Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia ranks 16th globally in terms of followers with 62 million
In a remarkable achievement reflecting the tremendous progress of Saudi sports, Al-Nassr FC has broken into the list of the 20 most-followed clubs worldwide, ranking 16th with a total following exceeding 62 million across various social media platforms. This figure not only places Al-Nassr among the world's top clubs but also underscores the success of the Kingdom's strategy to attract fans, which has made the Saudi League a focal point for audiences across all continents.
Spanish hegemony and the summit struggle
According to the latest statistics and reports from RT and digital monitoring networks, the two Spanish football giants continue to dominate the scene. Real Madrid reigns supreme as the most popular club in the world with a staggering 474.7 million followers, far surpassing their arch-rivals Barcelona, who come in second with 428.3 million. These figures reflect decades of sporting and marketing success built by these clubs across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube, making it a formidable challenge for other clubs to catch up.
The impact of "The Don" and the qualitative leap for Al-Nasr
The meteoric rise of Al-Nassr cannot be understood in isolation from its recent historical context, specifically since the signing of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo in early 2023. This deal marked a radical turning point in the Riyadh-based club's digital journey, with its follower count more than doubling in a short period, reflecting the powerful "soft power" of global stars in shaping public interest. The presence of names of Ronaldo's caliber, followed by Mané, Brozović, and others, transformed Al-Nassr's matches into a global event followed by millions outside the Arab region.
Arab presence: Al-Ahly of Egypt and Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia
The list wasn't limited to European and Latin American clubs; it also featured a notable Arab presence, reflecting the region's passion for football. Alongside Al-Nassr, Egypt's Al-Ahly maintained its position among the elite, ranking 18th globally with 57.7 million followers. This dual presence of Al-Ahly and Al-Nassr underscores the diverse sources of their fan base. While Al-Ahly draws on a rich history and a massive fan base in Egypt and Africa, Al-Nassr relies on its newfound global prominence and the attraction of star players, creating a remarkable synergy for Arab football in the digital sphere.
Economic and marketing dimensions
Al-Nassr's entry into the Top 20 is not just a trophy to boast about; it carries profound economic implications. The increased number of followers translates directly into a higher market value for the club's brand, attracting global sponsors and lucrative television broadcasting deals, and supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to position the Saudi League among the top 10 leagues globally. Competition is no longer confined to the pitch; it has extended to the digital realm, where clubs like Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus vie for every new follower, and Al-Nassr has proven itself a formidable force in this global equation.
