Global Reach of English Football: The 16 Most Followed English Clubs Ranked by New Study

In the ever-evolving world of football, clubs are no longer defined solely by their on-pitch performances. Global reach, fan engagement, and digital presence have become just as important in shaping a football club’s influence and financial power. A new study ranking the 19 most followed English clubs based on their total social media followings reveals some surprises and confirms others.

From TikTok to YouTube, Instagram to X (formerly Twitter), these rankings reflect the true scale of each club’s international appeal. count down from number 19 to the top spot.

19. Sheffield United  3.1M followers 

While their Premier League appearances have been sporadic, Sheffield United retains a strong regional identity. Their global following is modest but growing, especially following their recent top-flight return.

18. Burnley 3.4M followers

 

With their direct and rugged style historically defining their play, Burnley has recently embraced a more progressive footballing philosophy. Their social media numbers are on the rise but still place them toward the lower end of the global rankings.

17. Crystal Palace 5.9M followers

 

Crystal Palace enjoys a loyal fanbase in South London and has seen international growth through eye-catching players like Wilfried Zaha (formerly). Their community programs and consistent Premier League status help maintain their digital relevance.

16. Leeds United 6.4M followers

Back in the big leagues for a few seasons, Leeds United capitalized on nostalgia and international recognition, particularly in North America and Australia. With 6.4 million followers, they round out the bottom of this list but remain a sleeping giant in terms of global reach.

15. Brighton & Hove Albion 6.7M followers

 

Brighton has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting teams in recent years. Smart recruitment and progressive football have earned them fans well beyond the south coast.

14. Wolverhampton Wanderers 7.2M followers

A Premier League mainstay in recent years, Wolves have built a solid digital presence, especially in Portugal and Asia, thanks to player recruitment strategies that resonate beyond English borders.

13. Everton 7.4M followers

Despite on-field struggles, Everton continues to maintain one of the more passionate and historic fanbases in English football. Their global reach remains strong but stagnant compared to others.

12. Aston Villa 7.6M

Aston Villa’s return to European football and growing consistency have helped revive their global brand. With a storied history and an exciting current squad, they are reestablishing themselves among England’s elite.

11. Leicester City 8.1M

Their miraculous 2015–16 Premier League title win created a massive international boom. Leicester City remains widely respected and followed, though they’re now rebuilding both on the pitch and in the digital space.

10. Newcastle United 17.2M followers

With 17.2 million followers, Newcastle is entering a new era of global recognition thanks to new ownership, Champions League football, and a passionate fanbase. Their digital reach is expected to grow rapidly in coming years.

9. West Ham United 19.1M followers

West Ham United now enjoys 19.1 million followers globally. West ham recent engagement, along with a strong London identity, have elevated their international profile.

8. Fulham 20.1M

A steady and historic club, Fulham continues to win fans thanks to a charming riverside stadium, consistent Premier League appearances, and an attractive football style under Marco Silva.

7. Arsenal 45.6M followers

With one of the youngest and most dynamic squads in Europe, Arsenal is experiencing a resurgence both on and off the pitch. Their online following remains one of the most active, boosted by strong digital content and global branding.

6. Liverpool 166.7M followers

 

Liverpool’s rise under Jürgen Klopp has been a story of passion, power, and trophies. With 166.7 million followers, they are one of the most followed clubs in the world. Their historic legacy, combined with recent Champions League and Premier League glory, has reignited support from across the globe.

5. Chelsea 172M followers

Champions of Europe in 2021, Chelsea has established itself as one of the most marketable football brands. Their fanbase stretches across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Though in transition, their social numbers remain strong.

4. Arsenal 175M

As previously noted, Arsenal’s engagement numbers and youthful energy place them firmly in the top five clubs in the world in terms of online presence, if not higher depending on platform metrics.

3. Tottenham Hotspur 178.1M followers

 

A surprise to many, Tottenham Hotspur claims the third spot with 178.1 million followers worldwide. With 1 recent major trophies, Spurs’ growth in fanbase has largely come through smart branding, state-of-the-art facilities, and iconic players like Son Heung-min. Their market penetration particularly has given them an edge few anticipated. Their digital campaigns, slick content, and constant presence in European competitions have helped them vault above even more decorated rivals.

2. Manchester City 192M

The defending English champions have witnessed explosive growth over the last decade. Their treble win, along with high-quality football, has made Manchester City a global name. While newer than United in global branding terms, their rapid follower growth is among the fastest in the footballing world.

1. Manchester United Estimated over 200M followers

Unsurprisingly, Manchester United tops the list. With an estimated over 200 million followers across platforms, they remain the undisputed kings of English football when it comes to global reach. Their legacy, star power, and extensive global tours over decades have created a fanbase that stretches from Lagos to Los Angeles, Bangkok to Buenos Aires. Even during their less successful on-pitch periods, their digital dominance continues.

This ranking reveals the fascinating dynamics of football in the 21st century. While trophies still matter, a club’s digital strategy, stadium experience, global outreach, and superstar appeal now play equally critical roles in defining its place in the footballing universe.

As seen with Tottenham Hotspur climbing to number 3, and Liverpool boasting a mammoth 166.7M followers, it’s clear that fan engagement is no longer confined to matchday turnstiles it’s being built, clicked, and streamed across billions of screens around the globe.