Football special report: Europe’s 20 most popular clubs (Part 1)
With emergence of televised media and online streaming, football as a whole has registered a dramatic rise in following. South American countries and most of Europe are die hard followers of football. Where the South American leagues have been starved of
media attention, European Leagues have flourished in Media galore.
Europe is arguably the hub of football at this point in time with hundreds of millions following the beautiful sport. The culture of club football has grown in momentous proportions and its arguably one of the biggest entertainment industries. We present
to our readers the top 20 most popular clubs in Europe in terms of fan following.
1. FC Barcelona 57.8 million
The last few years have belonged to Lionel Messi’s FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants have seen a sharp rise in their European following as their mesmerising brand of tiki-taka football has been a joy to behold. Pep Guardiola’s men have left all the other
clubs in Catalan dust with 57.8 million European followers. With Los Cules still going strong, there is little chance of them relinquishing the number one spot.
2. Real Madrid CF 31.3 million
Barcelona’s fierce rivals and global super brand Real Madrid are placed a distant second in the charts with a still impressive 31.3 million followers. Los Galacticos have spent two barren years in absence of an esteemed coach and that has clearly taken its
toll. However, with the arrival of Jose Mourinho, trophies are expected to come in no time. Los Merengues will definitely improve on the millions next year.
3. Manchester United FC 30.6 million
The darling of Barclays Premier League and arguably the most followed club on the planet ranks third in Europe. The club’s failure to win a title last season has ensured that Red Devil’s in fact lost some followers. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side finish a close
third with 30.6 million European followers.
4. Chelsea FC 21.4 million
Funded by the oil millions of Roman Abramovic, Chelsea FC have grown from a mid-table English side to being a European giant. The arrivals of numerous super stars – and Jose Mourinho of course - over the years coupled with a League winning year sees Blues
maintain fourth spot in this chart. Chelsea FC have 21.4 million followers gunning for them across Europe.
5. FC Bayern Munchen 20.7 million
Bayern Munich are perennial European and Bundesliga contenders and seeing them fifth in the standings hardly comes as a surprise. The Bavarian giants might not be winning European competitions like they used to, but they are still a force to reckon with
as a Champions League final appearance last season being a testament to that. Louis van Gaal’s side ranks fifth in the charts with 20.7 million European followers.
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