- The English Premier League has been labelled the biggest league in Africa and worldwide and is recognised as a master league to every other league
- most Africans support top European clubs instead of their local teams, which are poorly funded and thus lack sufficient equipment and infrastructure
- Chelsea is the most supported Premier League club in Africa and especially West Africa because the club always has a thing for African Players
The English Premier League, as it is widely known, has always been the most famous football league in the world.
The Premier League has been labelled the biggest league in the world and is widely recognised as a master league to every other league.
It is well known that Africans have a strong desire for football, which is worshipped all over the continent.
Some of the top European clubs have even more African fans than in their home countries.
This is because most Africans desire to support top European clubs instead of their local teams, which are poorly funded and thus lack sufficient equipment and infrastructure.
The availability of satellite television, the Internet, and social media has made it much easier for Africans to follow the significant European leagues and competitions, which provide more excitement, enthusiasm, interaction, and fun.
This article discusses Premier League teams that have massive support in Africa.
5. Liverpool
Liverpool one of the most supported Premier League in Africa. Photo: Eurosport
The Reds’ recent success may have led some to believe that their African fans began following them overnight, but this is not the case.
Liverpool is one of the clubs in Africa with the oldest fans. The Reds’ decrease and inability to achieve a decade ago caused their fans to become quieter and reserved. Their recent success has made their fans more outspoken and loud.
Liverpool’s fanbase in Africa has grown significantly due to the presence of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita.
4. Manchester City
City has gained international attention with its world-class players who have won various titles for the team and have managed to make their fans happy.
Still, there is a heated debate on social media about whether it is time for the club to compete for the champion league title once more.
Fans and supporters have pleaded with the club to win the Champions League again, which will bring in more fans from across the continent.
3. Arsenal
Aubameyang while at Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal .com
Arsenal is a highly speculative club with more fans in East Africa than in other parts of the continent.
In support of Arsenal, Much of the Gunners’ popularity in Africa can be attributed to the “Invincibles,” the record-breaking team of the 2003-04 season who still win cups such as the FA Cup and the Europa League.
Arsenal’s Invincibles team and their style of football won the club a lot of fans in Africa in the early 2000s.
Nwankwo Kanu, Alexander Song, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Aubameyang were also signed by the club, leading to more fans following the club.
2. Manchester United
Manchester United and Chelsea are Africa’s two most popular European football clubs.
The Red Devils have 20 league titles, three UEFA Champions Leagues, and numerous other trophies.
During Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure, they played ambitious and entertaining football and boasted global stars such as David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and others in their squads.
All of this has earned them millions of ardent fans across Africa.
1. Chelsea
Chelsea became a soccer force after being bought by Russian Roman Abramovich in 2004. Their rise paralleled the rise of satellite television in Africa.
The Blues also recruited Didier Drogba, John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien, and Solomon Kalou. These, combined with their on-field success, earned them millions of fans across Africa.
Since then, their fanbase has grown, with Chelsea and Manchester United having the most fans in Africa. According to a BBC report, most Chelsea football club fans are West Africans.
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