The 10 Most Unbearable Fanbases in World Football

The 10 Most Unbearable Fanbases in World Football

In the age of social media, you are subject to the often utterly delusional opinions of other fans a lot more often than you would probably like.

And that leads, somewhat unsurprisingly, to a lot more conflict between fanbases. But there is no doubt that some are a lot more hated than others.

So, with that being said, let's take a look at the top 10 most unbearable fanbases in world football, and no, I do not apologise if your club is in here…

10. Wrexham

Slightly harsh? Maybe. But we are starting off strong with a little personal one.

In fairness, this can well be put down to the money-induced nature of their meteoric rise and how, essentially, none of it has been created through sporting merit.

But there are a good chunk of their fans, from my experience, who seem to indicate that their rise has been the exact opposite of that and that their success was earned.

I find that disingenuous, and for that reason – you just made the list, Wrexham fans (yes, that was a Chris Jericho reference).

9. Besiktas

This list wouldn't be complete without a Turkish club, would it?

And the one chosen to represent is Besiktas.

Let me ask you a question: how often do you go into the comments of a post in the football media space and see it flooded with random Turks typing 'Come to Besiktas!'?

If it's anywhere near as much as I do, then you'll have no qualms about their place here – and you'll likely agree it's more than justified.

8. Juventus

I must admit, I'm not too familiar with the unbearable nature of the Serie A giants, but in doing some research for this article, I have learned that most other Italian fans aren't exactly fond of the Old Lady (referring to Juventus, not just old people).

From what I gather, it mainly stems from the idea that Juventus were 'robbed' when stripped of their Serie A titles for breaching… Well… Pretty much every rule under the sun – an idea which Juve supporters love to spout.

And, sorry to break it to you, but that sentiment is almost entirely incorrect…

7. Chelsea

I work with a boatload of Chelsea fans, so I'll be careful with this one…

This almost solely arises from the Caicedo discourse alone.

No, he is not the best defensive midfielder in the world, and no, he is not better than Declan Rice.

Estevao is becoming similar; I witnessed a Chelsea fan place him in their top 10 players in the entire Premier League the other day… Now I'm not going to tell you he doesn't have the potential to do that, but to say he is that right now? Outrageous.

But the main issue with the serial overrating of their players is that it is interwoven with an innate nature to portray themselves as underdogs in almost every situation – and quite frankly, I don't rate it at all.

6. Manchester United

In all fairness to Manchester United fans, this is more a product of their success throughout history than anything else, because their fans aren’t quite as bad as some of the others on this list.

But the one thing that does grind my gears is the constant criticism, abuse and just lack of support they show when merely one unexpected defeat enters their crosshairs.

The number of players who have been forced from the club's ranks almost entirely through the fans getting on their back and ripping up their confidence piece by piece is astounding.

I understand it may be difficult to watch your club, who used to win anything, struggle to even string a couple of wins together – but there’s no need to be entitled now, is there?

5. Real Madrid

The best example I can give for Real Madrid fans is about seven years ago now.

They had just signed Eden Hazard at the peak of his powers and were in the middle of a mass unveiling at the stadium.

To which the Real Madrid fans in attendance responded with chants of 'We want Mbappe.'

And that pretty much sums up everything unbearable about Real Madrid fans – not a lot more needs to be said.

4. Liverpool

Now, I’m a Newcastle fan, which brings its own set of reasons as to why Liverpool fans are here – most discernible in light of recent events, of course.

But in truth, it isn’t just Newcastle fans who have a distinct dislike of those who support Liverpool. 

Mainly due to the fans with an online presence, which is a rather common theme in this list, Liverpool have become rather unbearable and unavoidable in recent times.

Whether it be their entitlement in spending money and signing players or the fragile nature of their opinions, which seem to change from week to week, those who frequent the Kop – or, more fittingly, those who don’t – have gained quite the reputation with opposition fans. 

3. Barcelona

In fairness to the Barca fans, it can't be easy to support a club who are constantly in the media spotlight for their shortcomings.

And naturally, the instinct is to back your dearly beloved through thick and thin… But the thicks and thins are pretty relentless at Barcelona, to the detriment of their fans.

It isn't entirely the club itself to blame, though, and the fans don't exactly help their image with the entitled nature of their online discourse.

I mean, poor Xavi, who is a club legend, was essentially exiled from the manager position – through what was a very difficult time for the club – largely down to the fans throwing their toys out of the pram for not winning as much as usual… Successful club problems, I guess.

2. Marseille

A slightly different vibe to this one, but Marseille deserve to be this high purely for the trouble they cause… and for absolutely no reason.

My club, Newcastle, who could be on this list for Lewis Bowden and Geordie Josh alone, played the French club in the Champions League – leading the club's social media feed to be filled with nothing but warnings and instructions to keep fans safe.

Ironically, it's safe to say if those are the precautions that have to be put in place, you're probably doing something wrong.

1. Arsenal

Who better to be first than the serial bottlers, eh?

It's always difficult to endear yourself to others when you go on like you're the best team in the world whilst having won, well, absolutely nothing.

Add to that the absolute state of AFTV, which, unless it's Ty with his branded headphones talking about how it's been raining, is almost unlistenable with the biased, delusional dross that is usually spouted on the platform – and you get a pretty good recipe for hatred.

If it isn't the behind-the-scenes shenanigans, it is the in-stadium antics – with some quite frankly abhorrent tifo's and an anti-football system on the pitch which is unceremoniously celebrated despite what it is doing to the Premier League.

Not really sure anyone can have any complaints with this one, to be honest, not even Arsenal fans.