European soccer clubs have a large following in the United States. Fans are looking to join a team they can identify with, without traditional regional barriers.
The explosion of popularity that the Premier League has seen in the last two decades has reached the American markets. Now, fans want to associate themselves with high-profile brands and players.
The United States has a multitude of cultures and national ties that blend with the fabric of the country. As such, there is a great deal of commercial success for certain European teams in the US.
The 5 most popular European clubs in the United States
In a recent survey by YouGov USA, which is designed to offer a broad and balanced view of the American population, the best supported clubs were revealed.
The USMNT and USWNT are the two most followed soccer teams in the United States, naturally. But, here are the best supported European clubs in the United States.
#1 – Manchester United (29% Popularity)
Manchester United capitalized on the rise of American soccer before anyone else. Since signing a unique merchandise partnership with the New York Yankees in the early 2000s, United has been perfectly marketed to an American audience.
Lucrative pre-season tours followed, as American fans clamored to catch a glimpse of legendary players like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes.
However, there is a degree of irony in this. Manchester United is extremely popular in the US, with a popular vote of 29% of citizens as requested by YouGov USA. However, Manchester United fans despise its American owners, the Glazer family, after they sought a leveraged buyout of the club without their own money.
#2 – Barcelona (27% popularity)
Barcelona has a large number of Latin American fans based in the United States.
Their success with Pep Guardiola propelled them into the stratosphere with regards to worldwide acclaim.
The emergence of Lionel Messi as arguably the greatest player to ever live has also greatly bolstered the Blaugrana’s marketability and support from the US.
A recent drop in results hampered them. Many predict that Barça’s Clasico rivals can overtake the Blaugrana.
#3 – Real Madrid (26% popularity)
Real Madrid is the most successful football team in European history. They have won 14 European Cup/Champions League titles and always have superstar players in their squad.
Florentino Pérez’s first galactic era gave Los Blancos’ American popularity a real boost. Having David Beckham and Ronaldo Nazario, two of the most recognizable players in history, was a huge selling point.
Real Madrid also benefits from the significant Latin American presence in the states, being the club of great importance in that region.
#4 – Chelsea (25% Popularity)
Chelsea’s popularity in the US is almost entirely down to timing. As the Premier League became a giant around the world, the Blues were the most successful team.
The acquisition of Roman Abramovich and the subsequent spending revolutionized Chelsea. The club acquired some of the best coaches and players in the world.
While not necessarily the best marketed club, US fans have come to love Chelsea due to their virtually unbroken run of trophies since the 2003 takeover.
Now, he helps the best American talent in Christian Pulisic, added to an American owner.
#5 – Liverpool (22% Popularity)
Both Liverpool and Manchester City have the same 22% popularity rating in the YouGov USA poll. However, the Reds have a longer history of American support.
Liverpool is one of the most successful clubs in English football. As more people immigrated to the United States, the wave of support for the Reds followed.
Once the sport grew in importance, Liverpool retained a strong fan base. The recent success of Jürgen Klopp reignited the flame in the United States.
Years of stagnation left LFC catching up in terms of marketing in the US However, the FSG ownership group and related investors like LeBron James gave US residents an easy favorite for the Premier League .
PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire
