17 Nov 2015 11:46:07
Morning Eds, I wondered if either of you could explain where our main international fan base markets are, where do we do we compare well with Europe's top clubs, and which markets are we planning on focusing on in the coming years?

{Ed002's Note - For a while now the stats for fans are based, as you would expect, on the number of fans on social media and that helps provide the demographics for where those fans are based. Top 10 at the last time of asking found Liverpool at number 7 ahead of PSG, Manchester City and AC Milan. Liverpool were just behind Bayern Munich, with Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of them. There was then a significant leap to Manchester United, Real Madrid and, at number 1, Barcelona.

In terms of the demographics for the five Premier League clubs:

Manchester United has the most supporters in both India and China - and given the size of population in those countries it is not a surprise to see them so far ahead.

Chelsea are the club with the most supporters most in mainland Europe, Asia, Middle East, Central America and South America.

Arsenal are the most followed Premier League club in Canada and the USA and, very significantly, throughout Africa (except South Africa).

Liverpool has the highest number of supporters of any club in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and is doing well in some parts of Asia.

Manchester City are not leading the way in any one market but are picking up new supporters faster than any other side. This is a reflection of their success.

Liverpool have not, as far as I know, made any announcement for a post-season tour or pre-season tour for this coming Summer. With the Euros happening, anything post-season will possibly be limited to perhaps a high-earning match or two utilising only those players not involved in the Euros. Pre-season, all I can say is I know that enquiries were being made to see what could be done in the United States and perhaps Canada - but I am not aware of anything firm just yet.}


1.) 17 Nov 2015
17 Nov 2015 12:35:38
I recently lived in Singapore for a couple of years. In terms of replica kits, supporters watching in local bars and general conversations and anecdotes, two clubs stood out, both in terms of Singaporean supporters and supporters in the international expat community. No surprises, I guess, that it was Liverpool and Manchester Utd. You would also see a lot of Bayern shirts, although mainly worn by Westerners (primarily Germans I assume) rather than locals.

There was also a Newcastle supporters club based at one of the city centre bars. Always packed in there on match night.


2.) 17 Nov 2015
17 Nov 2015 13:26:42
Thanks Ed02 for that, really interesting.

I see your point that it is crucial that Arsenal have the best support in Africa. Whilst everyone seems to talk about the USA as a main market to grow the fan base, Africa has improved drastically from an economic perspective over the last 15 years, and this all leads to improvements in their ability to follow the premier league through TV and social media.

Whilst USA clearly already has all the necessary infrastructure for fans to be introduced, they have other very established national sports. Africa favors football.

Looking very long-term, Africa is the main area in the world that will actually grow in population during this century. It currently has 1 billion, but will grow to 2 billion by 2050, and 4 billion by 2100 (approximate numbers) . Asia in comparison has 4 billion currently and this will only increase to 5 billion by 2100.


3.) 17 Nov 2015
17 Nov 2015 14:50:36
Wirh regards to Manchester United I think they do a fantastic job in asian countries. Of Course their success in recent years has helped and they have capitalized on that. You can see a Manchester United club shop in the smallest of towns. Liverpool i believe lack in this area.