Real Madrid and Barcelona Lead Global Football Clubs on Social Media
The latest rankings reveal Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona as the frontrunners in social media influence among global football clubs, with Manchester United being the top English club.
Sam Morgan
- 2023-12-30
- Updated 06:25 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - Real Madrid has taken the top spot as the most influential football club on social media, according to new rankings. Overall, the club boasts over 415 million followers when combining their presence across major platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Barcelona, another heavyweight in the realm of football, closely trails with a strong following of 391.7 million, placing them in second position. Meanwhile, Manchester United leads the charge among English clubs with 224.5 million followers, securing the third place in the global rankings.
Manchester United's Digital Legacy
Manchester United's position as the premier English club on social media can be attributed to its extensive history and global fanbase. With Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm from 1986 to 2013, the club won a total of 13 Premier League titles and became known for being the most-watched team with highly-sold merchandise. Their success under Ferguson’s era contributed to their international appeal and robust social media following. Since his retirement, the club has seen a series of managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ralf Rangnick, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and currently Erik ten Hag. Each manager has contributed to the club's ongoing narrative and fan engagement.
The Popularity Measurement
The rankings were based on a comprehensive study that accounted for the number of followers a club has across various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Weibo. This expansive approach provides a more holistic understanding of a club’s influence in the digital sphere, reflecting its footprint in global football culture.
Real Madrid's position as the leader in social media influence signifies the blending of sporting success and digital engagement strategies. Barcelona's close reach suggests a strong competition outside the pitch in terms of fanbase and brand presence. Meanwhile, Manchester United's legacy and ongoing narrative have proved potent in securing its place as the foremost English club in social media rankings. The battle for influence continues as clubs adapt to the ever-evolving social media landscape, with their online presence becoming as crucial as their performances on the field.
