Key Findings:
- Manchester United dominates across the board with the most passionate fanbase, topping social media engagement, attendance, and followers.
- Smaller clubs like Brentford and Ipswich demonstrate incredible loyalty and passion, with fans punching above their weight in terms of support.
In a study conducted by BoyleSports, the passionate fanbases of last season’s Premier League teams have been analysed based on three major metrics: social media engagement, follower count, and average match attendance. The results provide unique insight into which clubs can boast the most dedicated and loyal supporters.
The study looked at hashtag usage, follower numbers on Instagram, and match attendance for each team during the 23/24 season. The findings reveal some surprises while reaffirming the powerful global pull of the league’s biggest clubs.
Premier League’s Top Fanbases
Manchester United reigns supreme in almost every category. The club’s fans are highly engaged on social media, with their hashtag #manchesterunited used 9.3 million times, a figure unmatched by any other club. Additionally, Manchester United’s followers on social media number an incredible 64.2 million, reflecting their worldwide fanbase. The club also showcases the highest average match attendance, filling 73,372 seats per game at Old Trafford.
A spokesperson from BoyleSports commented on the findings, saying:
“Manchester United’s dominance comes as no surprise given their long history of success and global appeal. However, what’s fascinating is the consistency across all metrics, whether online or in-stadium, their fans show up in numbers that are unparalleled.”
Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City follow closely behind in fan engagement. Liverpool’s hashtag #liverpoolfc is used 3.5 million times, while Chelsea touts 2.4 million hashtag mentions. Meanwhile, Manchester City draws 54.7 million social media followers, solidifying its position as a global fanbase powerhouse. The study also found high levels of in-person attendance for these clubs, with Liverpool averaging 55,170 fans per game, Chelsea 40,966, and Manchester City 54,019.
Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal: Solid London Support
Among the London-based teams, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal also rank highly for fan engagement. Tottenham’s #tottenhamhotspur hashtag has been used 856k times, and their average match attendance is an impressive 61,409 – one of the highest in the league. Arsenal, whose hashtag #arsenalfc has been used 1 million times, pull in 60,095 fans on average to their matches at the Emirates Stadium. Both clubs also enjoy substantial followings online, with Tottenham boasting 17 million followers and Arsenal 29.9 million.
According to BoyleSports, who offer the latest football betting odds, this is further proof of the deep-rooted passion in North London:
“Tottenham and Arsenal fans are incredibly vocal both on social media and in person. These clubs enjoy some of the highest attendances in the league, demonstrating a devoted local fanbase that is also engaged on a global level.”
Smaller Clubs, Big Passion
Interestingly, smaller clubs like Brentford, Ipswich, and AFC Bournemouth demonstrated remarkable levels of fan passion relative to their size. Brentford’s hashtag, #brentfordfc, has been used 106k times, with 752k followers supporting the club online. Ipswich Town manages an average attendance of 27,934 and 559k followers, with their hashtag #ipswichtown used 73.1k times.
“These smaller clubs may not have the same global reach as the big names, but their fans are incredibly loyal and engaged,” said a BoyleSports spokesperson. “When you consider the smaller size of their stadiums and fanbases, it’s clear these supporters are extremely passionate about their teams.”
Surprising Standouts
Other notable mentions from the study include West Ham United, whose hashtag #westhamunited saw 299k uses, supported by an impressive 4.5 million followers and an average attendance of 60,423. Leicester City also posted strong numbers with 31,120 average attendees and 8 million followers, reflecting the club’s relatively recent success and appeal.
The BoyleSports study confirms that while the bigger Premier League clubs, such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City, maintain their dominance in terms of fan passion both online and offline, smaller clubs continue to impress with local and highly dedicated followings. With football fan culture continuing to evolve, these findings give a unique insight into where passion lies in English football today.
