The Sporting Blog - Sports Interviews, Trivia, Stories, Reviews, Fitness & Training. Evergreen sports content, covering all sports. The best non-news sports website in the world. The best sports blog on the internet The World’s Most Popular Football Clubs: Rated by Social Media Followers & Fan Numbers — The Sporting Blog
The World’s Most Popular Football Clubs: Rated by Social Media Followers & Fan Numbers

The World’s Most Popular Football Clubs: Rated by Social Media Followers & Fan Numbers

The Sporting Blog
Opinion

The 10 Most Popular Football Clubs in the World by Fan Numbers and Followers

Chelsea fans celebrating with flags

Chelsea fans celebrating at a match, they are the 9th most popular club in the world.

For decades now, football has been the most followed sport in the world, with millions tuning in to watch the major leagues.

But what are the most popular football clubs in the world?

Which football club has the most fans?

We use the latest social media stats to break down the top 10!

Why is Football So Popular?

Many researchers have studied where our love for sports comes from - and why people get so devoted to their teams.

For some time now, psychologists have suggested that our love for football may have much to do with our need for social connection and tribalism - and it’s one of the most popular sports in the world.

Since people naturally enjoy being part of a group and love the feeling of cheering for their team with others, football teams provide this sense of belonging and community.

This is why sports and certain teams, especially football, mean so much to fans. In fact, chances are, at least a couple of your close friends or coworkers support a football team.

With fans switching between teams across leagues, it's quite a challenge to pinpoint the single most popular football club. However, that's exactly what we want to do!

The football craze has truly swept the globe, drawing in billions of fans who not only watch the games but also keep up with their clubs online.

To gauge the popularity of different football clubs, we've turned our attention to social media platforms – because, let's face it, the digital world is where everyone hangs out these days.

We’ve compiled all the latest social media figures as of August 2023.

Read on for a full breakdown of total club followers across social media - and how these follower numbers can help us decide on the top 10 most popular football clubs in the world!

1. Real Madrid: Total: 360.8 Million Fans

This Spanish professional association football club is over 120 years old, as it was formed back in 1902 as Madrid Football Club.

Throughout the years, the club has enjoyed great popularity, and it currently holds the record for the most European Cup / UEFA Champions League triumphs, with 14, and the most La Liga titles, with 35.

Real Madrid has also won many other titles, including:

  • European/UEFA Super Cup five times

  • Intercontinental Cup three times

  • FIFA Club World Cup five times

  • Copa del Rey 20 times

  • Supercopa de España 12 times

Their many championship wins explain why the team has been so popular among fans.

Some of the greatest Real Madrid players include:

2. FC Barcelona: Total: 328.4 Million Fans

FC Barcelona boasts a unique origin story. It was first brought to life by a diverse group of Swiss, German, English and Catalan football enthusiasts, led by Joan Gamper.

This blend of backgrounds led to the club's iconic motto, "Més que un club" – meaning "More than a club."

The club's story began with a friendly match on December 8th, 1899, at the Bonanova Velodrome. Since then, Barcelona has become a powerhouse in football.

FC Barcelona have 77 domestic titles under their belt, including:

  • 27 La Liga trophies

  • 31 Copa del Rey victories

  • 14 Supercopa de España titles

  • Three Copa Eva Duarte wins

  • Two Copa de la Liga triumphs

Barcelona's achievements include an extraordinary sextuple in a single calendar year, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

They also hold the distinction of being the first European club to clinch the continental treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League) twice – in 2009 and 2015.

FC Barcelona flags in the colours of Catalonia

FC Barca fans in full voice

Some of the greatest footballers to play for FC Barcelona include:

  • Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez - a deadly striker duo

  • Johan Cruyff

  • Xavi Hernandez

  • Andrés Iniesta

  • Ronaldinho

  • Carles Puyol

3. Manchester United: Total: 213 Million Fans

One of England’s most famous clubs, Manchester United Football Club was established back in 1878 as Newton Health LYR Football Club - and it was nicknamed the Red Devils.

In 1902, the club changed its name to Manchester United.

This club boasts 20 English Premier League titles, 12 FA Cup victories and five League Cup wins domestically.

