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What Are Europe's Biggest 'One-Club' Cities?

In most major European cities, football is split between multiple clubs across the City. Take Manchester or Madrid for example. The residents of these two major cities are split across two giant clubs, Manchester being split between United and City and Madrid being split between Real and Atletico. This causes massive civil rivalries which are some of football biggest fixtures, the Old Firm in Glasgow is a prime example.

Not every city has this dilemma, with some of Europe's biggest clubs having the support of the whole city. There is something uniquely powerful about a one-club city, a place where a single team represents the entire local pride, culture and footballing identity. These Cities don't just support their club, they belong to it. Here are Europe's biggest One-club Cities.

Naples - SSC Napoli

Naples is quite possibly the biggest example of a one-club cities, with SSC Napoli one of the most historic clubs in the country and Europe. Naples is home to a population of around 3 million, with the city home to one European giant. This isn't just a football team to these millions, it's an identity, an image of the city as a whole. No other club in Europe quite has the same chokehold on a city that Napoli does in Naples. They are the culture of Naples and the whole city gets behind the club in large numbers.

Marseille - Olympique de Marseille

Olympique Marseille is the beating heart of France's southern city. Marseille is another rare example of a large European city where only one club commands true mass support. There may be a few smaller sides in the region, but not one has ever rivalled Olympique de Marseille in size, history or popularity. Every match day, the whole city is behind one club, Olympique de Marseille. They are currently 3rd in the table, involved in a thrilling title race which is finally bringing some competition to current champions PSG, who win the league most years without much fail.

Dortmund - Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund is a football city, simply put. They live and breath Borussia Dortmund and have one of the most loyal fanbases in the world. Germany's Ruhr region has many clubs, but within the proper city, BVB is the powerhouse. The yellow wall is known worldwide because of the insane support from the Dortmund fans. But this isn't just a fan section in the stadium anymore, it's a landmark where the residents of Dortmund can show their insane passion for their city. It may not be the largest city on the list, but in terms of passion for their city and club, few cities can compare.

Lyon - Olympique Lyonnais

Despite being one of France’s largest metropolitan areas, Lyon has only one major professional club: Olympique Lyonnais. For decades, OL has carried the city’s entire footballing identity, from the men’s team’s dominance in the 2000s to the women’s team’s historic continental success. Lyon remains one of Europe’s clearest examples of a big city united behind a single badge. The club has gone through some hardship over the last few years but the city has been united the whole time backing their home.

Bilbao - Athletic Club

Bilbao is a special case. A major city with a club whose identity is inseparable from local culture. Athletic Club is not only the dominant team but also one of the few clubs in Europe whose philosophy still prioritizes homegrown talent. Smaller Basque clubs exist, but within the city itself, Athletic stands entirely alone. The club isn’t just supported; it’s lived. The club always put up a fight in the League and find themselves in a European competition more often than not. They currently find themselves in 7th so far this season.

😯 One city, one club ❤️

⭐️ @ChampionsLeague #AthleticPSG #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁 pic.twitter.com/VwN6pJf7wU
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) December 10, 2025