Who are the ten best supported clubs in the world of football…
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10) Celtic
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi once said of Celtic Park: “I’ve been fortunate to play in some great stadiums in Europe with Barcelona but none compare to Celtic. The atmosphere their fans create make it a very special European night of football.” Very little can top the big match atmosphere in Glasgow, it is just unfortunate that those big nights may be few and far between this coming season.
9) Galatasaray
Almost half of the Turkish football fans are believed to back the country’s most famous side, known for creating one of the most fierce and intimidating atmospheres for visiting sides. Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs once said of the club: “I’ve never experienced anything like Galatasaray. Two hours before kick-off, we went out to have a look at the pitch and the stadium was packed!”
8) Lech Poznan
The Polish club were of course the originators of Manchester City’s now famous crowd celebration – ‘the Poznan’ – done whenever the supported team scores a goal. Regarded as the most successful club in the country’s history, they regularly play in front of crowds in excess of 40,000.
7) Ajax
The Dutch giants are one of the most celebrated sides in world football, due to their habit of producing legendary players such as Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, Edwin van Der Sar and Patrick Kluivert. While they’ve struggled to progress in Europe in more recent years, they are still supported by an army of passionate fans.
6) Napoli
These loyal fans might still be waiting for their next iconic hero, having previously worshiped the Argentinian legend Diego Maradona, but the club is renowned for having one of the highest average attendances in Europe – regularly filling their 60,000 capacity stadium with passionate support.
5) Roma
Backed by the infamous CUCS (Commando Ultra Curva Sud), Roma’s fans are considered some of the most historic in European football. The clubs rivalry with Lazio prompts one of the most fierce derbies in the world, due in no small part to both sets of fans patriotism from the terraces.
4) River Plate & Boca Juniors
River Plate, are one of the most supported sides in Argentina, and between them, and their bitter rivals Boca Juniors, they hold more than half the countries football fans between them. The Superclasico, which is the game between the two, is considered one of the bitterest rivalries in football.
3) Manchester United
Old Trafford, described as the Theatre of Dreams, has seen many of the world’s best players, coaches and fans come and go, with the 75,000 capacity stadium regarded as one of the hardest places to visit as an opposition team. The ground became a fortress under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson, helped by the support of thousands of passionate fans.
2) Borussia Dortmund
The German giants boast a massive membership of over 100,000, and its stadium capacity of over 80,000 standing and seating place host to the clubs incredible supporters. In 1929, the club were bordering bankruptcy, but the clubs supporters ensured this would not happen, by dipping into their own pockets, and ensuring their club stayed afloat. The world famous South Bank stand, holds 24,454 supporters, and is named ‘The Yellow Wall’ and is the heart of Dortmund’s amazing atmosphere.
1) Liverpool
Little compares to the big-match atmosphere at Anfield, and it takes a hardy soul to remain unmoved by a spine-tingling rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. The Red’s supported have had to endure some difficult times in recent years, but are thoroughly enjoying the recent revival being led by Brendan Rodgers, and are now ready for more.
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