In the heart of every football fan lies a burning question: which football team has the most fans in the world? Is it a national team, steeped in history and draped in the colours of a nation’s pride, or perhaps a club team, where legends are forged and dynasties built?
One thing is sure in the halls of football history, fandom is one of the very important driving forces that can affect the motivation of the players on and off the pitch and also contribute to the overall success of the team through sales of match day tickets, merchandise and lots more.
To make our discourse possible, we shall be taking the fan base of these teams from their recorded numbers and their social media databases. Also, we will have a separate analysis for football clubs and national teams.
Football Club Teams With The Most Fans In The World
When it comes to club football, the following teams are the ones which will satisfy our quest to find out which football team has the most fans in the world.
Rank | Team | Estimated Fanbase | Key Reasons for Fanbase (including social media presence) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Real Madrid | 363.27 million | Social media dominance, global reach, Champions League legacy, iconic players, marketing muscle |
2 | Barcelona | 330.4 million | La Liga loyalists, legendary youth academy, “Mas que un club” motto, star players, Tiki-Taka style |
3 | Manchester United | 213.78 million | Premier League popularity, historical legacy, global market presence, passionate fanbase, high attendance |
4 | PSG | 183.5 million | French Ligue 1 Dominance, Arab money, list of world-class players, global market presence, passionate fan base |
5 | Juventus | 253.2 million | Iconic jersey, global brand, loyal Italian fanbase, Champions League pedigree, youth development |
6 | Manchester City | 141.13 million | Arab money, world -class players, trophy haul, EPL dominance, social media growth |
7 | Chelsea | 170 million | Recent Champions League victories, Abramovich era impact, international player appeal, social media growth |
8 | Liverpool | 137.14 million | “You’ll Never Walk Alone” belief, Anfield’s atmosphere, Premier League and Champions League successes, historical legacy |
9 | Bayern Munich | 27.52 million | Bundesliga dominance, consistent success, financial strength, youth development, iconic fanbase |
10 | Arsenal | 100 million | Underdog spirit, global brand, loyal fanbase, English League pedigree, youth development |
1. Real Madrid – 363.27 million
Popularly known as “Los Blancos” Real Madrid tops the list with a social Media Dominance of 363.27 million followers, the highest among all clubs globally.
They have a global reach with fan clubs in over 200 countries and an estimated reach of 450 million fans worldwide.
These numbers are linked to their marketing muscles, having the highest club brand valuation (€766 million, reflecting their massive global appeal. Their social media strength include:
- Facebook: 119 million followers
- Instagram: 146 million followers
- Twitter: 48.9 million followers
- YouTube: 10.9 million followers
- TikTok: 35.3 M
- Others: 3.17 million followers
Total: 363.27 million followers.
Read Also; Why Real Madrid Never Won A Treble
2. Barcelona – 330.4 million
The Catalan giants have a social media following of 330.4 million followers online, showcasing their immense online presence.
The club has a fanbase of crazy La Liga loyalists, with an average attendance of 89,409 at Camp Nou, the highest in Spain, demonstrating consistent domestic support.
Their legendary youth academy produces global stars, fostering long-term fan loyalty and international admiration.
Their numbers are as follows:
- Facebook: 113 million followers
- Instagram: 123 million followers
- Twitter: 47.9 million followers
- YouTube: 15.7 million followers
- TikTok: 30.5 million followers
- Other: 308,000 followers
Total: 330.4 million followers
3. Manchester United – 213.78 million
The Red Devils of England are the English Premier League Powerhouse having the highest average attendance in the League (73,690), according to The Sun; speaking volumes about their dedicated home support.
Adding to their resume is their global market presence, giving them the title of the most premier League kits sold, the highest club website traffic, and an immense presence in Asia and North America.
They also have a fan following with 141 million Facebook followers, 80 million Instagram followers, and 26.6 million Twitter followers, highlighting their widespread digital fandom.
- Facebook: 82 million followers
- Instagram: 62.9 million followers
- Twitter: 36.8 million followers
- YouTube: 8.17 million followers
- TikTok: 23.6 million followers
- Other: 313,600
Total: 213.78 million followers.
