The Premier League never fails to spark excitement, and the 2025-26 season is no exception. With Liverpool defending their crown, Manchester City eager to reclaim dominance, and Arsenal and Chelsea chasing glory, expectations are running high among fans. But how realistic are these hopes? New surveys reveal what supporters across the top clubs truly believe their teams can achieve this season.
Which are the most popular football clubs in the UK in 2025?
Football in the United Kingdom remains one of the most passionate sports cultures in the world. In 2025, the clubs drawing the largest global attention are:
1.Manchester United
Manchester United stands as one of the most recognized football clubs worldwide. Known for its heritage, historic league triumphs, and dominance under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the club continues to attract massive global attention. In recent years, United has focused on balancing experienced stars with youth academy graduates, ensuring long-term stability. Their commercial power, iconic stadium Old Trafford, and unmatched fan following make them a cornerstone of English football.
Manchester United current players:
Goalkeepers
Altay Bayındır
Tom Heaton
André Onana
Defenders
Leny Yoro
Lisandro Martínez
Matthijs de Ligt
Harry Maguire
Ayden Heaven
Tyler Fredricson
Patrick Dorgu
Luke Shaw
Tyrell Malacia
Harry Amass
Diego León
Diogo Dalot
Noussair Mazraoui
Midfielders
Manuel Ugarte
Casemiro
Kobbie Mainoo
Bruno Fernandes (captain)
Mason Mount
Forwards
Alejandro Garnacho
Jadon Sancho
Joshua Zirkzee
Chido Obi
Amad Diallo
Marcus Rashford
Rasmus Højlund
Antony
Matheus Cunha
2.Liverpool
Liverpool remains a club rooted in history and emotion. With a long-standing tradition of attacking football and passionate fans, the club has maintained top-tier performances in the Premier League. Recent seasons have shown Liverpool’s ability to compete consistently at the highest level, often challenging rivals for domestic and European honors. The club’s identity is deeply tied to Anfield, where the atmosphere created by “You’ll Never Walk Alone” continues to inspire players and fans alike.
Liverpool current players:
Goalkeepers
Alisson Becker
Giorgi Mamardashvili
Freddie Woodman
Ármin Pécsi
Defenders
Joe Gomez
Virgil van Dijk
Ibrahima Konaté
Milos Kerkez
Conor Bradley
Giovanni Leoni
Kostas Tsimikas
Andy Robertson
Jeremie Frimpong
Rhys Williams
Calvin Ramsay
Midfielders
Wataru Endo
Dominik Szoboszlai
Alexis Mac Allister
Curtis Jones
Harvey Elliott
Ryan Gravenberch
Trey Nyoni
Stefan Bajcetic
Florian Wirtz
Tyler Morton
Forwards
Mohamed Salah
Federico Chiesa
Cody Gakpo
Hugo Ekitike
Rio Ngumoha
3.Chelsea
Chelsea has built its reputation as one of the most ambitious clubs in modern football. Their success in both the Premier League and European competitions highlights their competitive spirit. Known for attracting world-class talent and nurturing promising young players, Chelsea has found a balance between tradition and modern strategies. Stamford Bridge remains a symbol of their strong London identity, while their continued pursuit of silverware keeps them among the UK’s top football powers.
Chelsea current players:
Goalkeepers
Robert Sánchez
Filip Jørgensen
Gabriel Slonina
Defenders
Marc Cucurella
Tosin Adarabioyo
Benoît Badiashile
Levi Colwill
Trevoh Chalobah
Reece James (captain)
Malo Gusto
Wesley Fofana
Aaron Anselmino
Josh Acheampong
Midfielders
Enzo Fernández
Moisés Caicedo
Romeo Lavia
Andrey Santos
Estêvão
Dario Essugo
Forwards
Cole Palmer
Christopher Nkunku
Nicolas Jackson
Pedro Neto
João Pedro
Liam Delap
Jamie Gittens
4.Manchester City
Manchester City has transformed into a modern powerhouse of English football. Backed by strong management and investments, City has dominated the Premier League in recent years, consistently lifting domestic trophies. Their style of play emphasizes skill, speed, and tactical innovation. With stars from around the globe, City has also become a serious contender in European competitions, representing the new face of success in football.
Manchester City current players:
Goalkeepers
James Trafford
Marcus Bettinelli
Stefan Ortega
Defenders
Rúben Dias
John Stones
Nathan Aké
Rayan Aït-Nouri
Joško Gvardiol
Manuel Akanji
Abdukodir Khusanov
Rico Lewis
Joshua Wilson-Esbrand
Midfielders
Tijjani Reijnders
Mateo Kovačić
Rodri
İlkay Gündoğan
Bernardo Silva
Nico González
Phil Foden
Oscar Bobb
Matheus Nunes
Claudio Echeverri
Nico O’Reilly
Forwards
Omar Marmoush
Erling Haaland
5.Arsenal
Arsenal has long been admired for its attacking philosophy and development of young players. In recent years, the club has focused on rebuilding with a new generation of talent, aiming to recapture the dominance it enjoyed during the “Invincibles” era. Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is home to one of the most loyal fan bases, and the club’s focus on stability and performance makes it a serious contender for future Premier League and European titles.
