10 Soccer Clubs That Have The Best Fan Base

Yesterday, Chelsea FC suffered what could be a massive setback in their quest for Champions League football next season. They lost 2-0 to Newcastle United, leaving them hanging on to the last UCL places by their fingernails. Key to this loss was Chelsea striker Nicholas Jackson’s first-half dismissal for an elbow to Sven Botman’s face. 

During his post-game interview, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca blamed the St. James’ Park crowd for goading the referee into producing a red card. If there’s merit to the Blues boss’s sentiments, having a great fan base, or at least a vocal one, gives a competitive advantage. Away games at such stadiums are a nightmare for even the most accomplished visitors. Here are 10 soccer clubs that boast the best support.

Liverpool 

Even from the telly, hearing the heartfelt chanting of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the faithful at Anfield leaves you in a trance. I imagine the timeless anthem rising from thousands of passionate throats, leaving opponents spellbound as the kickoff whistle is blown. It was almost a spiritual moment two weeks ago when the Liverpool players and coaching staff stood arm-in-arm in front of the Kop, swaying to the YNWA melody.  

Manchester United

There were times in the recent past when Old Trafford was a red fortress few opponents looked forward to visiting. Just this weekend, a West Ham team that has struggled all season went there and left with all three points. But there were times the sight of floating red-and-white scarves and the sound of “Glory, glory Man United” made opposing players’ knees turn to jelly. Suffice it to say, the Theatre of Dreams has turned into a dungeon of nightmares of late.

Newcastle

If opposing managers freely admit that the St. James’ Park crowd can influence referee decisions, they must be the best fan base a club could wish for. They’re considered equally vocal and influential even when The Magpies play away from home. The might of the Toon Army could have inspired Eddie Howe’s boys to that Carabao Cup finals win over Arsenal. It has undoubtedly played a part in Newcastle United’s strong campaign in the soccer league, which will likely secure Champions League football. 

FC Porto

Until Porto’s recent fall from grace, one of the fixtures teams in the Champions League dreaded was an away game at the Estádio do Dragão. I believe Roy Keane or David Beckham let this truth slip in their autobiography. They spoke of stepping into a cauldron of noise so loud they could almost feel it on their skin. And the hostility never let up throughout the game till the final whistle. They were the 12th man who propelled José Mourinho to UCL glory in 2004, cementing Porto’s place among the 10 soccer clubs known for their supporters.

Borussia Dortmund

You’re not a true football fan if you’ve never heard of Dortmund’s Yellow Wall. It’s the Westphalian side’s equivalent of Liverpool’s Kop. The vocal, vibrant yellow wall of supporters at the Signal Induna Park must have cost a fair few Bundesliga strikers their concentration at the crucial moment. And with good reason; that stand is the largest of its kind across Europe. The Signal Induna stands are virtually always full on game day- Dortmund has one of the highest attendance figures in the world.

Napoli

Italian fans are not exactly known for filling up soccer stadiums. However, few come close when it comes to expressing their love for their club or their spite for their opponents. Napoli’s fans, especially the Ultras, are famous for lighting flares and filling the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with smoke and chants. The ferocious shouting match that Curva A and Curva B engage in has been known to leave opposing players paralyzed with fear.  

Galatasaray

Perhaps Victor Osimhen or Dries Mertens can tell us which stadium between the Maradona and Rams Park is the more raucous, having experienced both. The Turkish champions’ supporters are known for giving visitors a hellish reception, complete with blazing flares, swaying banners, and chill-inducing chants. Former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs described the staccato chanting by the fanatic Gala supporters as something he had never experienced before.

Club Atlético Boca Juniors

Well before the legendary Diego Maradona graced La Bombonera, Boca Juniors were already well acquainted with success. Its fan base had also established a reputation as one of the most vociferous, especially when cross-town rivals River Plate pay a visit. Boca fans are as numerous as they are passionate about their cherished club.  

Kaizer Chiefs

The freshly crowned Nedbank Cup champions are the most successful soccer club in South Africa. AmaKhosi are known as much for their on-field success as for their supporters, who sing traditional Zulu war songs and dance in the stands the entire 90 minutes. The Glamour Boys’ fans also stand out because of the cleverly modified safety helmets they complement their black and gold replica jerseys with. 

Al Ahly and Zamalek

If ever you need proof that Egyptians live and breathe soccer, make a point of watching an Al Ahly or Zamalek game at the Cairo International Stadium. There you will find more than 70,000 football-crazy men and women cheering the country’s top two teams. You’ll be lucky to come away with your eardrums intact if you attend an Al Ahly-Zamalek clash. The atmosphere can rival what you’ll find at any of the 10 soccer clubs known for vocal followers.