Undoubtedly, football, or soccer, commands the highest popularity among all sports in the world, with an estimated 4 billion fans actively playing and watching the game across all ages, genders, and nationalities.
The game is widely followed in every nook and cranny of this planet. Its popularity is in no doubt with larger groups of people than ever before playing and following the beautiful game.
Fans are considered the life blood of this game called soccer with many supporters spread across the globe.
While every country has its distinct football culture, there are certain nations that exhibit a remarkable passion for the sport.
In this post, you will find out the countries harboring the most followers of this our dear game. Here are the countries with the most football fans.
1. China
This Asian economic powerhouse is the country with the largest population in the world. China is said to have over 1.4 billion inhabitants.
Out of this number, approximately 450 million people are avid football fans.
This is according to a study by Nielsen Sport, which found out that 32% of China’s population are football fans, making them the highest in the world.
Football’s origins can be traced 2000 years back to this great Asian country and today has continued to enjoy huge followership.
China has seen a significant rise in football popularity in recent years. The Chinese government has invested heavily in football infrastructure and youth development programs.
The Chinese domestic Super League is a huge money-spinner that attracts some of the best players globally to cater to their fans’ football needs. Football in China has rapidly grown in popularity and success.
2. India
This ancient land boasts the second-highest population in the world. Most of its over 1.4 billion people are crazy about cricket, but a good chunk of the populace are also soccer fans.
About 335 million fans are said to follow football in India. India also has a vibrant league called the Indian Super League.
Football has a massive following in India, especially in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa. The Indian Super League (ISL) has played a crucial role in popularizing the sport.
Many top foreign players have played in the Indian Super League, because of its fanbase.
3. Brazil
Football is considered more like a religion than a sport in this South American nation.
Brazil is synonymous with football. The sport is deeply embedded in the country’s culture, and Brazil has produced some of the greatest soccer players of all time, such as Pelé and Ronaldinho.
It has been reported that about 80% (171 million) of their over 214 million people follow the game, which is no surprise considering the plethora of fans that support the Brazilian national team and various club sides spread across the country.
Brazil also has about 2.1 million registered football players, making them one of the countries with the most football players and also 29,208 football clubs in the country.
The passion for football is evident in the massive turnout at matches and street football games. Brazil consistently ranks as having the most soccer fans in the world
4. Mexico
This Latin American country is home to some of the most passionate fans you can find in the world.
Football is a national sport, and is thought that about 91 million of its 126 million population are fans of the beautiful game.
Interestingly, Mexico are one of the countries with the most football trophies, with 13 total trophies.
The national team enjoys widespread support, and the country has a vibrant football culture. Mexico’s Liga MX is one of the most-watched leagues in the world.
5. Russia
This powerful federation has some of the most active football fans you can think of.
Football is highly popular in Russia, with a large fan base and strong league competitions.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Russia, further ignited the country’s passion for the sport.
About 50% (73 million) of its approximately 146 million people are said to follow the game in one way or the other.
5. Thailand
It’s a bit of a surprise,. but studies have reported that almost 80% (57 million) of the 71.7 million population are big soccer fans.
This might be because of the English Premier League is very popular in this ancient Southeast Asian nation.
Football has a growing fan base in Thailand, where the Thai League 1 has seen significant improvements in quality and organization.
The national team’s successes and participation in continental competitions have also contributed to the sport’s popularity.
According to Nielsen Sports research, football’s popularity is growing rapidly in Thailand.
7. Germany
This football powerhouse and 4-time World Cup is thought to have over 50 million soccer fans, which a significant percentage out of the over 83 million people in the country.
Germany is home to one of the strongest football cultures in the world. The Bundesliga is renowned for its competitive nature and passionate fan base.
The top football clubs in Germany like Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Dortmund have massive followings, both domestically and internationally.
The national team’s consistent success in international tournaments further boosts football’s popularity in the country
Germany are a strong footballing nation, and have won the World Cup, in fact, both men and women’s World Cup, I should add.
8. United Kingdom
Comprising fans from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the UK has both a large and passionate fan base.
There are over 41 million supporters in the land, roughly 62% of the whole country.
The UK, particularly England, is often considered the birthplace of modern football.
The English Premier League is one of the most-watched football leagues globally, attracting millions of viewers each week.
Clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea have enormous global fan bases.
The UK’s rich football history and culture make it a hub for football enthusiasts.
9. Nigeria
Nigeria is one of the best football countries in Africa. They have achieved and broken a lot of records in football too.
The most populated African country is a football-crazy nation, with over 40 million of the populace who are fans of football.
Nigeria’s success in international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, has further fueled the country’s love for the beautiful game.
10. South Africa
The former World Cup hosts have a very dominant and vibrant football culture despite the presence of other games like Cricket and Rugby.
It has been estimated that about 67% of their over 60 million people are huge fans of soccer.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is one of the most competitive football leagues in Africa.
The country’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup significantly boosted the sport’s popularity.
Honorable Mentions:
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- France
- United States of America
- South Korea
- Japan.
