TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS RECIPROCATE THE SUPPORT OF JUSTIN BIEBER: UNVEILS STATUE TODAY TO CELEBRATE AND APPRECIATE HIS SHOW OF SUPPORT TO THE MAPLE LEAFS…
By Canadian Sports Tribune | June 2025
—
In a landmark moment that has united two of Canada’s most iconic cultural forces — hockey and music — the Toronto Maple Leafs today unveiled a stunning life-sized statue of global superstar Justin Bieber outside Scotiabank Arena, honoring his unwavering loyalty, vocal support, and collaborative contributions to the team and its fan culture over the past decade.
The sun shone brightly over downtown Toronto as hundreds of fans, journalists, NHL personnel, and members of Bieber’s entourage gathered for a historic ceremony that celebrated the unique bond between the Leafs and their most famous supporter. The statue, cast in bronze, shows Justin mid-cheer, wearing a customized Leafs jersey and holding a hockey stick high — a moment meant to capture both his love for the team and the emotional energy he brings to every game he attends.
“This is for the fans — and for the culture of hockey”
Leafs President Brendan Shanahan, flanked by Head Coach Craig Berube and team captain Auston Matthews, delivered a heartfelt speech at the unveiling.
> “Justin Bieber has always been more than a fan. He’s been an ambassador, a collaborator, and most importantly, a loyal brother to this team. Today, we honor his passion, his presence, and the positive energy he’s infused into our locker room, our city, and our story.”
The ceremony began with a stirring video tribute — a montage of Bieber cheering in the stands, skating on the Leafs practice rink, and collaborating with the team on jerseys, music, and youth outreach. The video was accompanied by an acoustic version of “Hold On” playing in the background, prompting tears from fans in the front rows.
The singer, clearly emotional, took the stage shortly afterward, greeted by thunderous applause and chants of “Bieber! Bieber!” from the crowd.
> “This… this means everything to me,” he said. “Toronto is my home. The Leafs are my family. I never imagined something like this, but I’m deeply humbled. This statue — it’s not just about me, it’s about us. It’s about believing in your team, win or lose, and standing with your city through every season.”
A Decade of Loyalty — Beyond Celebrity Hype
Justin Bieber’s relationship with the Maple Leafs began long before he became a household name. Raised in Ontario and deeply immersed in Canada’s hockey culture, Bieber grew up playing the sport and attending Leafs games as a child.
Over the years, his support transitioned from casual fandom to full-fledged loyalty. Despite living the life of an international superstar, Bieber has been seen courtside at critical playoff matches, posted public words of encouragement after heartbreaking losses, and celebrated victories with joy and humility.
In 2021, he collaborated with the Maple Leafs and Adidas to create the “Next Gen” jersey, which quickly became a fan favorite and helped elevate the team’s brand appeal among younger audiences. The jersey was seen as a bold and fresh rebranding effort — a testament to Bieber’s design sense and understanding of the team’s heritage.
He also featured Auston Matthews and other Leafs stars in music video cameos and promotional events, using his global platform to bring the Leafs to a wider, younger, and more diverse audience.
According to Sportsnet analysts, his presence has contributed to a measurable increase in youth hockey registrations across Ontario, and Leafs merchandise sales spiked over 18% during the “Bieber jersey” campaign period.
A Symbol of Culture and Community
The statue was designed by renowned Canadian sculptor Eliot Morgan, who previously created works honoring Wayne Gretzky and Gord Downie. The statue stands 7 feet tall, placed near Gate 6 of Scotiabank Arena — a high-traffic entrance that now becomes an unofficial “Bieber Corner” for fans to gather, take photos, and reflect.
According to Morgan, the artistic inspiration was Bieber’s emotional expression during the 2023 playoff run:
> “We wanted to capture him in motion — not performing on stage, but living a genuine moment as a fan, representing every single person who’s stood behind this team through thick and thin.”
A plaque at the base of the statue reads:
> “In honor of loyalty, creativity, and unwavering belief —
Justin Bieber, Leafs Nation’s Loudest Voice.”
The unveiling comes at a time when the Maple Leafs are entering a new era under Coach Berube and with Auston Matthews newly named as team captain. The franchise hopes this statue also symbolizes a new era of player-fan synergy — a testament to how off-ice support can help uplift on-ice performance.
Fans React: An Emotional Moment for Leafs Nation
The announcement of the statue earlier this week had sparked widespread buzz across social media, with reactions ranging from excitement to tears of joy. For many fans — especially younger Leafs followers — Justin Bieber has served as a bridge between pop culture and hockey.
Sarah James, 21, who flew in from Vancouver, said:
> “He’s the reason I started watching hockey. When he started hyping the Leafs on TikTok and Instagram, I got curious. Now, I’m a die-hard fan. This statue feels like it’s celebrating a whole generation of new fans.”
Tom McKenna, a 45-year-old father of three from Toronto, added:
> “I used to think Bieber was just a pop star. But his commitment to this team? It’s real. He’s been there through everything. He never jumped ship. He deserves this.”
The Bieber Effect: Changing the Face of NHL Fandom
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who was also present at the unveiling, praised the Maple Leafs for embracing cultural change.
> “What the Leafs and Justin Bieber have created is an example of how hockey can grow — through partnerships, through youth engagement, through honest connection. This isn’t just a statue. It’s a statement.”
Indeed, Bieber’s influence has redefined how sports organizations view celebrity engagement. Instead of simple PR stunts, his relationship with the Leafs has been genuine, long-term, and deeply collaborative. His devotion has inspired other teams and leagues to reimagine how they connect with the next generation of fans.
—
What’s Next?
Following the unveiling, Justin Bieber is set to host a special charity concert at the Scotiabank Arena this weekend, with proceeds going to youth hockey programs, mental health awareness, and hockey diversity initiatives. Several Leafs players are expected to attend and make on-stage appearances.
Plans are also in motion for a limited-edition Bieber-Leafs memorabilia release, including custom jerseys, pucks, and art prints of the statue — with portions of proceeds donated to Ontario-based hockey scholarships for underprivileged youth.
—
A Final Word from Bieber
In closing his remarks at the statue ceremony, Bieber looked up at the bronze version of himself and offered one final message to the city he loves:
> “This statue isn’t just a thank you to me. It’s a thank you from me. Thank you, Toronto. Thank you, Leafs Nation. I’ll be with you forever — just like you’ve been with me.”
And with that, the crowd erupted in cheers, “Go Leafs Go!” chants echoing through the streets, as hockey and music became one in celebration.
—
Justin Bieber: Forever a Fan. Forever a Leaf. Now, Forever in Bronze.
— End of Article —
Stay with us for exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and ongoing Leafs culture coverage.
Leave a Reply