Top 10 Most Loved Football Clubs by Fans Worldwide

Image

Fans – what is football without them? The acclaimed 12th player brings the game to life, making the blood rush through the veins; that is why football exists.

Fans can make the difference between success and failure in some football matches. Their unconditional support, vocal enthusiasm, and vibrant presence not only energize the players and intimidate opponents but also contribute to the overall atmosphere and excitement of the game, ultimately influencing the outcome on the field.

Fan groups play a crucial role in the success of football teams, actively participating in decision-making and ensuring the long-term viability of clubs. The passion and dedication of fans significantly impact the performance and success of teams both on and off the field.

The Best Fan Groups

Discover which teams have the best fan groups. In Europe, they are generally known as ultras, a word derived from Latin meaning "beyond" in Portuguese. In English-speaking countries, these groups are generally known as supporters’ groups, mainly in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Football fans are the heart of the clubs, as they contribute to an inclusive atmosphere through chants, songs, and choreographed displays. 

Beyond the field, fan groups play an important role in football culture, ensuring that it remains a unifying force that celebrates the passion of the game. Additionally, find out about the main ultras groups in Portugal, their teams, their history, and their founding year. You will hear about six inspiring fan groups from teams such as Benfica, Sporting, FC Porto, Vitória, Braga, and Torcatense.

Top 10 Most Loved Football Clubs by Fans Worldwide

10. Ultras Ahlawy (Al-Ahly, Egypt) 

Ultras Ahlawy belong to Africa’s most successful club, Al-Ahly, which has a huge and dedicated fan community both in Egypt and throughout the Arab world.

9. Torcida Urubuzada (Flamengo, Brazil)

Flamengo is one of the most popular clubs in Brazil, known for its fervent support, the Rubro-Negra Nation, and its success in the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship Série A. It has the dedicated fan group Torcida Urubuzada.

8. La Doce (Boca Juniors, Argentina)

Boca Juniors is Argentina’s most popular club, known for its passionate fans, La Doce, and its fierce rivalry with River Plate.

7. Collectif Ultras Paris (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

The recent acquisition of  PSG by Qatar has allowed them to attract superstars like Mbappé and Neymar, increasing their international fan group, called Collectif Ultras Paris.

6. Chelsea Shed (Chelsea, England)

A recent addition to the list due to its success during the Roman Abramovich era, Chelsea has a large and expressive fan community, the Chelsea Shed, particularly in England.

5. Die Roten (Bayern de Munique, Germany)

The most successful club in German football history is Bayern Munich, which has a strong and dedicated national fan group, Die Roten.

4. The Kop (Liverpool, England)

Recognized for the atmosphere at Anfield and its passionate supporters, Liverpool’s fan group is called the Kop and is known for its unwavering loyalty and unique chants like “You´ll Never Walk Alone”.

3. Red Army (Manchester United, England)

A historic club with a large and passionate worldwide fan base called Red Army, Manchester United’s legacy and success under Sir Alex Ferguson solidified its global support.

2. Boixos Nois (Barcelona, Spain)

Thanks to Barcelona’s tiki-taka playing style and legendary players like Johan Cruyff, Messi and Xav they have gained a large and dedicated international fan base, the Boixos Nois.

1. Ultra Sur (Real Madrid, Spain)

One of the most successful clubs globally is Real Madrid, which has an enormous worldwide fan group, Ultra Sur. Its Galáctico era, with football legends like Zidane, Ronaldo and Beckham, expanded its global appeal.

6 inspiring groups of Portuguese football fans

Portugal is a country with many football traditions, with a fan culture that sees fans as part of the club and considers it their family. From historic clubs and local teams to fan groups with limitless passion and unshakable enthusiasm.

Discover the 6 fan groups of Portuguese football, each with its own history, values, and impact on the clubs they support. From the Mancha Branca of GDU Torcatense to the iconic No Name Boys of Benfica, these groups are the fusion of the spirit and passion of Portuguese football, demonstrating the deep bond between fans and the teams they support.

