Research Shows Real Madrid is the Most Popular Foreign Soccer Club in the U.S.

10/09/2024; 10:50 AM By : Steven D. Thompson

According to research by Betpack.com, average monthly search volume data from SEMrush reveals the most popular foreign soccer clubs in the United States. In fact, there are some key highlights that stand out:

Real Madrid is the most searched foreign soccer club in the U.S., with 4.09 million average monthly searches.
Arsenal, Barcelona, and Manchester United each attract 1.83 million searches, showing strong U.S. fan interest.
Al Nassr's popularity is significantly boosted by Cristiano Ronaldo's influence, leading to 673,000 monthly searches.

The data shows that Real Madrid is far and away the most searched club, with an astonishing 4.09 million average monthly searches. This figure highlights the significant fanbase and interest in Real Madrid within the U.S., driven by the club’s historical success, star-studded lineup, and global brand.

Soccer Team	Average Monthly Search Volume
Real Madrid	4090000
Arsenal	1830000
Barcelona	1830000
Manchester United	1830000
Liverpool	1500000
Chelsea	1000000
Manchester City	823000
Al Nassr	673000
Bayern Munich	550000
AC Milan	450000
Bayer Leverkusen	246000
Girona FC	246000
Aston Villa	165000
Atletico Madrid	165000
Inter Milan	165000
Borussia Dortmund	135000
Juventus	135000
Celtic	110000
Galatasaray	110000
Leeds United	110000
Tottenham Hotspur	110000
AS Roma	90500
Al Hilal	90500
Crystal Palace	90500
Leicester City	74000
Newcastle United	74000
Nottingham Forest	74000
Real Sociedad	74000
Sevilla FC	74000
Fenerbahce	60500
Luton Town	49500
RB Leipzig	49500
FC Porto	40500
Ipswich Town	33100
SSC Napoli	33100
West Ham United	33100
Brentford	27100
Everton FC	27100
VfB Stuttgart	27100
Al Ittihad	22200
Atalanta BC	22200
Athletic Bilbao	22200
Eintracht Frankfurt	22200
Fulham FC	22200
PSV Eindhoven	22200
Paris Saint Germain	22200
Real Betis Balompié	22200
Southampton FC	22200
Sporting CP	22200
Union Berlin	22200
Villarreal CF	22200

Soccer Team	Average Monthly Search Volume
AS Monaco	18100
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras	18100
Torino FC	18100
Valencia CF	18100
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas	14800
Brighton and Hove Albion	14800
Burnley FC	14800
RC Lens	14800
UD Las Palmas	14800
ACF Fiorentina	12100
Bologna FC	12100
OGC Nice	12100
CA Osasuna	9900
Clube Atlético Mineiro	9900
SC Freiburg	9900
Shakhtar Donetsk	9900
Al Ahli	8100
Feyenoord Rotterdam	8100
LOSC Lille	8100
Olympique Lyon	8100
Wolverhampton Wanderers	8100
AFC Bournemouth	6600
Club Brugge	6600
FC Augsburg	6600
SL Benfica	6600
SV Werder Bremen	6600
Stade Brestois 29	5400
VfL Wolfsburg	5400
SS Lazio	4400
Udinese Calcio	4400
Como 1907	3600
Genoa CFC	3600
Red Bull Salzburg	3600
Ajax Amsterdam	2900
RC Strasbourg	2900
Besiktas JK	2400
Olympique Marseille	2400
SC Braga	2400
São Paulo Futebol Clube	2400
Parma Calcio 1913	1600
TSG Hoffenheim	1600
CR Flamengo	1000
RSC Anderlecht	1000
Stade Reims	1000
Borussia Monchengladbach	880
Stade Rennais FC	320
CA River Plate	260
Zenit St. Petersburg	10
CF América	0

Real Madrid Leading the Pack

Real Madrid commands an impressive 4,090,000 average monthly searches in the United States, solidifying its position as the most popular football club in the country. Their popularity in the U.S. can be attributed to a combination of factors. First, their storied history of success, including multiple Champions League victories, has earned them a large international fanbase. Additionally, the club has consistently attracted high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo and, more recently, Jude Bellingham, who appeal to U.S. audiences.