Internationally, they've clinched the UEFA Champions League three times, claimed the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup once and secured the FIFA Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup once each.

With 21 FA Community Shield titles, this club has exhibited consistent domestic success.

These accomplishments underscore Manchester United's status as a football powerhouse both at home and on the global stage, which explains why it is one of the most popular football clubs in the world.

Great Manchester United players include:

  • Bobby Charlton

  • George Best

  • Eric Cantona

  • Ryan Giggs

  • Paul Scholes

  • Cristiano Ronaldo

  • Roy Keane

4. PSG: Total: 183.68 Million fans

PSG – which stands for Paris Saint-Germain Football Club - was founded in 1970 following the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain.

The club thrived in the 90s, claiming a second league title, three French Cups, two French League Cups, two French Super Cups and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1996.

Their trophy cabinet also boasts Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue triumphs.

On the international stage, PSG's achievements include notable wins like the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

Many football legends have become synonymous with PSG’s success. Icons like Zlatan Ibrahimović, George Weah, Ronaldinho, Raí and Pauleta have added to the club's storied legacy, showcasing their incredible talents and creating unforgettable moments for football fans.

Some of the greatest PSG players include:

  • Thiago Silva

  • David Ginola

  • Safet Sušić

  • Dominique Rocheteau

  • Ángel Di María

  • Gianluigi Buffon

  • Ezequiel Lavezzi 

5. Juventus: Total: 146.65 Million

Juventus, one of Italy's most iconic football clubs, was founded in 1897 by a group of Torinese students.

Over the years, they've clinched an impressive haul of domestic and international titles, securing 36 Serie A championships, 14 Coppa Italia trophies and nine Supercoppa Italiana titles. In fact, they hold the record for all of these competitions!

On the global stage, Juventus boasts two Intercontinental Cups and two UEFA Champions League titles. 

There are some great players for Juventus, including icons like Alessandro Del Piero, who epitomised loyalty and skill, and Michel Platini, a masterful midfielder, who left an indelible mark.

Not to forget, the formidable goalie Dino Zoff and the prolific striker Roberto Baggio.

Additionally, Paolo Rossi, Pavel Nedvěd and Andrea Pirlo have all donned the famous black and white stripes.

Juventus' history is rich with talents like Giampiero Boniperti, Gaetano Scirea and Franco Baresi, who've left an enduring legacy on the club.

6. Manchester City: Total: 139.7 Million Fans

Manchester City, a prominent English football club, was founded in 1880 as St. Mark’s West Gorton Club.

In 1887, they became Ardwick Association Football Club and finally, in 1894, they got their current name, Manchester City.

Their journey has seen them secure an array of domestic and international titles, clinching six English top-flight championships and six FA Cup victories.

On the European stage, they most recently won the UEFA Champions League in 2023.

Manchester City has been home to some great players who've become household names. This includes legends like Colin Bell, the "King of the Kippax," and prolific striker Sergio Agüero, renowned for his incredible goal-scoring talent.

Additionally, Joe Mercer, who captained City to their 1968 league title, and Yaya Touré, a dynamic midfielder, have left an enduring impact.

The agile goalkeeper Bert Trautmann, midfielder Paul Lake and centre-forward Shaun Goater are also cherished figures at Man City.

These players, alongside Mike Summerbee, Francis Lee, David Silva and more, have all contributed to Manchester City's legacy in the world of football.

7. Liverpool FC: Total: 136.1 Million Fans

Liverpool Football Club, a popular English team, is another club that was founded in the 19th century, specifically in 1892.

Liverpool has achieved a remarkable record of domestic and international victories, securing 19 English top-flight titles and six FA Cup triumphs.

On the European stage, their talent shines through with six UEFA Champions League trophies.

Many legendary players have become synonymous with this club’s storied history.

This includes icons like Kenny Dalglish, a true football legend known for his skill and leadership, and Steven Gerrard, the passionate midfielder who captained the club.

Additionally, Ian Rush's goal-scoring prowess, Graeme Souness' midfield presence and Robbie Fowler's clinical finishing have left a lasting impact on the team’s history and contributed to its success.