Read Also: How Many Premier League Games Per Season?
4. Paris Saint Germain – 183.5 million followers
The Parisian giants have the financial muscle, a star-studded squad, and fashion collaborations that attract attention, They also deliver on the pitch, raking up trophies and appearances in France and around the world.
Domestically, they boast an impressive 11 titles in 14 years and their Qatari ownership. Spends the big bucks to acquire amazing world-class talents like Leo Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar Jnr and Kylian Mbappe, complimenting their fast, attacking style of play. Their fan base is broken down as follows:
- Facebook: 52,6 million followers
- Instagram: 66.1 million followers
- Twitter: 14.6 million followers
- YouTube: 7.41 million followers
- TikTok: 41 million followers
- Other: 1,78 million followers
Total: 183.5 million followers
5. Juventus
The Old Lady as they are popularly called has a legacy of 37 Serie A titles and 2 UEFA Champions League trophies, gaining them a loyal Italian fanbase and historical respect worldwide.
As a global brand, their iconic jersey and strong financial infrastructure continue to attract international sponsors and supporters; making up more than 100 million fans in Europe and more than 148.15 million followers worldwide, according to Footgoal.
They also have a fantastic youth development pipeline renowned for producing talents like Pogba and Chiellini, securing long-term fan loyalty and transfer market success.
Their social media numbers stand at:
- Facebook: 47.3 million followers
- Instagram: 59.2 million followers
- Twitter: 10.1 million followers
- YouTube: 4.22 million followers
- TikTok: 27.1 million followers
- Other: 253,200 followers
Total: 148.15 million followers
6. Manchester City – 141.13 million
The Sky Blues have had a very successful run since they were taken over by Arab businessmen about two decades ago. They have gotten better as the years go by, amassing the best players and raking up a lot of trophies including their most recent treble of the English Premier League, English FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
They also have a lineup of some of the best players in the world led by powerhouses like Eling Halaand and Kevin DeBruyne.
Their social media fanbase includes:
- Facebook: 48 million followers
- Instagram: 48.3 million followers
- Twitter: 16.7 million followers
- YouTube: 6.59 million followers
- TikTok: 21.4 million followers
- Other: 140,000
Total: 141.13 million followers
Read Also: How Many Champions League Games Per Season?
7. Chelsea FC – 139.65 million
The Blues (or Pride of London as fans call it) have got themselves an impressive fanbase ever since Russian business giant, Roman Abramovich took over the club in the early 2000s.
The team rose through the ranks, from underdogs to champions, securing five Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs under Abramovich. Chelsea may currently have poor form, but that hasn’t dampened their global fanbase and club valuation.
With official supporter clubs in over 160 countries in the world, Chelsea FC racks up a mean fanbase. Their social media status is also something to brag about with numbers including:
- Facebook: 54 million followers
- Instagram: 41 million followers
- Twitter: 25.2 million followers
- YouTube: 4.6 million followers
- TikTok: 14.7 million followers
- Other: 197.4 million followers
Total: 139.65 million followers
8. Liverpool FC – 137.14 million
Anfield’s Anthem: “You’ll Never Walk Alone” resonates globally, symbolising the unwavering support and resilience of the Liverpool faithful. The club anthem is also one of the most inspiring in the world.
With over 300 Official LFC Supporters Clubs (OLSCs) in 100 countries worldwide, making up more than 137.14 million fans, the club is one of the most respected English clubs in the world.
Premier League Contenders: Consistent title challenges and Champions League victories in 2019 and 2022 keep their international fanbase engaged and passionate.
With their historical glory of five UEFA Champions League titles and 19 English Premier League titles, Liverpool has solidified their legacy, attracting long-term supporters across generations.
