friend vs champion

friend and champion both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
friend	Yes	No	No	No
champion	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

As nouns, friend and champion are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of friend include admirer, booster, protagonist, supporter.

friend (noun)	champion (noun)
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust	someone who fights for a cause
a person with whom you are acquainted	someone who has won first place in a competition
an associate who provides cooperation or assistance	a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
a person who backs a politician or a team etc.	someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field

friend (adjective)	champion (adjective)
	holding first place in a contest

friend (verb)	champion (verb)
	protect or fight for as a champion