Rory McIlroy has arrived in style for the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, as the golfing icon used a $51 million private jet to get him to Bilbao
Rory McIlroy is ready to cheer on his Manchester United team in the Europa League final(Image: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy touched down in style at Bilbao Airport for the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, making his entrance in a sleek $51 million private jet.
McIlroy will be taking in a mega-money soccer match on Wednesday, as the winner of the Europa League final is set to receive up to $73M, according to BBC Sport.
Either Ruben Amorim or Ange Postecoglou’s side will rake in a guaranteed $28M for winning the competition, with the figure rising based on league position and for reaching the league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League.
But McIlroy will be hoping that United boss Amorim will take the cash and trophy home to the UK this week, as the Northern Irishman has grown up a loyal Red Devils fan.
The golfing icon was even invited to Old Trafford by manager Ruben Amorim to show off his historic Masters win.
The Portuguese boss extended a warm invitation, as he said: “Hi Rory. Congratulations on the Masters, and I want to invite you to Old Trafford to show your trophy. It is really important for us at this moment.
Rory McIlroy is a lifelong Manchester United fan(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“You achieved something a lot of people thought that would be impossible and we want that feeling in our stadium. So I hope to see you soon at Old Trafford and to meet you.”
When asked if he’d attend a soccer match at Old Trafford with his Green Jacket on, McIlroy jokingly added: “If it can inspire some better play, absolutely.”
A pre-owned Gulfstream 650ER is priced at an average of $51 million(Image: gulfstream.com)
The 36-year-old golfer hopes to sprinkle some winning charm on the Red Devils as he gears up to root for them in the final.
He arrived in Spain onboard Gulfstream’s striking G650ER model, which lifted off from Belfast at 7:26am local time. McIlroy is believed to have received the 2022 aircraft model in late 2024.
You can even chill and watch television in one of four living areas(Image: gulfstream.com)
The G650ER is reportedly a hot favorite in the aviation world. It boasts over 125 world speed records and is hailed as one of the most dependable business jets globally.
However, this mode of transportation doesn’t come cheap, as a pre-owned G650ER could cost an average of $51M, according to AVBuyer.com.
You can also enjoy a full evening meal while thousands of feet in the air(Image: gulfstream.com)
If you’re looking for a brand-new model, you’d have to shell out around $78M, with the price varying based on different features and amenities you can customize throughout the aircraft.
The G650ER can accommodate up to 16 passengers and offers about four living areas onboard, making it ideal for McIlroy’s planned downtime ahead of the European final.
The aircraft’s seats can transform into beds for some much-needed rest, or you can unwind on a couch and catch some TV with a built-in monitor in the center.
The seats can be converted back into beds if McIlroy wants to relax ahead of the soccer match(Image: gulfstream.com)
The aircraft also features 16 panoramic oval windows that fill the cabin with abundant natural light and offer stunning views.
It seems like the Northern Irishman would have had a pleasant journey to the Europa League final. He’ll be rooting for Amorim and his soccer squad to bring the trophy back to Old Trafford so they can all revel in the joy of victory together in the future.