- Facebook: 45.1 million followers
- Instagram: 43 million followers
- Twitter: 24 million followers
- YouTube: 8.79 million followers
- TikTok: 16 M million followers
- Other: 250,000 followers
Total: 137.14 million followers
9. Bayern Munich – 127.52 million
Bundesliga Behemoths, Bayern Munich have consistent domestic dominance with 10 consecutive Bundesliga titles, boasting an average attendance of 75,000 at the Allianz Arena.
Their youth development is exceptional, with their youth team, champions producing world-class talents like Müller and Kimmich, securing long-term fan engagement and transfer market success.
Their financial prowess has them raking in the 6th highest revenue among European clubs (€653 million [N650.8 billion]), according to Footballexpress indicating their economic strength and global appeal.
- Facebook: 59.3 million followers
- Instagram: 40.2 million followers
- Twitter: 6.9 million followers
- YouTube: 3.59 million followers
- TikTok: 17.4 million followers
- Other: 132,000 followers
Total: 127.52 million followers
10. Arsenal FC – 100 million
North London’s “Gunners”, Arsenal have recently shown high spirits and have since forever shown the resilience and advantage of self-development and motivation. The legacy of former manager, Arsene Wenger still lives on as the club continues to deliver fantastic talent through their youth development, hardly procuring players from other clubs.
They have also reignited their fever for silverware under their current manager, former club player, Mikel Arteta and the club is hungry for blood.
Their fan base is fueled by history, their youth development prowess, their global reach and diaspora, and their working-class, underdog legacy. Their fanbase includes:
- Facebook: 41.4 million followers
- Instagram: 27.4 million followers
- Twitter: 21.9 million followers
- YouTube: 3.52 million followers
- TikTok: 5.8 million followers
- Other: 181,000 followers
Total: 100 million followers.
National Teams With The Most Fans In The World
Here is a table showing the national football teams with the most fans in the world:
Rank | Team | Estimated Fanbase | Key Reasons for Fanbase (including social media presence) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Brazil | 36.37 million | World Cup dominance, iconic players, “jogo bonito” style, ingrained in national identity |
2 | France | 28.1 million | Recent World Cup champions, young stars, diverse squad, tactical innovation |
3 | Mexico | 25.4 million | El Tri phenomenon, vibrant fan culture, underdog spirit, regional influence |
4 | England | 24.36 million | Historical legacy, Premier League popularity, loyal fanbase, “home of football” reputation |
5 | Argentina | 24.22 million | Messi mania, Maradona legacy, fiery rivalry with Brazil, passionate fanbase |
6. | Portugal | 22.86 million | Football legends, Ronaldo, Figo, Fernandes; historical legacy, recent Euro Nations league, world cup form |
7 | Germany | 26.24 million | Consistent success, efficient playing style, world-renowned youth development, stoic support |
8 | Italy | 12.28 million | Azzurri legacy, club football powerhouses, defensive prowess, rich footballing history |
9 | Spain | 11.6 million | Tiki-Taka dominance, La Liga connection, recent victories, artistic playing style |
10 | Poland | 3.85 million | Lewandowski, Zielińsk morale boost, historical legacy, never-say-die attitude |
We shall be examining the above table in detail below:
1. Brazil – 36.37 million fans
The “Samba boys” are well known for their World Cup dominance amassing five titles that speaks volumes! The “Seleção” has captivated the world with iconic players like Pelé, Garrincha, and Ronaldo, weaving magic with their attacking flair and “jogo bonito” style explained intricately by Foottheball.com.
Also, their fan base is huge because football has become a culture in Brazil. The game is ingrained in Brazilian identity. Samba rhythms echo in the stadiums, pulsating with vibrant passion that transcends borders.
Apart from that, millions of Brazilians live and work around the world, carrying their love for the national team wherever they go; helping build up their base of more than 36.37 million fans.
Broken down, their social media numbers include:
- Facebook: 12 million followers
- Instagram: 17 million followers
- Twitter: 5,7 million followers
- YouTube: 1,67 million followers
Total: 36,37 million followers
2. France – 28.1 million fans
Former defending champions, France had their hands on the 2018 World Cup, propelling them back into the spotlight ever since the disappointment of the 2006 World Cup final with Italy in Germany in 2006.
