England’s 16 Most-Followed Football Clubs Revealed in New Digital Ranking

In today’s hyper-connected world, football’s influence stretches far beyond the pitch. A new report by the Football Observatory ranks England’s 16 most-followed clubs across social media platforms including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube—highlighting how digital presence now plays a major role in a club’s global stature.

Clubs have evolved into global media brands, with digital content strategies helping to build vast fanbases across continents. Even teams outside the traditional “Big Six” have amassed millions of followers through savvy marketing and strong performances.

At 16th is Leeds United with 6.4 million followers. Their recent return to the Premier League has reignited interest both on and offline. Just above them are Crystal Palace (7.6m) and Southampton (7.9m). Palace’s historic FA Cup win this year sparked a 15% spike in their social following.

Brighton & Hove Albion (9.7m), Wolves (12m), and Everton (14.5m) follow next. Brighton’s smart tactics and eye-catching football have grown their digital footprint, while Everton’s enduring global support has weathered their recent struggles on the pitch.

Breaking into the top 10, Newcastle United (17.2m) and Aston Villa (18.8m) reflect the impact of on-field success and ambitious projects, including Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory and Villa’s return to European contention. West Ham United (19.1m) edge ahead, driven by strong European campaigns.

Leicester City, with 24.5 million followers, come seventh. Despite being in the Championship, their unforgettable 2016 Premier League win still fuels their global appeal.

Tottenham Hotspur are sixth with 108.1 million, thanks to global stars and a futuristic stadium. Arsenal take fifth with 114.1 million, sustained by their exciting squad and strong finishes in recent seasons.

Chelsea secure fourth (152.9m), bolstered by recent Champions League wins and a rich domestic record. In third is Liverpool (166.7m), still riding the wave of their Klopp-era successes.

Second place goes to Manchester City (179.5m), whose dominance under Guardiola and slick football have drawn fans from across the globe.

Topping the list is Manchester United with a staggering 233.6 million followers. Even after a disappointing 15th-place league finish, their historical dominance, brand power, and massive international fanbase ensure their digital lead remains unchallenged. They trail only Real Madrid and Barcelona globally.

The study highlights that digital popularity doesn’t always align with recent success—clubs like Leicester and Everton still ride the momentum of past glories, while surging teams like Brighton and Newcastle are only starting to see digital growth match their on-pitch progress.

Football fandom is increasingly shaped online. As younger generations engage differently—with memes, behind-the-scenes clips, and livestreams—the race for digital dominance will only intensify. Clubs aren’t just competing for trophies anymore—they’re fighting for clicks, followers, and global engagement.

Full Ranking of England’s Most-Followed Clubs:

With football evolving rapidly in the digital age, expect these numbers—and the order—to keep shifting as clubs adapt, connect, and expand their global reach