Soccer as a sport is growing significantly in America. Global stars like Gareth Bale, David Beckham, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic spent some time of their career playing soccer in the US. Foreign soccer clubs have now started penetrating the American market because of an increase in soccer viewership over the years.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fbref.com recently shared a soccer viewership chart of every state in America. However, the fans were surprised to see the chart. The level of presence and impact of English clubs in the US is surprising.
The EPL seems to have many American fans!
Recently, Fbref.com revealed that America is home to a significant English soccer club fanbase. The traditional ‘Big Six’ of the English Premier League dominate the soccer viewership in America. According to the chart, soccer clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea have massive fanbases in America.
There were a few shockers for the fans as well. Many fans couldn’t figure out why so many people in Alabama support Hull City. However, the La Liga giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid do not have enough presence in America as compared to the English clubs. Austin FC fans from Texas and North Dakota proudly showed their support for the MLS side.
Let’s have a look at how some of the fans reacted after viewing the map.
What the hell is going on in Alabama?
— Kawan Marcellus (@Kawan_Marcellus) January 9, 2023
I'm not having that Hull one at all.
— Lee d (@Leedoodles85) January 9, 2023
Hull looool https://t.co/V2pT3Lq4sK
— The Blue Minded One 🕶 (@BlueMindedOne) January 10, 2023
Wow! @FCDallas has its fans.
— Cyber PG (@cyber_pg) January 9, 2023
City is massive!
— Samantha (@shadesofkaylor) January 9, 2023
every other american is, unfortunately, a manchester united fan. having a hard time believing they are only number 1 in 2 states.
— never been wrong (@ikn0wbaII) January 9, 2023
Swear I’ve seen more Manchester City fans In NJ than Liverpool fans. https://t.co/QQjtdFddWM
— Don Tico Inter Lover 🇨🇷🇺🇸🇩🇪🐍 (@InterIsInMySoul) January 10, 2023
i’ve literally only ever met one city fan but i’ve met multiple united, arsenal, spurs, chelsea, madrid, barca fans https://t.co/CPLKJJn0Kv
— 🇪🇨🇺🇸 (@999mufc) January 10, 2023
how do they even know what hull is in alabama?😭 https://t.co/QfbaD2gDB1
— danny (@oiidanny_) January 10, 2023
The number of Manchester City fans in America astonished a few soccer fans. With the club rising into the limelight just over a decade ago, it’s fair to say that Manchester City has done a fantastic job in cultivating and nurturing a diversified fanbase in the US. Chelsea FC had a rich presence on the map of America as well. The Blues is currently home to USMNT star Christian Pulisic.
Famous Americans involved in growing soccer in the US
American actor, Matthew McConaughey is deeply rooted in soccer too. The Hollywood star is the co-owner of Austin FC. During the World Cup, McConaughey was invited to the ‘Men in Blazers’ YouTube channel for a ‘watch along’. The Hollywood star watched USMNT playing England live on their channel.
While the game ended in a 0-0 draw, McConaughey shared some of his thoughts and insights about the sport growing in America. He said, “It’s now the time, it’s the beginning of a chapter for soccer. And again, when this sport is chosen in the top 3, which it still hasn’t been in the history of America. It hasn’t been chosen first.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Another famous American involved in the sport is Ryan Reynolds. The Deadpool star and Rob McElhenney purchased a soccer club in Wales in 2020. The celebrity duo took over Wrexham AFC, the third-oldest professional soccer club in the world.
A recent report by Sportico.com revealed that soccer beat the NBA and MLB to the ‘Top 100 most viewed sports broadcasts’ in America, in 2022. Can it completely replace the NBA and MLB in the near future?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: Serena Williams and Natalie Portman’s Success With ACFC Inspires Another Female Led Group to Invest in Women’s Soccer
Do you think soccer will ever become a dominant and primarily watched sport in America? Let us know in the comments below.