New-age stars like Mbappe, Pogba, Benzema and Griezmann have also been instrumental in igniting global interest with their youthful exuberance and technical brilliance.
France’s diverse squad also comes to popularity worldwide by reflecting its multicultural society, resonating with a global audience that identifies with their shared passion for the game.
Their tactical Innovation also comes into play, making them innovators who embrace fluid formations and attacking strategies that enthral fans and inspire aspiring players; helping make up their 28.1 million fanbase.
Broken down, their numbers in social media include:
- Facebook: 7,1 million followers
- Instagram: 14.8 million followers
- Twitter: 6.2 million followers
- YouTube: not available
Total: 28.1 million followers
3. Mexico – 25.4 million fans
This North American giant has been in the football sphere for decades but hasn’t gotten the hype it deserves. El tri phenomenon, as Mexico’s national team is called, holds a special place in the hearts of North American football fans, especially Mexicans and Mexican Americans. “El Tri” embodies national pride and unites communities across borders.
Their vibrant fan culture infects the world of football with their colourful costumes, loud chants, and infectious enthusiasm, injecting their unique brand of passion into the global football landscape.
They have also got a potent blend of the underdog spirit often facing and bringing down stronger opponents, highlighting their fighting spirit and ability to pull off upsets resonate with fans who root for the underdog and admire their unwavering resilience. As of 2022, there were reports by Qatar Tribune that between 50 to 90,000 Mexican fans were geared up to travel to Qatar to support the team.
According to their numbers on social media, they have:
- Facebook: 11 million followers
- Instagram: 7.6 million followers
- Twitter: 6.7 million followers
- YouTube: 96,000 followers
Total: 25.4 million followers.
4. England – 24.36 million fans
England has been seen as the home of football -at least the modern game – carrying a historical weight that resonates with football purists worldwide.
Their Premier League is also one of the world’s most popular leagues and boasts English clubs consistently competing at the highest level, attracting international supporters.
The “Three Lions” benefit from a fiercely loyal fan base known for their vocal backing and unwavering belief, even in times of disappointment. This is why their 24.36 million strong fanbase is the toast at fourth place. From their social media numbers, we can see that the English national team has:
- Facebook: 9.6 million followers
- Instagram: 10.1 million followers
- Twitter: 2.2 million followers
- YouTube: 2.36 million followers
Total: 24.36 million followers.
5. Argentina – 24.22 million fans
South American football giants, Argentina cannot help but infect the world with their Messi Mania. Lionel Messi’s brilliance and quest for World Cup glory have drawn millions of fans worldwide, captivated by his artistry and unwavering commitment to the national team.
Along with that is their Maradona legacy which transcends generations, especially with his “Hand of God” and World Cup triumph solidifying Argentina’s mystique.
Coupled with these, is the team’s fiery rivalry with fellow South American and world football powerhouse, Brazil. This rivalry adds another layer of drama and passion, as fans across the globe take sides in this epic footballing battle, attracting more than 24.22 million fans behind them. Broken down via social media numbers, they include:
- Facebook: 5,5 million followers
- Instagram: 12,8 million followers
- Twitter: 5,7 million followers
- YouTube: 218,000 followers
Total: 24,22 million followers.
6. Portugal National Football Team
The Portuguese national football team has been a driving force in international football with old-school stars like Luis Figo and new-generation stars like 4-time Ballon D’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes helping shape the face of the team.
Their recent victories in the Euro Nations League in 2016 and 2019 and their recent World Cup runs have shown that they are one of the most formidable teams in the world.
Their attacking style of football and their colourful, boisterous fanbase also come in handy in helping set them on this list.
Their fan base on social media is determined as:
- Facebook: 5.4 million followers
- Instagram: 15.5 million followers
- Twitter: 1.7 million followers
- YouTube: 262,000 followers
Total: 22.86 million followers.
7. Germany – 26.24 million fans
Coming in fourth place is the ever-powerful “Die Mannschaft Machine”(the team machine). German football is synonymous with efficiency, discipline, and tactical prowess. Consistent success at major tournaments has earned them worldwide respect.
