Down is Top 7 Football Clubs with Largest Fanbase Worldwide Today; Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rivalry had a massive impact on both of their respective clubs following around the world.

Competing for the titles in Spain and Europe, signing high-profile players, biggest sport sponsorship deals or the social media presence; Barcelona and Real Madrid are always leading. But did both clubs overtake Manchester United?

7. Liverpool -85 Million Worldwide Fans
Social Media Presence: Twitter (7 million followers), Instagram (3.9 M) and Facebook (29M) make a total of 39.9M. Kit Sales: 805,000 shirts in 2016.

The Anfield side is known to have some of the oldest and most loyal fans all over the world. They are still in a celebratory mood after the dramatic Istanbul Champions League comeback against Ac Milan in 2005.

When visiting Australia on the pre-season tour of 2014 more than 200,000 people turned up for the friendly games; we can also recall Manchester United vs Liverpool in a pre-season match in the USA; it also had one of the biggest crowds.
The Reds are known to be one of the loudest in the World. They lie 7th globally.

6. FC Bayern Munich -87 Million Worldwide Fans
Social Media Presence: Twitter (3.4 M), Instagram (9.4M) and Facebook (41.4M) make a total of 54.2M. Kit Sales: 1,500,000 shirts in 2016.

Founded in 1900 by 11 football players led by Franz John, Bayern is the biggest club in Germany and 6th biggest worldwide in terms of supporters; we cannot forget it is multiple Bundesliga Champions and Champions League winners in 2013..

The last decade with social media and enhanced tv rights across the world for Bundesliga has pushed Bayern right up there as one of the most followed club worldwide; plus the famous recent 10-2 win over Arsenal in the Champions League.

5. Arsenal -142 Million Worldwide Fans
Social Media Presence: Twitter (9.5M), Instagram (9.1M) and Facebook (37.8M) make a total of 56.4M. TV Viewership: around 38 million a season (only in the UK) Kit sales: 1,125,000 shirts in 2016.

These Fans are known all over the World for their never ending noise about their great club. From Africa to Asia and America hey stand and shout they will win Champions League this season, but this has not worked for the gunners in Europe so far.

Their numbers continue to swell year in year out especially in Asia and Africa. Arsenal stands at 5th Worldwide. They come only second behind Manchester United in the EPL in terms of popularity.

4. Chelsea -200 Million Worldwide Fans
Social Media Presence: Twitter (8.2M), Instagram (8.8M) and Facebook (47.7M) make a total of 64.7M. Kit sales: 1,650,000 shirts in 2016.

The London side has grown into a massive club after the acquisition by Russian billionaire Roman Abromavich. Chelsea won 3 Premier League titles, Champions League, Europa League and a number of domestic cups since 2004 which has elevated them in popularity charts.

Their African fan base has also seen a lot of growth in the last few years. They are 4th globally.

3. Real Madrid -310 Million Worldwide Fans
Social Media Presence: Twitter (22.7M), Instagram (46.8M) and Facebook (96.1M) make a total of 165.6M. Kit sales: 2,290,000 shirts in 2017
Real Madrid is a unique club with absolute rich history; they are the most successful football team in the world, having won 13 European titles and most La Liga titles in Spain.
Madrid has over 150 million social media followers and they are getting a lot more popular in different parts of the world with more extensive TV coverage in many countries.

2. FC Barcelona -500 Million Worldwide Fans
Social Media Presence: Twitter (20.5M), Instagram (48.1M) and Facebook (97.8M) make a total of 166.4M. Kit sales: 1,980,000 shirts in 2016
Barcelona is the most successful football club in the last 10 years. They completed their second treble in a decade in 2015 when they won Champions League, La Liga and Copa Del Rey title with Club world cup and UEFA Super cup.
They have the deadliest trio; Dembele, Luis Suarez and five-time world player of the year Lionel Messi. El-Classico is the most watched football match; and as far as shirt sales are concerned, Barcelona is third behind Madrid and Manchester United.

1. Manchester United -750 Million Worldwide Fans
Social Media Presence: Twitter (10M), Instagram (16.8M) and Facebook (72.9M) make a total of 99.7M. TV Viewership: around 2 billion a season (52% of EPL’s entire global audience). Kit sales: 2,850,000 shirts in 2016
There is this popular Joke that, whenever you are watching any game 1/3 of the audience will be Man United fans, no matter the bar, the season, or the country.

Despite being third in terms of social media popularity, Manchester United has overtime as the most popular team globally going by their fan base. From United States, Africa, Asia, South America and even Europe, the Red Devils remain the undisputed kings of the World.

They had not won a single trophy since the departure of long-serving manager Sir Alex Ferguson until Mourinho’s regime comes. This has not however affected their growth both financially and in terms of supporters. It remains the biggest club worldwide in terms of fan base.

United sell the most shirts not only in the premier league but in the world with average yearly sales of around 1.2-1.5 million (around 30% nearest rivals Madrid & Barcelona). They also dominate EPL TV viewership around the world; according to 2013-14 statistics, United represent 52% of EPL’s global TV audience.

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