A new study based on attendance data has revealed that FC Union Berlin boasts the highest average crowd among major European clubs. The German side topped the rankings with an impressive average of 73,403 fans per match, edging out global giants such as Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund, who occupied second and third place respectively.
Unsurprisingly, Champions League regulars and elite outfits from Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues dominate much of the list, but one Scottish club has made a notable impression despite limited participation at this level.
Rangers have carved out a respectable position, thanks in no small part to the unwavering loyalty of the Ibrox faithful. Despite only featuring in the UEFA Champions League for one of the four seasons analysed, the Glasgow side still managed to place 20th overall, with an average attendance of 49,253.
This figure puts Rangers above European heavyweights such as Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli, Porto, Chelsea, and Ajax, which is a remarkable feat given their comparative lack of Champions League exposure in the timeframe.
However, they do trail their Old Firm rivals, with Celtic placing 12th, recording an average of 56,874. Yet, when it comes to stadium occupancy, Rangers hold a statistical edge. The Light Blues recorded a 96.92% fill rate based on their pre-expansion capacity of 50,817, surpassing Celtic’s 94.15% occupancy from a total capacity of 60,411.
Even during a bruising Champions League campaign, the Rangers support turned up in full force, reinforcing a long-standing reputation for loyalty that has seen Ibrox packed even during third and fourth-tier fixtures. This contrasts starkly with the attendance downturn witnessed at Parkhead during Celtic’s less prosperous mid-2010s period.
That loyalty is being tested once again in the present day, amid a turbulent domestic season overshadowed by boardroom incompetence. As things stand, Rangers are managerless in mid-October, languishing 13 points adrift of league leaders Hearts and hovering perilously close to the bottom three, just three points clear.
The research, conducted by global sports insights platform Smart Betting Guide, analysed Champions League home attendance data between 2021 and 2024. Annual figures were compiled and compared across four seasons to identify the clubs who most consistently filled their stadiums on European nights.
A spokesperson for Smart Betting Guide commented: “This data highlights the unmatched passion of European football fans. Clubs like Union Berlin, Manchester United, and Dortmund not only draw the biggest crowds but also demonstrate the cultural and emotional bond between supporters and their teams.
“For broadcasters, sponsors, and leagues, these numbers underline the immense commercial value of live football, which remains a spectacle like no other.”