Arsenal - A Worldwide Phenomenon

Widely regarded as one of the biggest and best supported clubs in both England and further afield, Arsenal are a name and brand that are instantly recognized throughout the world. Competing consistently at the top end of the English Premiership, Arsenal are usually found in any top 10 list of Europe’s most supported football clubs. It can be said that success begins at home, and Arsenal certainly have that covered with most surveys and reports listing them as the most supported football club in their home city of London. This is despite fierce competition from their city counterparts Chelsea, West Ham, and hated rivals Tottenham. Their support doesn’t end there though, as they are among the more popular Premiership clubs in other areas of England, including the South East. Overall, Arsenal can lay claim to being the second most supported club in Britain, bested only by traditional footballing giants Liverpool. Where The Gunners really have made inroads is Europe. They are pretty much the undisputed English Premiership leaders when it comes to their fanbase throughout countries such as Poland and Germany, and top the table in France, which shouldn’t come as any real surprise considering the clubs rich heritage of French born players and their current manager of twenty years. They also hold the title of most supported club in both Canada and the United States, pipping Manchester United to the post on both occasions. The Gunners have no shortage of “famous” fans as well, counting the likes of Prince Harry, Colin Firth, Idris Elba, Roger Waters, Mick Jagger & labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn among those who have publicly declared their love for the club. A report conducted by the club itself has concluded that the worldwide support for Arsenal sits at over 100 million, making them the 3rd most supported club in the world. With a level of support that few clubs enjoy, it could be asked how Arsenal managed to grow their fanbase so effectively, and how they manage to maintain it. Top of the list for any football club that wishes to increase its worldwide appeal is pre-season activities and tours. This summer Arsenal enjoyed a pre-season tour to the United States, where they played  against an MLS All-Stars side featuring the very best that the MLS has to offer.   In previous years the club has taken part in tours of places like Scandinavia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong. Arsenal have also utilised social media and technology to further boost their fanbase, providing fans with mobile phone apps and an interactive website to allow them to feel part of the Arsenal family, even if they don’t live anywhere near the Gunners stadium.   It’s fair to say that Arsenal truly are a club with a worldwide fanbase, and that they’ll be adding to those numbers for years to come.