The Most Fanatical Fan Bases in World Football

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Football's emotional power comes from its fans. Some fan bases are dedicated, some are loud, some are dangerous, some are organised, some are religious. Here are ten that define what fan culture looks like at its extreme.

1. La 12 (Boca Juniors, Buenos Aires)

• Why fanatical: described as "religion" by Argentine sociologists. Includes elements of both organised supporter culture and barra brava political activism
• Most famous moment: 2018 Copa Libertadores final atmospheric chaos that moved the match to Madrid

2. Curva Sud (Roma, Rome)

• Why fanatical: 30,000+ ultras section. Pyrotechnics, choreographed banners, sustained 90-minute singing
• Most famous moment: continuous derby battles with Lazio's Curva Nord

3. The Kop (Liverpool, Liverpool)

• Why fanatical: "You'll Never Walk Alone" before every home match. The most-shared football tradition globally
• Most famous moment: 2019 4-0 Barcelona comeback

4. Sudtirol / Yellow Wall (Borussia Dortmund, Dortmund)

• Why fanatical: 25,000 standing supporters in a single terrace. Loudest in Bundesliga
• Most famous moment: 2013 Champions League final run

5. Torcidas Organizadas (Brazilian clubs)

• Why fanatical: structured supporter networks across multiple Brazilian clubs. Carnaval-style atmosphere
• Most famous example: Gaviões da Fiel (Corinthians, São Paulo)

6. Galatasaray's Ultras Aslan (Istanbul)

• Why fanatical: produces "Hell" atmosphere at Türk Telekom Stadium. UEFA estimated 50,000+ decibels in CL games
• Most famous moment: 1993 Manchester United vs Galatasaray, "Welcome to Hell" banners

7. Celtic + Rangers (Glasgow Old Firm)

• Why fanatical: religious dimension (Catholic vs Protestant historically). Sustained 100+ years of intense rivalry
• Most famous moment: 2008 Cup final, 1980s violence eras

8. River Plate Borussia Monumental section

Already mentioned with La 12. Argentine football has the world's most concentrated fan tribalism.

9. Bilbao's San Mamés crowd (Athletic Club)

• Why fanatical: Basque-only player rule means every player is from the Basque region. The crowd's connection to the team is unique
• Most famous moment: every La Liga match feels like a national holiday

10. Polish football fans

• Why fanatical: most coordinated choreography. Tifo displays, organised support, low ticket prices keep stadiums packed
• Most famous example: Legia Warsaw's CL group stage matches

What these fan bases have in common

Three patterns:

1. Generational continuity: parents pass support to children. Often three generations attend matches
2. Geographic identity: the club represents a city, region, or community in a way the wealth-driven super clubs don't
3. Tactical knowledge: these fans know the game deeply. They cheer specific things (a great pass, a tackle) — not just goals

The opposite: stadium-tourist fans

Modern "stadium tourist" fans visit stadia to take selfies, not to support. They appear most in:

• Premier League home grounds (record season-ticket waiting lists)
• Real Madrid / Barcelona (40%+ tourist crowd in some matches)
• Bayern Munich (the cheapest standing tickets are the most fanatic; expensive seats are mostly tourists)

Read next

• Football Fan Culture Around the World
• The Greatest Football Derbies in the World
• Most Iconic Football Stadiums