.
The club runs social media channels and even sells merchandise through an online shop, with a replica AFC Richmond jersey costing $69.95.
Premier League club Crystal Palace appears to be the main inspiration for AFC Richmond, considering detail such as the fact that the team colours are red and blue with a hint of yellow.
Like Palace, AFC Richmond is also based in the south east of London and it is notable that Ted Lasso's first game as coach is against them.
AFC Richmond may not be a real Premier League team, but there is a real football club with the name Richmond that competes in the English football pyramid.
Hampton & Richmond Borough FC are situated approximately an hour from Crystal Palace and also play in red and blue kits. The club nickname is 'The Beavers'.
They are a far cry from the summit of the English game, however, competing in the National League South - level six - in 2024-25.
AFC Richmond follows in the tradition of fictional football clubs first popularised on British television through Harchester United of the Sky production Dream Team. Other fictional teams have existed through the years in other media, such as the comic book team Melchester Rovers, of Roy of the Rovers fame.
Are there real footballers in Ted Lasso?
The footballers on the AFC Richmond Team are played by actors, but some of them have obvious real-world inspirations.
For example, the character of Roy Kent (played by Brett Goldstein) is inspired by notorious former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.
There are a number of notable traits and ironies that reinforce the Keane inspiration. Kent is a fearsome character who captains the team before retiring after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City. He then works as a pundit and an assistant manager.
Getty/Goal compositeAnother fictional player who is partly inspired by a real footballer is the character Zava, who is eerily similar to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in appearance and characteristics.
A number of real-life footballers make cameos in the programme, including Pep Guardiola, Thierry Henry, Gary Lineker, Chris Kamara, Peter Crouch, Chris Powell and Eni Aluko.
Referee Mike Dean also makes an appearance in the FA Cup semi-final game against Manchester City.
Which stadium do AFC Richmond play in?
AFC Richmond play in Nelson Road Stadium, which is actually Selhurst Park - home of Crystal Palace, a detail which further emphasises the source of inspiration for the team.
So, while Richmond may not be a real team, fans of Ted Lasso can make a pilgrimage to 'Nelson Road Stadium' if they wish to get a feel for the venue.
The ground, which has a capacity of just over 25,000, was built in 1924 and has been the home of Palace since then.
Nearby clubs Charlton Athletic and Wimbledon temporarily shared the stadium with Palace during the 1980s and 1990s respectively as they sought alternative homes.
How to get to Selhurst Park / Nelson Road Stadium
If you travel by train, the nearest railway stations to Selhurst Park are: Selhurst, Thornton Heath and Norwood Junction. Each of these stations is a 15-minute walk from the stadium.
Alternatively you can take the bus, with buses regularly passing the area, or a taxi.
If you are close enough, it is also possible to travel by bike or walk. The address to put into Google Maps is: Selhurst Park, Selhurst, London, SE25.
Ted Lasso filming locations
Ted LassoMuch of the filming for Ted Lasso occurs in Richmond Green, London, with Selhurst Park, Wembley and Craven Cottage featuring among the stadiums in the TV show.
SkyEx Community Stadium, or Beaconsfield Road, home of non-league club Hayes & Yeading, is the location for the AFC Richmond training ground and office scenes.
The Crown and Anchor pub in the show is actually The Prince's Head pub in Richmond Green, while a number of other streets in Twickenham are used.
Craven Cottage, which is the home ground of Fulham, is used as a substitute for Goodison Park in the TV series when Richmond play Everton.
Interestingly, some of the match scenes are digital, with certain moments, such as those featuring supporters, being enhanced accordingly.