By BBC Sport Editorial Team
In a groundbreaking new feature compiled by BBC Sport, we take a closer look at the top 20 clubs in England with the most passionate, loyal, and vocal fanbases a ranking shaped by atmosphere, away day followings, community engagement, and overall impact on the matchday experience.
And in a surprising twist that breaks traditional expectations, Aston Villa have taken the crown as the No. 1 club in terms of fan support, topping our list ahead of some of the Premier League’s biggest global brands.
The analysis, drawn from a blend of supporter surveys, matchday statistics, and club engagement metrics, paints a vivid picture of how vital fans continue to be to the English game especially in an era dominated by commercial revenues and broadcast power.
Let’s dive into the full top 20 rankings:
Top 20 Best Fans in England [Ranked by BBC]
1. Aston villa
2. Newcastle United
3. Manchester united
4. Liverpool
5. Tottenham Hotspur
6. Manchester City
7. Arsenal
8. Liverpool
9. 9. Sheffield United
10. Crystal palace
11.Wolverhampton Wanderers
12. West Ham United
13. Nottingham Forest
14. Burnley
15. Crystal Palace
16. Everton
17. Sunderland
18. Full ham
19. 19. Southampton
20. Bristol city
Tottenham Fans Climb to 5th – A New Era in North London
Tottenham Hotspur’s rise to 5th place is perhaps the standout shift in this year’s fan culture landscape. Long dubbed a “quiet stadium” in some circles, the transformation of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into a cauldron of support has been undeniable. From European nights to gritty league fixtures, Spurs fans have brought relentless energy.
One moment that captured this spirit came during the North London Derby earlier this season, when over 62,000 supporters unified in one of the loudest renditions of “When the Spurs Go Marching In” heard in recent years.
BBC Sport spoke to lifelong Spurs supporter Rachel Murphy, 43, from Enfield: “It’s not just the stadium it’s the bond. There’s something changing at this club, and the fans are at the heart of it. This generation is loud, proud, and fearless.”
Aston Villa’s Unbreakable Core
Few could argue against Villa fans being named No. 1. Home or away, their presence is ferocious. The Holte End remains one of the most iconic stands in English football, and the club’s European adventures this season only reignited that fire.
Villa captain John McGinn praised their support in a recent interview: “You feel ten feet taller with them behind you. It’s like having a twelfth man every single match.”
A Mixed Bag for Traditional Giants
The rankings offered a wake-up call for bristol city, who dropped to 20th a position shaped by fan discontent, stadium atmosphere issues, and fluctuating engagement. Meanwhile, Liverpool and Arsenal retained their strong positions thanks to iconic chants, massive away followings, and fierce local pride.
Beyond the Premier League Bubble
BBC’s study also looked outside the traditional Premier League scope, acknowledging clubs like Leeds United and Bristol City, whose lower-tier status hasn’t dulled the thunder of their home crowds.
Fan Power Matters More Than Ever
In a footballing world often dominated by money, the loyalty of fans remains the soul of the game. Whether it’s a sellout at St. James’ Park or a cold Tuesday night in Burnley, English football’s heartbeat lives in its stands.
