Since the inception of the Premier League in 1992 English football has grown no ends and is, without doubt, the most popular division in world football, with an annual global audience of more than 1 billion.
Teams throughout the division and English football, in general, have fans from all over the world too, many flying into the country just to be able to watch them in person.
Here’s a look at the most popular football teams in the United Kingdom:
Manchester United
No team in the world has as many followers as the record champions of England. Manchester United’s fanbase grew as they dominated the 1990s under Sir Alex Ferguson. And despite going through a barren spell currently, without a league title in eight years, they continue to be the most popular team in the country.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, one of the heroes of the 1999 Champions League final, is looking to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford as manager. The Red Devils are currently second in the Premier League table and in the Europa League quarter-finals this season.
Facebook Likes: 73 million
Arsenal
Manchester United’s biggest rivals at the end of the 90s and the start of the new millennium saw their popularity grow exponentially. Arsene Wenger made Arsenal a very successful team domestically during that spell and entertaining to watch.
Despite being based in the capital nearby other popular teams such as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, the Gunners have a huge following in London, the United Kingdom and worldwide.
Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira are just some of the superstars that helped Arsenal win over many new fans. However, it’s been a while since they mounted a serious title challenge. This doesn’t stop their fans from continuing to support them through and perhaps it’s only a matter of time before they receive some positive Arsenal news by way of another major trophy.
Facebook Likes: 37 million
Liverpool
Despite only winning their first Premier League title last year, Liverpool still has a massive following in both the United Kingdom and all over the world. They are second only to Manchester United in terms of league titles and are the most successful British side in Europe. The Reds have won the Champions League on six occasions – twice as many as United and only Real Madrid and AC Milan have lifted the prestigious trophy on more occasions.
It’s been a largely disappointing campaign this term by their standards, currently outside of the top four but there’s every chance they could reach the Champions League final again this season. You can be sure fans will be checking out the latest Liverpool news ahead of their tie with Real Madrid in the hope they have a full squad available.
Two of those came this millennium – 2005 under Rafa Benitez and 2019 under Jurgen Klopp, which will have both played a positive role in growing their fanbase. Despite exchanging league titles in the 1980s with local neighbours Everton, Liverpool has always been the most popular of the two Merseyside clubs.
Facebook Likes: 37 million
Chelsea
Less than 30 years ago and Chelsea were struggling to get a significant fanbase at Stamford Bridge. The West London club only had one league title to their name and never put up a serious Premier League title challenge in the 90s.
Then in 2003 Roman Abramovich started investing his millions into the club. Star players quickly came along, and trophies followed. Five Premier League titles, five FA Cups and the 2012 Champions League later and Chelsea are now one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Facebook Likes: 48 million