16 Most Followed Football Clubs in England Ranked in New Study

In today’s digital age, football is no longer just about what happens on the pitch. The game has expanded far beyond stadium walls, and clubs are now measured not just by trophies, but also by their global digital influence. A new study conducted by the Football Observatory has highlighted the 16 most-followed football clubs in England based on their combined follower counts across major social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

This surge in online popularity comes as no surprise. Football clubs have evolved into multimedia brands, engaging with fans in real-time, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and building communities that span continents. Even clubs outside the so-called “Big Six” are now enjoying millions of followers thanks to their digital strategies and on-pitch performances.

Starting off the list at 16th place is Leeds United, with a combined total of 6.4 million followers. Having secured promotion back to the Premier League, Leeds are expected to see further growth in their online following. Their history, coupled with a passionate fanbase, sets the stage for a digital revival in line with their return to top-flight football.

Just ahead of Leeds are Crystal Palace (7.6m) and Southampton (7.9m). Palace, in particular, have enjoyed an exceptional year, not only returning to Premier League stability but also clinching their first-ever major title—an FA Cup victory in May 2025. This historic achievement has helped the Eagles boost their social media following by a staggering 15% over the past year.

Brighton & Hove Albion come next with 9.7 million followers. Their smart recruitment and attractive playing style have earned them both admirers and a loyal digital following. Following closely are Wolverhampton Wanderers with 12 million and Everton with 14.5 million. While Everton have endured a turbulent season on the pitch, their global reach remains considerable, bolstered by a historic reputation and a wide diaspora of fans.

Breaking into the top 10, we find Newcastle United with 17.2 million followers. Their Carabao Cup triumph under Eddie Howe has brought a renewed sense of belief and excitement to the club, which has translated into their growing online presence. The Saudi-backed ownership has also brought international exposure, further increasing engagement across digital platforms.

Aston Villa follow with 18.8 million followers, marking a significant transformation under the guidance of Unai Emery. From mid-table obscurity to European contention, Villa’s resurgence is reflected not just in results but also in their booming online metrics. They narrowly trail behind West Ham United, who have amassed 19.1 million followers, driven by consistent European appearances and a devoted fanbase.

Leicester City come in at seventh with 24.5 million followers, despite currently being in the Championship. Their fairytale Premier League title win in 2016 and subsequent Champions League participation continue to attract fans globally, proving that silverware leaves a lasting digital imprint.

Tottenham Hotspur narrowly miss out on the top five, ranking sixth with a massive 108.1 million followers. Their state-of-the-art stadium, regular appearances in European competitions, and global stars like Heung-Min Son have helped grow a huge online audience, particularly in Asia.

Entering the top five is Arsenal with 114.1 million followers. The Gunners, despite not having lifted the Premier League trophy since 2004, remain one of the most iconic clubs in the world. Three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League have kept them in the spotlight, and their youthful, exciting squad has helped draw in the next generation of fans.

Chelsea claim the fourth spot with 152.9 million followers. Their recent Champions League success in 2021 and 2023, along with five Premier League titles in the past two decades, has solidified their status as a global footballing powerhouse. Even during times of managerial turbulence, the Blues have maintained a consistent digital footprint.

Taking third place are Liverpool with 166.7 million followers. The Jurgen Klopp era rekindled the club’s historical greatness, culminating in Premier League and Champions League glory. The arrival of Arne Slot has ushered in a new chapter, but the legacy of success and the passionate global fanbase remain strong.

Manchester City come in second with 179.5 million followers. Under Pep Guardiola, City have redefined consistency and dominance in English football. Their stylish brand of play, regular silverware, and aggressive international marketing have turned them into a modern football juggernaut online and offline.

At the very top of the list—and by some distance—is Manchester United with an astonishing 233.6 million followers across all platforms. Despite enduring a historically poor season, finishing 15th in the Premier League, the Red Devils remain the most-followed football club in England and third globally, behind only Real Madrid (473.7m) and Barcelona (427.4m).

What makes Manchester United’s digital strength particularly impressive is their ability to maintain relevance even in periods of decline. Their storied history, global fanbase, and deep-rooted cultural presence continue to resonate with millions worldwide. This digital dominance illustrates the long-lasting impact of decades of success under Sir Alex Ferguson and the global branding that followed.

This new study also shines a light on how digital engagement can often defy recent sporting achievements. While clubs like Leicester and Everton have faced on-field challenges, their historical prestige and global outreach keep their follower counts high. Conversely, newer success stories like Brighton and Newcastle are only now beginning to reap the digital rewards of their recent transformations.

It’s clear that social media plays an enormous role in shaping modern football fandom. Clubs are no longer limited by geography. A fan in Lagos, Jakarta, or São Paulo can engage with a club’s matchday content in real time, share memes, debate lineups, and be part of a global community.

With new platforms emerging and Gen Z and Gen Alpha reshaping how football is consumed, these rankings are likely to keep evolving. For clubs, the challenge isn’t just to win matches—it’s to win hearts, likes, shares, and subscriptions.

Below is the full ranking of the most-followed English clubs:

As we look to the future, expect these numbers to continue climbing—especially for clubs with young, dynamic teams, international strategies, and a finger firmly on the pulse of digital innovation.