Football is nothing without its fans. That was on full display during the Covid-19 pandemic when games were played in empty stadiums and the lack of atmosphere made a huge difference on proceedings. Supporters are the life force of any football club and there are some teams who are actually better because of the atmosphere that their faithful spectators create.
Some teams, such as Liverpool and Newcastle United, are famous for their incredible fans and their impact on their side’s performance on the pitch cannot be overstated. Having the best fanbases in football is something clubs and their supporters take pride in. Everyone wants to be a part of the best and most loyal fanbases.
ChatGPT has named the 20 best fanbases in the UK and it used a number of different criteria to come up with the definitive ranking. The criteria considered are as followed:
- Loyalty Through Hard Times
- Atmosphere & Matchday Experience
- Global Reach
- Connection to Local Community
20Wolverhampton Wanderers
England
What ChatGPT said: “Wolves fans are passionate and deeply connected to their Midlands community but may lack the global profile of other clubs.”
After a rough period, Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed a strong run in the Premier League over the several years and it’s only a fair reward for the level of support that they’ve received from their fanbase over time. You’d have to go all the way back to the 2000/01 campaign to see the last time the club didn’t average at least 20,000 supporters at every home game in the league. That’s fantastic support considering they dropped to League One during that time period.
19Derby County
England
What ChatGPT said: “Loyal and passionate, with a proud history of filling Pride Park despite struggles on the pitch.”
It’s not been a nice couple of decades for Derby County. In the last 23 years, the Rams have spent just one season in the Premier League and they broke the record for the lowest points tally in a campaign in the division’s history. They’re statistically the worst team in Premier League history and have even spent multiple seasons in League One recently. That has not stopped the Derby fans from showing up every single week and showing their support, though.
18Hibernian
Scotland
What ChatGPT said: “A proud Edinburgh club with dedicated fans, especially in key matches.”
While Celtic and Rangers have dominated Scottish football over the years, the country is still filled to the brim with passionate football fans and you don’t have to look further than Hibernian to see them in all their glory. The side are blessed with an incredible group of supporters who can regularly be heard in chorus during a Hibs’ match.
The hardcore supporters and their atmosphere have helped guide the club through multiple cup runs in recent years and while they’ve only managed to lift two major pieces of silverware in the 21st century, they’re always among the mix.
17Sheffield Wednesday
England
What ChatGPT said: “A club with deep roots and loyal fans, who show up in significant numbers despite their challenges.”
Like Derby, there’s not been much to celebrate at Sheffield Wednesday in recent history, but you wouldn’t know that from the way the club’s fans continue to show up at the famous Hillsborough. The Yorkshire-based supporters are as passionate as they get and they have proven time and time again just how loyal they can be as their city rivals have achieved much greater success over the last few decades. Few grounds provide an atmosphere quite like Hillsborough and that’s largely down to the Wednesday faithful.
16Leicester City
England
What ChatGPT said: “The Foxes’ fan base showed incredible unity and support during their Premier League-winning season and beyond.”
Few fans have been as rewarded for their undying support for their club quite like Leicester City supporters have recently. The Foxes fanbase stood by their team through some tough times, including a spell in League One, but it was all worth it as they did the unthinkable during the 2015/16 campaign and lifted the Premier League at 5000–1 odds. Through tragedy and glory, the Leicester fans remains some of the most passionate in football and few fanbases deserved the fairytale ride that they went on.
15Stoke City
England
What ChatGPT said: “The ‘cold, windy night in Stoke’ atmosphere highlights their fans’ passion, especially at home.”
A lot has been made about playing on a ‘cold, windy night in Stoke’ and it’s about far more than just the weather conditions at the bet365. The intimidating atmosphere created by the Potters’ supporters is enough to make even the most established footballers weary and while the last few years have seen the side struggle, the fans are just as fierce as ever. Hopefully, the product on the pitch will soon reward them for their undying passion and loyalty. They deserve it.
14Millwall
England
What ChatGPT said: “Fiercely loyal and known for their intimidating support, Millwall fans are unapologetically devoted.”
While movies such as Green Street enhanced their reputation as an incredible football fanbase, there’s no denying that Millwall was already one of the most feared groups of supporters in the sport and for good reason. They are a passionate bunch who aren’t afraid to make their presence known whenever the Lions take to the turf. They are loud and proud and you can guarantee they’ll rise to the occasion whenever Millwall play under the brightest lights and in the most intense of circumstances.
13Nottingham Forest
England
What ChatGPT said: “A historic club with a fan base that stayed loyal through decades outside the Premier League, now rejuvenated by their return.”
For the longest time, Nottingham Forest were considered a sleeping giant. That’s because no matter how much they struggled on the pitch, the club’s supporters remained loyal and loud and continued to represent their club incredibly despite how far they fell. Now, they’re back in the big time and the supporters are louder than ever. The club are closing in on a potential return to the Champions League and the supporters wouldn’t look out of place among the greatest club competition in all of football.
12Aston Villa
England
What ChatGPT said: “Villa Park is a historic ground with passionate fans who have remained loyal through challenging times.”
Aston Villa’s rise to the top end of the Premier League under Unai Emery has been magnificent and it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving fanbase. The 2010s were a miserable period for the Midlands-based club and things got pretty ugly, but that didn’t impact the incredible support that is shown at Villa Park each and every match day. The club have some of the most loyal supporters in England and they’ve been rewarded for their patience with the side’s recent success.
11Tottenham Hotspur
England
What ChatGPT said: “Spurs fans have a significant global presence and a proud history of vocal support at their modern stadium.”
