Nothing matches the experience of watching football from the stands. The atmosphere, the tension and the sheer scale of support remain unrivalled.
Across Europe, the biggest clubs continue to draw huge crowds every week, but one side sits comfortably above the rest for average attendance this season – and it may not be the name most people expect.
15) Eintracht Frankfurt – 59,167
Eintracht Frankfurt have had a middling start to the season, currently lingering down in seventh in the Bundesliga having finished third last season. This hasn’t stopped the fans packing into the Waldstadion (Deutsche Bank Park) in great numbers every week. The iconic stadium was first opened in 1925, and hosted games during both the 2006 World Cup and 2024 Euros.
14) Stuttgart – 59,583
Stuttgart are currently just outside the Bundesliga top four, but consistently draw in some of the biggest crowds across Europe. Nearly 60,000 fans attend the Neckarstadion (MHPArena) to watch Die Roten.
13) Benfica – 59,593
The Portuguese giants are the only team from outside the top five leagues to feature in this list. Having moved into the Estádio da Luz in 2003, Benfica have consistently drawn massive crowds. Along with the impressive capacity, the iconic stadium is one of the most visually stunning in the world.
12) Tottenham Hotspur – 60,984
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the largest club ground in London, and third largest football stadium in England in terms of capacity. The new stadium had big boots to fill in terms of the atmosphere of the old White Hart Lane, but by all accounts a matchday experience at the new ground is rather impressive.
11) Schalke 04 – 61,790
German teams continue to draw in the massive crowds, even for teams in 2. Bundesliga. Having been relegated from the top league in 2022/23, the crowds have remained loyal and continue to support their club in droves.
10) Atlético Madrid – 62,047
The Metropolitano Stadium (Riyadh Air Metropolitano) is home to one of the most feverish matchday atmospheres, with over 62,000 fans regularly in attendance. Atlético moved in in 2017 and have quickly made themselves at home.
9) West Ham United – 62,455
Since moving from the Boleyn Ground in 2016, West Ham’s loyal supporters have stuck with them through thick and thin. The average attendance isn’t far off the maximum regulated capacity of 62,500.
8) AS Roma – 63,023
They might share the Stadio Olimpico with Lazio, but it is Roma who regularly pull in the big crowds. Both teams moved in to the stadium in 1953, and it has been the scene of some of the most iconic derbies in world football since.
7) Marseille – 65,039
The largest attendance in France, and certainly among the most iconic of atmospheres no matter the opposition. Every football fan should make the pilgrimage to the (Orange) Vélodrome at least once in their lives.
6) Inter Milan – 71,934
Inter trail AC in the league standings and in the average attendance rankings. The legendary San Siro is scheduled for demolition in the not-too-distant future as both Milan clubs seek to modernise their facilities.
5) AC Milan – 72,950
Currently leading the Serie A in both points and attendance. AC lead the way ahead of city rivals Inter, although neither side are close to filling up the 75,923 capacity of the San Siro.
4) Real Madrid – 73,886
Real’s form might be faltering, but the attendance continues to impress. The Bernabéu went through extensive renovations in recent years, modernising the stadium into an impressive cultural and economic hub. The capacity stayed the same, but the matchday experience was elevated significantly.
3) Manchester United – 73,992
It has been over a decade since the recent heyday of Manchester United, but the fans remain faithful. Plans have been unveiled for the so-called “New Trafford”, an ambitious 100,000 seater stadium planned for the 2030s.
2) Bayern Munich – 75,000
With a capacity of 75,000, Bayern Munich have maintained maximum attendance every week at the Allianz Arena. As well as the incredible capacity, the stadium is world-renowned for the remarkable exterior that changes colour. The address of the stadium has recently been changed to Franz Beckenbauer Platz 5, in memory of der Kaiser.
1) Borussia Dortmund – 81,365
With the Nou Camp out of action, it is the Westfalenstadion (Signal Iduna Park) that pulls in the most fans every week. Over 80,000 fans cram into the historic stadium, built in the 1970s. The famous Yellow Wall is situated on the southern terrace, contributing towards the most legendary European matchday atmosphere.