However, beyond their on-pitch success, another key reason for their U.S. popularity is the significant Spanish-speaking population in the country. With over 41 million Spanish speakers in the U.S., Real Madrid naturally resonates with many of these fans, given the club's deep roots in Spain and its Spanish-speaking players. The club’s connection to Spanish culture, along with its annual U.S. summer tours, has further cemented their appeal across a diverse audience.

Arsenal - A Strong Presence in the US

Arsenal, with an impressive 1,830,000 average monthly searches in the United States, continues to captivate American football fans. The club's strong presence in the U.S. can be traced back to the early days of Premier League broadcasts. As the league gained popularity, Arsenal quickly became a fan favourite, largely thanks to legendary players like Thierry Henry.

For many Americans in their 50s, Henry was their first real exposure to the "beautiful game."
Henry's brilliance and Arsenal’s exciting style of play drew in new fans who hadn't been exposed to football before. Over the years, the club has maintained a loyal following in America, boosted by high-profile signings and memorable performances.

Barcelona's Impact in the U.S.

Barcelona continues to attract 1,830,000 monthly searches in the United States, cementing its status as one of the most beloved football clubs in the world. A big part of this enduring popularity stems from the legacy of Lionel Messi, who spent nearly his entire career at Barcelona, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and a global football icon. Even after his move to Inter Miami in 2023, Messi’s connection to Barcelona remains strong, and his transition to Major League Soccer only amplified his bond with U.S. fans. Many Americans now associate Messi’s brilliance with both Barcelona and his new chapter in the U.S., helping the club maintain its strong fan base across the Atlantic.

However, despite their ongoing popularity, Barcelona has been facing some tough financial challenges. The club remains the third most valuable football brand, with a 12% increase in brand value to 1.5 billion euros, but they’ve been operating under a heavily restricted salary cap. At 204 million euros, their cap is significantly lower than Real Madrid’s, which stands at 727 million euros. This puts Barcelona at a disadvantage when it comes to signing and keeping top players for the 2024/25 season, which could impact their performance on the field, their competitiveness, and even their appeal to sponsors.

Despite these hurdles, Barcelona’s rich history and connection to global stars like Messi ensure they remain a powerhouse in world football. Their loyal fan base continues to support the club, and their influence in the soccer world shows no signs of slowing down.

Manchester United - Becks, Fergie, and More

Manchester United, drawing around 1,830,000 monthly searches in the U.S., has cultivated a passionate and loyal fanbase over the years. One of the major reasons for their popularity is the star power of players like David Beckham, who helped elevate the club’s global profile. Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer further strengthened the connection between U.S. fans and Manchester United, as his fame in America brought even more attention to the club.

Even though Manchester United remains one of the most recognisable Premier League teams, their popularity in the U.S. has dipped slightly since the Beckham era. With clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal gaining traction, United faces more competition for American fans. However, their legacy and storied history ensure they still have a strong and dedicated following in the States.

But, looking back, a turning point for United came under Sir Alex Ferguson, whose first title with the club arrived at the perfect time. The Premier League was just kicking off its inaugural season in 1992, and with it came a financial boom, as sponsors and broadcasters eagerly jumped in. United's success on the pitch aligned perfectly with the influx of money into English football, allowing the club to capitalise on new opportunities.

United didn’t just dominate on the field; they embraced the commercial side of football. They started organising global tours to places like Asia, Africa, and the United States, which helped them grow their international fanbase. Their Premier League success, combined with a savvy marketing strategy, positioned Manchester United as a truly global club. This worldwide appeal continues to be a major factor in their enduring popularity, even as other teams rise to challenge them.

