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Discover the top 10 countries with the most football fans in Africa, counting down from Ivory Coast to Nigeria.
Football is a global game enjoyed by millions of people in Africa. Support bases of clubs have also transcended beyond borders, with top clubs boasting of a huge number of fans across the world.
When we look at the top 10 countries with the most football fans in Africa, a mix of population size, football history, club traditions, and international exposure make these nations stand out.
Pulse Sports count down from 10 to 1 and see which country tops the list.
Top 10 Countries with the Most Football Fans in Africa Ranked from 10 to 1
10. Ivory Coast
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Ivory Coast, with a population of about 30 million, boasts one of the most passionate football fan bases on the continent. The national team, the Elephants, has been a powerhouse, winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1992, 2015 and 2024.
Icons like Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, and Kolo Touré turned Ivory Coast into a household name in world football. Today, stars such as Franck Kessié and Sebastien Haller continue that legacy.
Clubs like ASEC Mimosas dominate the domestic scene, fueling nationwide support. With its combination of legendary players and devoted supporters, Ivory Coast deserves its place in the top 10 countries with the most football fans in Africa.
9. Algeria
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Algeria, home to 45 million people, is another football-loving nation. The Desert Foxes, Algeria’s national team, are two-time AFCON champions, lifting the trophy in 1990 and 2019.
Legends like Rabah Madjer laid the groundwork for modern stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, and Yacine Brahimi, who continue to inspire Algerian fans worldwide.
Clubs such as ES Sétif and MC Alger fuel domestic rivalries, while international success has made Algeria one of the most enthusiastic football nations in Africa.
8. Ghana
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Ghana, with a population of 35 million, has a long footballing tradition and some of the most dedicated supporters in Africa. The Black Stars have won the AFCON four times, cementing their place in African football history.
Legends like Abedi Pele, Michael Essien, and Asamoah Gyan have inspired millions. More recently, Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus are making their mark on the global stage.
Ghana’s domestic football scene is just as vibrant, with Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko enjoying fierce rivalries and loyal fan bases. This passion secures Ghana’s spot among the top 10 countries with the most football fans in Africa.
7. Kenya
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Kenya, with its 57 million people, is globally known for athletics, but football is the most followed sport locally. The Harambee Stars may not have a long list of trophies, but they enjoy massive domestic support.
Former Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama helped put Kenyan football on the global map. Meanwhile, European clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal command millions of loyal fans in Kenya.
Domestically, teams like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards enjoy heated rivalries, filling stadiums with passionate supporters. These factors make Kenya one of the fastest-growing football fan bases in Africa.
6. Morocco
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Morocco, with over 37 million people, has risen as a continental football giant. The Atlas Lions stunned the world during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals.
Stars like Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi, and Youssef En-Nesyri continue to shine on the international stage, while past legends like Mustapha Hadji remain national icons.
At home, clubs such as Wydad Casablanca and Raja Casablanca dominate, with their fierce rivalry attracting tens of thousands of fans. Morocco’s blend of domestic passion and global achievement earns it a high place in the top 10 countries with the most football fans in Africa.
5. South Africa
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South Africa, with a population of around 61 million, has one of the most structured football setups on the continent. Football became even more celebrated after South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first in Africa.
The Bafana Bafana are remembered for winning the 1996 AFCON, with stars like Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy, and Doctor Khumalo becoming household names. Today, Percy Tau continues to keep South African football in the spotlight.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is one of Africa’s most competitive, with clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns enjoying massive fan support. This structured league and high TV viewership confirm South Africa’s place in the countdown.
4. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a population of over 100 million, making it one of Africa’s biggest football markets. Football is a national obsession, and stadiums often overflow during big matches.
The national team, the Leopards, are two-time AFCON winners (1968 and 1974). Stars like Dieumerci Mbokani and Cedric Bakambu have kept Congolese football alive on the global stage.
Domestically, TP Mazembe is a continental powerhouse, regularly winning the CAF Champions League and earning international recognition. These successes fuel massive fan loyalty in the DRC.
3. Ethiopia
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With a population of about 135 million, Ethiopia has a huge football fan base. Even if the percentage of fans is smaller compared to other nations, the absolute number is enormous.
The Walias, Ethiopia’s national team, won the 1962 AFCON, creating history. Though they have struggled in recent decades, fan loyalty has never waned. Stadiums like the Addis Ababa Stadium remain lively during matches.
Local clubs like Saint George SC continue to attract large followings, while European leagues also enjoy significant viewership in Ethiopia. All these factors secure Ethiopia’s place among the top 10 countries with the most football fans in Africa.
2. Egypt
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Egypt, with a population of 118 million, is arguably the most successful footballing nation in Africa. Football is a way of life here, and the Egyptian Football Association boasts massive social media followings.
The Pharaohs have won a record seven AFCON titles, inspiring generations of fans. Global superstar Mohamed Salah is the current face of Egyptian football, while legends like Aboutrika and Hossam Hassan remain icons.
Clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek dominate domestic football and enjoy tens of millions of fans across Africa. Al Ahly, in particular, is known as the “Club of the Century,” further cementing Egypt’s footballing dominance.
1. Nigeria
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Nigeria tops the list of the top 10 countries with the most football fans in Africa, thanks to its huge 237.5 million population and unrivaled passion for the game. Surveys show that nearly 67% of Nigerians watch football regularly.
The Super Eagles are three-time AFCON winners, and their matches consistently draw massive TV audiences. Legends like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and John Obi Mikel shaped Nigeria’s football culture, while current stars like Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi carry it forward.
Though the Nigerian Professional Football League has a loyal following, many fans passionately support European clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Barcelona. Nigeria’s massive population combined with unmatched passion makes it the clear number one.