There are certain places in the world where the love of football is taken to the next level. In Brazil, people live and breathe it. In Nigeria, people cherish their national team like no other. And in the UK, the football team you’re dedicated to is part of your identity.
With the rampant commercialisation of football, the more-than-a-century-old traditions and history, and match days dedicated to pre-match pints and celebrations—the UK is serious about the sport.
You could head to a Premier League game and feel the electricity even on a walk to the stadium or see a rivalry game in Wales and experience exactly what an ingrained football culture is. However, some of the UK’s football clubs shine even brighter than others, whether it’s because of their star players, involvement with the media, or the general fan experience. They typically continue to innovate and evolve, similar to what the top-rated UK casino websites in the country right now are doing. While certain fans might argue that their team belongs on this list, we’ve decided to rank the clubs based on Instagram popularity.
Manchester United (64.4 million followers)
The Red Devils have built an empire since their founding in 1878. The team’s status is undeniable in the footballing world, even outside the UK. Much of its popularity is due to its impressive record, with a lengthy and successful history that features 21 FA Charity/Community Shield wins, 20 Premier League titles, and 13 FA Cup wins. It is inarguably one of the most successful clubs on the entire continent, particularly during the notable Alex Ferguson era that led to the signing of several iconic players, including Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Naturally, football fans became drawn to the club, especially considering how well it has managed to overcome many economic and managerial challenges.
Manchester City (55 million followers)
Manchester City’s story isn’t very much like Manchester United’s. Its rise to popularity was a slow and steady burn, with a more modest history that had its golden years but also many declines. The club was constantly relegated and promoted between Division 1 and Division 2 of English football from 1892 to 1992. While it had its first golden era in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the trajectory of the club began to look up when Pep Guardiola became manager. After his second season with the team, City started breaking English league records and winning titles, which was a significant change from the past. Players like Sergio Aguero, Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva have made themselves known on the roster, solidifying its reputation as one of the top clubs in the UK.
Liverpool FC (46.3 million followers)
Whether you know Liverpool FC best for the Merseyside derby, its long-standing rivalry with Manchester United, its unfortunate tragedies, or its many competition titles, Liverpool FC is distinct and unforgettable. Seeing a game at Anfield means enjoying one of the most animated football atmospheres ever to exist, and being a Liverpool fan means signing up to become part of “The Liverpool Way”—a tenacious philosophy about resilience. While we could talk endlessly about the club’s successes, Liverpool’s emotional connection with fans is what draws people in. But, of course, we’re talking about the top flight of football in the UK, which means we can’t go without mentioning Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp and star players like Mohamed Salah and Steven Gerrard.
Related: Saka Suffers Injury Setback With Arsenal Star Set To Miss Eight More Weeks
Chelsea FC (42.6 million followers)
Chelsea has the instant appeal of being the London club based in the metropolitan city. With such a commercialised presence and global branding, its logo is instantly recognisable. It is the only English club to have won all three main European club competitions, called the European Treble (UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and UEFA Europa League) before 1999 and all three of them twice. Clearly, its accolades prove its status, but add in the fact that it is the ninth most valuable and highest-earning football club in the world, and it’s truly a no-brainer why Chelsea has such a large following. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s acquisition of the club definitely propelled it to greatness with his investments, but so did its famous players, such as Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.
Arsenal FC (30.1 million followers)
Arsenal is the only team to have gone unbeaten in Premier League history—and that’s saying something. The team, known as “The Invincibles,” managed to go the entire 2003–2004 season without a single loss, achieving 12 draws and 26 wins. Although Arsenal fans (and the broader footballing world) hold on to that incredible memory and fact, the club is also the third-most successful club in English football overall. Throughout its over 100-year history, it has won 13 English league titles and 14 FA Cups (the most of all clubs). It owes these wins to both legendary management, especially under Arsène Wenger, as well as world-class players like Thierry Henry. Over time, its legacy has become more and more pronounced, thanks to its attacking football style and distinct identity in the sport.
Tottenham Hotspur (17.2 million followers)
The Spurs, much like Manchester City, weren’t always at the top of the ranks, but over time, they became one of the most beloved and successful clubs in the UK and around the world. They have historically been overshadowed by neighbouring teams despite winning a fair number of trophies and awards, but in 2014, Mauricio Pochettino helped the team reach its full potential. The club consistently placed in the top four in the Premier League and finally reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2019. Meanwhile, the acquisition of international players like Son Heung-Min put Tottenham on the map.