Liverpool – The Underdog Story

With 1,500,000 average monthly searches in the United States, Liverpool continues to be a strong favourite among football fans. The explosion of Premier League accessibility in the U.S. coincided perfectly with Liverpool’s story. The first season NBC secured broadcast rights for the Premier League was the 2013/14 season, when Luis Suárez lit up the league with his breathtaking performances, making Liverpool an immensely exciting team for new fans to watch. Their fast, attacking play and entertaining games caught the attention of a growing U.S. audience.

Even during the years when Liverpool wasn’t at the top, the team maintained its appeal as a “likable underdog,” a narrative many American sports fans are drawn to when picking a team to support. That momentum only grew when Jürgen Klopp took charge. Klopp, known for his charisma and passion, became one of the most charming managers in world football, helping new fans connect with the club.

As Liverpool transitioned into a more successful era under Klopp, winning the Champions League and Premier League, they did so without controversy, further boosting their appeal as a “safe pick” for fans who wanted to support a successful, but sympathetic, team. Today, Liverpool's strong presence in the U.S. is a testament to their blend of history, exciting football, and charismatic leadership.

Chelsea: A Legacy from the Abramovich Era

Chelsea averages 1,000,000 monthly searches in the U.S., with its popularity dating back to Roman Abramovich’s 2003 takeover. Abramovich's heavy investment brought in stars like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and John Terry, transforming Chelsea into a dominant force with multiple league titles and Champions League triumphs.

Chelsea’s American connection is further strengthened by its current owner, Todd Boehly, who took over the club in 2022. As an American businessman, Boehly’s involvement has deepened the club’s ties with U.S. audiences. His presence has not only helped maintain the club’s success but also brought more attention from American fans, making Chelsea even more prominent in the U.S. football landscape. Boehly’s ownership continues to foster the club’s popularity across the Atlantic, aligning Chelsea with the growing interest in European football in the US.

Manchester City's Growing Popularity in the U.S.

With 823,000 monthly searches, Manchester City’s profile in the U.S. has been steadily rising, especially since 2020. Their success in the Premier League and Champions League, combined with major investments in star players like Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Jack Grealish, has drawn significant attention. Under the leadership of Pep Guardiola, widely regarded as one of the best managers in the world, City’s dynamic style and success on the pitch have made them increasingly popular among American football fans.

Al Nassr - The Cristiano Ronaldo Effect

Al Nassr is making big waves with 673,000 monthly searches, and while they’re splashing cash on football superstars, it's mostly the “Cristiano Ronaldo effect” driving their popularity. But it’s not just Ronaldo—they’ve also signed major talents like Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, and Alex Telles. These high-profile additions have certainly boosted their presence, but let’s be honest, Ronaldo’s move has truly put Al Nassr on the global football map. Fans everywhere are following his journey in Saudi Arabia!

Bayern Munich’s U.S. Popularity

Bayern Munich, with 550,000 monthly searches in the U.S., has built a strong following thanks to a few key factors. Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga and standout performances in the Champions League have earned them a reputation as a global football giant. But it’s not just their on-field success that’s winning over American fans—they’ve been actively connecting with U.S. supporters through summer tours and the FC Bayern Youth Cup, bringing a little bit of that European magic stateside. With stars like Robert Lewandowski (in the past) and Thomas Müller leading the charge, Bayern’s fanbase in the U.S. keeps growing, and they’re becoming a favourite for plenty of soccer enthusiasts across the country.

AC Milan - The Only Italian Club in the Top 10

AC Milan racks up 450,000 monthly searches in the U.S., making them the only Italian team in the top 10, surprisingly ahead of Juventus, which has just 135,000. Milan’s rich legacy, featuring Champions League titles and legendary players like Paolo Maldini and Zlatan Ibrahimović, continues to resonate with American fans. Their recent resurgence, including a Serie A title win in 2022, has rekindled interest in the club, proving that their appeal spans generations of football lovers.

This search data not only reflects the popularity of these clubs but also provides insights into the growing interest in global soccer among U.S. audiences. As soccer continues to expand its reach, these search volumes may continue to grow, further highlighting the sport's increasing influence in the U.S. sports landscape.