One thing that sets German football apart from the others is its youth development. Germany’s world-renowned youth development system consistently produces top talent, ensuring a pipeline of future stars and captivating fans with their attacking potential.
Their fanbase is also broad due to their stoic support which is passionate yet controlled, creating an electrifying atmosphere in home stadiums and adding to the team’s aura of invincibility. If that isn’t cool for a 26.24 million fan-strong team, what is? Here is their social media breakdown:
- Facebook: 6.4 million followers
- Instagram: 6 million followers
- Twitter: 3.2 million followers
- YouTube: 642,000 followers
Total: 26.24 million followers.
8. Italy – 12.28 million
Italy has got its Azzurri Legacy going for them, influencing their fanbase. Their four World Cup titles and a rich footballing history solidify Italy’s place among the greats. The iconic blue jersey and legends like Maldini and Baggio evoke nostalgia and respect.
Besides that, the country is a club football powerhouse with clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan capturing the imagination of fans worldwide, creating a natural connection to the national team.
Helping boost the nation’s resume is their defensive prowess. Italy’s historical reputation for defensive solidity and tactical ingenuity still inspires admiration and draws in fans who appreciate strategic nuance in the beautiful game. Their 12.28 million-strong fanbase is broken down on social media as follows:
- Facebook: 5.1 million followers
- Instagram: 5.8 million followers
- Twitter: 938,000 followers
- YouTube: 445 million followers
Total: 12.28 million followers
9. Spain 11.6 million
Spain is the titan of Tiki-Taka football in the world. Their dominance in the late 2000s and early 2010s with their possession-based “Tiki-Taka” style captivated fans with their intricate passing and mesmerising control.
The La Liga connection is also one of the successes of the Spanish national team’s worldwide fanbase. Spanish clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid attract global audiences, who then transfer their affection to the national team featuring many of their star players.
The Spanish national team’s recent victories in the Europa Cup and World Cup have rekindled the flame of Spanish football, reminding fans of their attacking prowess and strategic brilliance. Their social media presence is broken down as follows:
- Facebook: 4.1 million followers
- Instagram: 4.8 million followers
- Twitter: 2.7 million followers
- YouTube: not available
Total: 11.6 million followers
10. Poland – 3.85 million
Poland may not always be a contender for prestigious football titles, but that doesn’t mean that they do not love it to the point of sheer craze.
Recent stars like Ballon D’ Or winner Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński have shown what great talent Poland has, giving honour to the memory of the Polish greats Grzegorz Lato and Zbigniew Boniek, which held the country’s flag high in the 1970s and 1980s.
The iconic white and red jerseys become symbols of national pride and shared passion.
And their never-say-die attitude ends up wearing many a determined opponent down on the field of play.
According to their numbers on social media, the Polish national team has an online fanbase as follows:
- Facebook: 1.4 million followers
- Instagram: 1.1 million followers
- Twitter: 446,000 followers
- YouTube: 899,000 followers
Total: 3.85 million followers
Final words
Now that we have tried our best to answer the question: which football team has the most fans in the world? You can now attest to the influence these teams have worldwide and how they affect the world of football which is one of the most popular sports in the world.
When it comes to the beautiful game, passion knows no borders. While pinpointing the exact “most fans” remains a debate, the numbers paint a vibrant picture of which teams captivate hearts across the globe.
On the international stage, the “Samba Boys” of Brazil reign supreme, their 36.37 million dedicated followers pulsating with the rhythm of “jogo bonito” and fueled by five World Cup titles.
In club football Real Madrid, Donning the royal white, an estimated 363.27 million hearts beat for “Los Blancos,” their global reach and Champions League dominance proving irresistible.
It is worth remembering, that these are just snapshots in a dynamic landscape. Football’s magic lies in its ability to unite millions under shared colours, chants, and a love for the beautiful game. So, let the debate rage on, for in the end, it’s the passion, the dedication, and the unwavering support that truly define football’s most beloved teams.