6. Grupo Desportivo União Torcatense

The Mancha Branca is the name of the fan group of GDU Torcatense, a club representing the parish of São Torcato, in the municipality of Guimarães, founded on September 26, 1928, by a group of locals who were simultaneously directors and athletes of the club.

5. Sporting Clube de Braga

The Ultras Bracara Legion, was founded in 2003 following a conversation among friends and a strong desire to support the club. They are the fans of Sporting Clube de Braga, both in Portugal and worldwide.

The Red Boys are another fan group of the Braga team, formed in September 1992 by a group of friends who used to follow their magical S.C. Braga. Initially called Red Skins, they changed their name due to its political connotation.

4. Vitória Sport Club

The Insane Guys were created in 1994, standing out for their support of Vitória Sport Clube, demanding more effort from the team's players during training but also applauding them when their effort is visible.

The Ultras White Angels were founded in 1999 and are the largest fan group of Vitória Sport Clube consistently present at their team's games, both nationally and internationally. 

3. FC Porto

The Super Dragões are the main fan group of Futebol Clube do Porto. It was created in 1986, led by Fernando Madureira, known as Macaco. The group was formed by some members of the now-defunct Dragões Azuis, who disagreed with the group's politics.

The Coletivo Ultras 95 was created in 1995 by a group of friends who were members of FC Porto's largest fan group, Super Dragões.

2. Sporting Clube de Portugal

The Juventude Leonina, commonly known by its nickname Juve Leo, is a fan group of Sporting Clube de Portugal founded in 1976 by brothers João and Gonçalo Rocha. It is the oldest fan group in Portugal and probably the oldest in Europe.

The Diretivo Ultras XXI, or DUXXI, is an unofficial fan group of Sporting, founded in 2002 by Vítor Manuel Rodrigues dos Santos, after the club won the Portuguese Cup. DUXXI is the second-largest fan group of Sporting, with about 4,000 to 4,500 members.

The Torcida Verde fan group was founded in 1984 but only became officially recognized in 1988.

The Brigada Ultras Sporting, known as Brigada, is an official support group for Sporting founded on September 12, 2004, with the goal of increasing support for Sporting.

1. Sport Lisboa e Benfica

The No Name Boys fan group was formed on March 4, 1992, and supports the team Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

The Diabos Vermelhos were founded in November 1982 and are the oldest fans of the club, supporting the team in all national and international games.

In a beautiful tribute to the most dedicated fans of Grupo Desportivo União Torcatense, BYMS created a jersey that speaks volumes about the soul of football. With the iconic number 12 proudly displayed, this jersey is more than just a t-shirt; it is a symbol of unity, the connection between players, fans, and supporter groups. The number 12, revered worldwide, encapsulates the essence of every game, every shared moment in the stands, every collective victory and setback—it's about you, it's about the fans!

This jersey is for everyone who lives and breathes the passion of football, regardless of the size of the club. Whether you're cheering for Torcatense or any other team, this jersey is a testament that the journey is shared, with triumphs and hardships that all football enthusiasts know well.

The impact of fan groups on the beautiful game cannot be overstated. They are the heartbeat of a club, infusing stadiums with an electric energy that ignites passion in every corner. A presence that creates an unbreakable sense of belonging and inspires players. The influence of fans extends far beyond the field; they are the lifeblood of a club's financial sustainability, driving merchandise sales, filling seats, and shaping critical decisions that affect the club's future.

However, amidst the roar of the crowd, it is important to recognize the challenges in maintaining a positive fan culture. While the vast majority of fans embody the spirit of respect and camaraderie, there are occasional incidents of violence or vandalism, necessitating vigilance.

In the grand world of football, fan groups are more than just fans; they are the guardians of tradition, the stewards of passion, and the embodiment of unwavering dedication. They enrich the sport with their fervor, their commitment, and their unyielding support for the clubs they hold dear. So, as we don our jerseys and join in the stands, let us remember the power of the number 12 and the profound impact of those who wear it with pride.