The English Premier League is the most followed national football league in the world. EPL clubs have fans in all corners of the globe, which shouldn’t be a surprise, considering that they also gather players from all over the place. African countries are not an exception, especially with players like Salah, Essien, Iwobi, and Traore on the turf. So, let’s take a look at which English teams from the top-flight league have the largest following in Africa.
South Africans Love Manchester United
Manchester United suffers the worst trophy drought in its recent history – but this doesn’t make it any less popular among African fans. Its fan base is especially big in countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Not to mention its respectable place among the fans of sports betting and online casino in South Africa – whenever United plays, bookmakers are having a field day.
Arsenal is second in the South African fans’ preferences, followed by Chelsea. And recently, Manchester City has also gained a lot of followers. Surprisingly, though, Burnley is nowhere near the top, being the only EPL team with a South African player in its squad.
Nigerians love Arsenal
West African countries have different tastes than their Southern counterparts. The Ghanaian, Ivorian, and Senegalese fans of English football all follow Chelsea, no doubt because of the presence of players like Essien (Ghanaian) and Drogba (Ivorian).
Nigeria is different when it comes to football fandom. Nigerian fans are all out for Arsenal, with Chelsea coming close second. The fact that Kanu was the greatest African player to ever set foot on the turf in Highbury House probably has something to do with this.
East Africans love the Gunners
Arsenal has a truly big following in most East African countries, especially in Ethiopia. This may have something to do with the “Invincibles”, the legendary squad that went through the 2003-2004 EPL season unbeaten, with a record 26 wins and 12 draws, and continuing their unbeaten run well into the next season.
Manchester United comes second, but their following is far smaller than that of the Gunners.
North Africans are also Arsenal fans
North African countries also have a thing for Arsenal. With one notable exception: Egyptian fans are all in for Chelsea. Egypt is the region’s football powerhouse, with Al Ahly and Zamalek the most successful African football teams of them all. Mo Salah may be one of the reasons why the Blues are favoured by Egyptian fans.
Final words
English football has been a trendsetter for the King of Sports for ages. Every sports channel competes for the right to broadcast its matches. And the influx of foreign players has contributed to the increase of the Premier League’s popularity all over the world. Many EPL clubs have dedicated follower bases in some of the most remote places.
African fans have developed a real taste for English football – and different regions of the continent have different preferences for football teams. Often, their tastes are directly related to the players – but most of the time, it has to do with high-quality football.