Arsenal current players:
Goalkeepers
David Raya
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Karl Hein
Defenders
William Saliba
Cristhian Mosquera
Ben White
Gabriel Magalhães
Jurrien Timber
Riccardo Calafiori
Jakub Kiwior
Maldini Kacurri
Midfielders
Martin Ødegaard
Declan Rice
Mikel Merino
Fabio Vieira
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Ethan Nwaneri
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Forwards
Bukayo Saka
Gabriel Jesus
Leandro Trossard
Gabriel Martinelli
Kai Havertz
Ismáil Kabia
Eberechi Eze
Viktor Gyökeres
6.Celtic
Celtic Football Club, based in Glasgow, is one of Scotland’s most successful and historic teams. The club has enjoyed dominance in the Scottish Premiership and is widely celebrated for its attacking tradition. Celtic’s fan base extends globally, and the team’s rivalry with Rangers—known as the Old Firm Derby—is one of the most intense rivalries in world sport. The club’s heritage, culture, and continuous pursuit of silverware ensure its lasting relevance.
Celtic current player:
Goalkeepers
Kasper Schmeichel
Ross Doohan
Viljami Sinisalo
Defenders
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Alistair Johnston
Kieran Tierney
Auston Trusty
Liam Scales
Anthony Ralston
Stephen Welsh
Hayato Inamura
Isaac English
Colby Donovan
Midfielders
Callum McGregor
Reo Hatate
Arne Engels
Paulo Bernardo
Luke McCowan
James Forrest
Ben Summers
Forwards
Daizen Maeda
Jota
Adam Idah
Benjamin Nygren
Yang Hyun-Jun
Marco Tilio
Shin Yamada
Johnny Kenny
Callum Osmand
7.Chelsea
Chelsea has grown into one of England’s most ambitious and successful clubs in recent decades. The West London side has won multiple Premier League titles and achieved European glory with Champions League and Europa League victories. Known for signing world-class talent, Chelsea has also invested in young players to secure its future. Stamford Bridge remains the heart of the club, while its ability to stay competitive season after season makes it a fan favorite.
Chelsea current players:
Goalkeepers
Robert Sánchez
Filip Jørgensen
Gabriel Slonina
Defenders
Marc Cucurella
Tosin Adarabioyo
Benoît Badiashile
Levi Colwill
Trevoh Chalobah
Reece James (captain)
Wesley Fofana
Aaron Anselmino
8.Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur, often called Spurs, is a club recognized for its attractive style of play and loyal fan base. Their state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of the most advanced in world football. Spurs continue to develop top players and remain a competitive force in the Premier League. While major trophies have been less frequent, their consistency and ambition keep them among the leading clubs in England.
Tottenham Hotspur current players:
Goalkeepers
Guglielmo Vicario
Antonín Kinsky
Brandon Austin
Defenders
Radu Drăgușin
Kevin Danso
Destiny Udogie
Luka Vušković
Cristian Romero (captain)
Pedro Porro
Djed Spence
Kōta Takai
Ben Davies
Micky van de Ven
Midfielders
João Palhinha
Yves Bissouma
James Maddison
Archie Gray
Lucas Bergvall
Mohammed Kudus
Dejan Kulusevski
Pape Matar Sarr
Rodrigo Bentancur
Forwards
Richarlison
Mathys Tel
Dominic Solanke
Brennan Johnson
Manor Solomon
Wilson Odobert
9.Rangers
Rangers Football Club, also based in Glasgow, is one of the most decorated teams in Scottish football. The club has a proud history of league titles and domestic cup victories. Its rivalry with Celtic defines Scottish football, attracting international attention. Rangers’ tradition, large fan base, and commitment to winning make them one of the most respected clubs in the UK.
Rangers current player:
Goalkeepers
Jack Butland
Liam Kelly
Kieran Wright
Defenders
James Tavernier (captain)
Max Aarons
John Souttar
Ben Davies
Midfielders
Joe Rothwell
Connor Barron
Mohammed Diomande
Forwards
Óscar Cortés
Cyriel Dessers
Hamza Igamane
Danilo
10.Aston Villa
Aston Villa is one of the founding members of the English Football League and has a long history of achievement. The club famously won the European Cup in 1982, a highlight of its success. In recent years, Villa has shown strong ambition, challenging higher up the Premier League table. With Villa Park as their home ground, they have a loyal and passionate supporter base that continues to grow.
Aston Villa current player:
Goalkeepers
Emiliano Martínez
Marco Bizot
Ronnie Hollingshead
Defenders
Matty Cash
Ezri Konsa
Tyrone Mings
Lucas Digne
Midfielders
Boubacar Kamara
Youri Tielemans
John McGinn
Emiliano Buendía
Forwards
Ollie Watkins
Donyell Malen
Samuel Iling-Junior
Morgan Rogers
Why is Manchester United considered one of the top UK clubs?