Other great players for Liverpool include:

  • Jamie Carragher

  • John Barnes

  • Bruce Grobbelaar

  • Alan Hansen

  • Kevin Keegan

  • Luis Suarez

8. Chelsea FC: Total: 135 Million

England truly dominates the world of football. Chelsea is another well-known and beloved English team, established in 1905.

The club’s exceptional record spans a multitude of domestic and international successes, including:

  • Six English top-flight championships

  • Eight FA Cup victories

  • Five League Cup triumphs

Notably, Chelsea has triumphed in both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, solidifying their European legacy.

Their achievements extend to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, each secured twice, highlighting their dominance on the global stage.

Interestingly enough, Chelsea is one of just five clubs to have clinched all three major European competitions prior to 1999 - and the sole club to achieve this feat twice.

On a regional level, they remain the sole London club to have seized both the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

With a rich trophy cabinet, Chelsea ranks as the fourth-most successful club in English football history.

Many great footballers have played for Chelsea, including:

  • Frank Lampard

  • Didier Drogba

  • Peter Osgood

  • Ron Harris

  • Gianluca Vialli

  • Michael Essien

  • Claude Makélélé

  • Eidur Gudjohnsen

  • John Terry

9. FC Bayern Munich: Total: 126.3 Million

Bayern Munich is a German football powerhouse! The club was founded in 1900 by 11 football enthusiasts led by Franz John. It’s renowned for its professional men's football team that competes in the Bundesliga.

The club's legacy is monumental, boasting a staggering record of 33 German national titles, including an unprecedented streak of 11 consecutive titles since 2013, and 20 national cups.

Notably, under the helm of head coach Hans-Dieter Flick in 2020, Bayern achieved a historic sextuple by winning all major competitions, including the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The mid-1970s marked Bayern's pinnacle as they clinched three consecutive European Cup victories (1974-1976), captained by the legendary Franz Beckenbauer.

With six UEFA Champions League titles in total, including the 2020 triumph, Bayern stands as a German record holder in this category.

The club's European dominance extends to a UEFA Cup, a European Cup Winners' Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups and two Intercontinental Cups, cementing its status as a global football juggernaut.

Remarkably, Bayern Munich is one of the only elite clubs to have conquered all three of UEFA's main club competitions.

Among the club's storied history, players like Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge have left an indelible mark, amassing accolades like Ballon d'Or awards and UEFA Men's Player of the Year titles.

Traditional rivalries with 1860 Munich and 1. FC Nürnberg add to Bayern's vibrant football narrative. As of May 2023, the club proudly ranks second in UEFA's club rankings.

Some of the most famous football players for Bayern Munich include:

  • Franz Beckenbauer

  • Gerd Müller

  • Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

  • Oliver Kahn

  • Bastian Schweinsteiger

  • Philipp Lahm

  • Arjen Robben

  • Franck Ribéry

  • Thomas Müller

10. Arsenal: Total: 98.95 Million

The final club on our list is Arsenal Football Club, a historic English team that was founded in 1886.

Arsenal Football Club, a pioneer as the first southern English club to join the Football League in 1893, achieved a significant milestone by entering the First Division in 1904.

They've managed to uphold an impressive record by experiencing relegation just once, in 1913, maintaining the longest streak in the top division.

Arsenal boasts an illustrious history with 13 top-flight titles and holds a remarkable record for the most FA Cup wins, securing 14.

Arsenal’s greatest players include:

What Are the Most Loved Football Clubs in the World?

These football clubs have garnered a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide due to their remarkable achievements, storied histories and unwavering passion.

The allure lies in their iconic moments and the ability to bring people together across borders and cultures.

These are some of the best football clubs in the world - but they serve as more than just teams for devoted fans; they symbolise dedication, camaraderie, belonging and the thrill of the beautiful game.

Is your team on this list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

image of a football pitch with the words "the football blog" and the sporting blog logo

Read more on our football blog

Domingos da Guia: A defender ahead of his time

Domingos da Guia: A defender ahead of his time
Breaking Barriers and Records: The 10 Greatest Female Golfers

Breaking Barriers and Records: The 10 Greatest Female Golfers

Related Posts