Fans are an important part of the football community since the dawn of the game in the late 19th century. However, for the first time in the history of the game, fans will not be allowed to witness their favourite clubs in action due to the nature of the global pandemic and to protect them from a second wave of disease in the near future.
With the Bundesliga among the first of the top five leagues across Europe to restart operations post the pandemic, we look at the top five average attendances per game in the 2019/20 football season.
Real Madrid – 66,875
The Los Blancos are the most successful club not only in Spain but also in Europe, with 33 league and 13 UEFA Champions League titles. Hence, it is no wonder that the Santiago Bernabeu makes it to the top five of this list. The Madridistas always flock in herds to watch their favourite club play, be it a league game, a champions league game, a friendly, or even the unveiling of a signing. When the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo was brought in from Manchester United, almost 80,000 people were present.
As for their figure, Santiago Bernabeu averaged 66,875 attendance per game this season.
Manchester United – 72,676
Just like Madrid in Spain, Manchester United are considered among the most popular clubs not only in England but across the world. Old Trafford is one of the most iconic football stadiums ever, and the Red Devils have been using it as their home ground since 1910. Nicknamed the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ by Sir Bobby Charlton, the stadium has a capacity of 74,879 and has seen its team lift the Premier League trophy a record 13 times, a testament of the undying fandom of the club.
No wonder that they have recorded 72,676 average attendance per game.
Barcelona – 73,588
The second Spanish team on this list, Barcelona are also a club with a frenzy fan base. During their long tenure in the Spanish top-flight, Barcelona have managed to win the La Liga 26 times, 30 Copa del Rey triumphs and five UEFA Champions League victories. With a capacity of almost 99,354, the Camp Nou is the biggest stadiums in Europe and the third-largest in the world.
And thus, a figure of 73,588 comes as a no surprise.
Bayern Munich – 75,000
The top two spots in this listicle are occupied by two clubs with a rich footballing history from the same country. The second of these two is Germany’s record Bundesliga winners, Bayern Munich, and their home stadium Allianz Arena. Relatively new, the Allianz Arena has the second-lowest capacity among all the stadiums on this list at 75,024, but the second-highest average attendance at 75,000.
Borussia Dortmund – 81,171
Borussia Dortmund might not be able to match the level of their rivals Bayern Munich on the pitch, but off it, their fans are among the most vociferous of them all. The Signal Iduna Park has a capacity of 81,365, which is the largest in Germany. The side is famous for their Yellow Wall which makes a huge furore during every matchday, and the Dortmund side paid tribute to their missing fans when they celebrated their victory over Schalke 04 in the Revierderby when the Bundesliga resumed.
They averaged a whopping 81,171 attendance per game in the 2019/20 Bundesliga season.
Note: Stats taken from transfrmarkt.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / John Macdougall