Manchester United is often called the “heart of English football” due to its unmatched global following. With a legacy of success in both domestic and European competitions, United’s brand stretches far beyond the UK. The club’s ability to develop world-class talent, its rich history under Sir Alex Ferguson, and its iconic stadium Old Trafford make it stand out. Even during transitional seasons, Manchester United’s fan loyalty and global sponsorship deals prove its influence as one of the most powerful clubs in football.
How successful has Liverpool been in the Premier League recently?
Liverpool has built a reputation for consistency and competitiveness in recent years. Under strong management, the team has remained a top contender in the Premier League, finishing among the leading positions in multiple seasons.
Their Premier League title win in 2020 ended a 30-year wait, and since then, they have continued to challenge rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal for top honors. With passionate fans known as the “Kop,” Liverpool’s influence goes beyond trophies it represents culture, unity, and tradition.
What makes Chelsea a favorite among UK football fans?
Chelsea has become one of the most dynamic clubs in modern football. With a history of winning both domestic and European titles, the London-based team has created a strong reputation. Their ability to attract top international players and compete at the highest levels makes them a consistent favorite. Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s home ground, remains a hub of excitement, and the club’s recent focus on developing young talent has also earned respect. For many fans, Chelsea represents both modern success and long-term ambition.
What Fans Expect for 2025-26?
While optimism is common across the league, supporters’ goals vary widely depending on their club’s current standing and last season’s performance.
Title Contenders
- Liverpool: Three out of four fans (75%) believe their team can defend the Premier League title.
- Manchester City: 59% of City supporters see themselves as potential champions.
- Arsenal: 55% of Gunners back their side to win their first league title since 2004.
Champions League Ambitions
- Chelsea: Only 32% of Blues fans expect a title challenge, but a majority (56%) consider a top-four finish the most realistic target.
- Aston Villa & Newcastle: Almost half (45–46%) of their supporters believe Champions League qualification is within reach.
Recovery Goals
- Manchester United & Tottenham: After finishing in the bottom half last season, their fans remain cautiously hopeful. Around 33–36% see Champions League qualification as possible, while nearly 30% expect Europa or Conference League football. Still, 14–15% think mid-table is their ceiling.
Mid-Table Clubs
- West Ham: Over half of fans (52%) expect another mid-table finish, though 24% are dreaming of Europe.
Newly Promoted Sides
- Leeds United: Following consecutive relegations for promoted teams in recent years, 55% of Leeds fans say survival is the main goal, while 30% expect mid-table safety.
What to from the 2025-26 Fan Outlook?
- Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal fans are the most confident about winning the title.
- Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle fans mostly aim for Champions League football.
- Manchester United and Tottenham supporters expect European spots but accept a possible mid-table finish.
- West Ham fans keep expectations modest, while Leeds supporters focus on avoiding relegation.
- Fan trust in managers varies sharply across clubs.
Confidence in Players
Managers play a crucial role in shaping these hopes. Fan confidence, however, is uneven:
- High Trust: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Arne Slot (Liverpool), and Eddie Howe (Newcastle) enjoy strong backing, with around two-thirds of their fans highly confident in them.
- Low Trust: Ruben Amorim (Manchester United) and Graham Potter (West Ham) face skepticism, with about one in four supporters doubting their leadership.
Whom Fans Expect to Win the Title?
The general sentiment across the league points to Liverpool as favorites:
- 46% of all Premier League followers pick Liverpool to win, with 75% of their fans backing the claim.
- Manchester City remain in the conversation, supported by 12% of neutrals and 56% of their own fans.
- Arsenal receive 8% of neutral backing, though 38% of their fans expect a long-awaited title triumph.
- Chelsea fans are divided: 18% back themselves, while most lean toward Liverpool or City.
Clubs Relegation Fears
Supporters also have strong views on who may drop back to the Championship:
- Most at Risk: Sunderland and Burnley, with 43–45% expecting relegation.
- Likely Battlers: Leeds (29%) and Wolves (19%) remain on shaky ground.
- Other Concerns: 17% of fans predict Brentford could finally go down after five straight top-flight seasons.
Rivalries and Least Desired Winners
Passion runs deep when asked who fans least want to see win the league:
- Tottenham vs Arsenal: 67% of Spurs fans say Arsenal, while only 28% of Arsenal fans return the feeling.
- Liverpool vs Manchester United: Nearly 40% of United fans least want Liverpool to win, while 35% of Liverpool fans feel the same about United.
- Newcastle vs Sunderland: 29% of Magpies don’t want Sunderland near the trophy.
- Chelsea vs Arsenal: 29% of Blues fans least want the Gunners to triumph.
Conclusion
As the 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off, optimism and rivalry remain central to English football. Liverpool enter as clear favorites, Manchester City and Arsenal aim to challenge, and Chelsea, United, and Tottenham look to re-establish themselves. Meanwhile, survival will dominate the ambitions of Leeds, Sunderland, and Burnley. This season promises not only high-quality football but also an emotional rollercoaster for fans whose expectations, hopes, and rivalries fuel the Premier League’s unmatched drama.
The popularity of football clubs in the UK continues to evolve, but the giants like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea remain central to the country’s football identity in 2025. Their combination of tradition, global fan bases, and on-field performances ensure they stay among the top clubs admired both in the UK and worldwide.