With one of the best stadiums in all of football right now, Tottenham Hotspur have a fanbase worthy enough of calling it home. The north London club spent years struggling in the middle of the Premier League but worked their way into their spot now as one of the six biggest clubs in England. They haven’t had the silverware to reward their passionate fanbase just yet, and Ange Postecoglou is one of the favourite managers to get the boot in the Premier League next. One thing is sure, when they do finally get to lift a trophy again, their rabid fanbase will be there to bask in the glory.
10Sunderland
England
What ChatGPT said: “The passion of the Mackems is evident in their strong attendance at the Stadium of Light, even in lower divisions.”
Like Wolves, you only have to look at the impressive attendance figures that Sunderland have continued to pull in, even in the forays lower down the English football pyramid, to see how loyal and passionate their fanbase is. The Stadium of Light is regularly one of the most electric venues in all of England and it’s a testament to how great the fans are that the ground has become such a tough place for opposition teams to come and play.
9West Ham United
England
What ChatGPT said: “A working-class fan base with deep roots in East London, known for their anthem and fierce loyalty.”
While they’ve threatened to become one of the biggest teams in England on a number of occasions, something keeps holding West Ham United back and they’ve continued to fallen short of expectations in recent years. One thing is for sure, though, and that’s that the club’s superb fanbase isn’t to blame for their issues. In fact, without a group of supporters as electric and passionate as the diehards that show up week in and week out for the side, things could be even worse.
8Aberdeen
Scotland
What ChatGPT said: “Loyal fans who consistently show up, even in a league dominated by Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers.”
While their only real success in recent memory came during Sir Alex Ferguson’s spell in charge, Aberdeen continue to have one of the most passionate and loyal fanbases in all of Scotland and they regularly show up when their side needs them. It can’t be easy in a league that is dominated by Celtic and Rangers, but the supporters are always there and in full voice nonetheless. Fortunately, the side have had European football in 10 of the last 11 seasons to at least reward their supporters somewhat.
7Manchester United
England
What ChatGPT said: “One of the largest global fan bases in sports, their Old Trafford atmosphere is iconic, even if modern performances divide opinion.”
As one of the biggest football teams on the planet, it’s hard to deny that Manchester United have one of the strongest and most impressive fanbases in the sport. The Red Devils have been a shell of their former selves since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and it’s beginning to look like they’ll never reclaim their spot as the best team in England, but the fans have continued to show up week after week regardless of their issues.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: With an average attendance of 73,819 in the 2024/25 season, no English club is watched by more fans than Manchester United
6Portsmouth
England
What ChatGPT said: “Despite playing in lower leagues in recent years, Pompey fans remain among the loudest and most passionate in Britain.”
During their stint in the Premier League, Portsmouth were regularly recognised as one of the most passionate fanbases in the division and while there’s been plenty of change over the last 15 years, including three relegations as Pompey dropped all the way down to League Two, one constant has remained and that’s the loyal fans that fill out Fratton Park every game. Now, the club have climbed back up to the Championship and, while a return to the top flight feels quite some work away, if any fanbase can push their team over the edge, it’s this one.
5Leeds United
England
What ChatGPT said: “Loyal and vocal, especially their away support, Leeds fans stand out for their passion and resilience.”
No one will tell you how passionate Leeds United fans are than Leeds United fans themselves and for good reason. The Yorkshire club’s supporters take pride in being some of the most intense and vocal spectators in all of football. Elland Road is an intimidating ground to travel to, but it’s Leeds’ away support that really shines. They regularly arrive at other grounds and take over proceedings. Few fanbases compare to this one and they’ll make sure to let you know all about it.
4Rangers
Scotland
What ChatGPT said: “A massive and fervent following, both domestically and internationally, known for intense rivalry with Celtic.”
With one of the largest fanbases in the world, Rangers have an incredible support that stretches far beyond Scotland. Even during the 2010s, when they entered administration and were forced to start again in the fourth tier of Scottish football, their fans didn’t abandon them and instead played their own role in the side’s rise back to prominence. For their support, they’ve more than been rewarded over the years, with more Scottish Premiership titles than any other club in history. The Old Firm is one of the most intense rivalries in football and the electric atmosphere provided by Rangers’ fans plays a significant part in that.
3Newcastle United
England
What ChatGPT said: “The Geordies are legendary for their unshakable loyalty and devotion, filling St. James’ Park through highs and lows.”
If you asked the majority of football fans throughout the 21st century, they’d say that Newcastle United had a fanbase that deserved success. After a period near the top of English football in the 1990s, the Magpies struggled for the most part and while success was few and far between, their fans remained some of the best in the United Kingdom. A couple of relegations, and a torrid tenure under Mike Ashley, weren’t enough to drive them away and now they’ve been rewarded as their side is among the best in England once again.
2Liverpool
England
What ChatGPT said: “Famous for “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and The Kop, their fan base combines loyalty, global reach, and intense passion.”
There are few fanbases held in quite as high regard as Liverpool’s and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s an electric European night under the Anfield lights, or their dedicated away following taking over opposition grounds in the Premier League on a weekend, there are few who get behind their time and push them to the next level quite like the Reds’ supporters do. The impact that the fanbase has on the club’s performances is apparent for all to see.
1Celtic
Scotland
What ChatGPT said: “Renowned for their electric atmosphere, particularly on European nights, and their unwavering global support.”
Named the best fanbase in the United Kingdom by ChatGPT, the Celtic supporters have had some incredible success domestically, but have failed to really make much of a mark in Europe over recent years. That hasn’t prevented the club from bringing one of the most intimidating and electric atmospheres into Europe each and every time they compete. The Old Firm is one of the fiercest derbies around and the Celtic fans have played a crucial role in making it such an intense affair.
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and accurate as of 16/02/2025
