Liverpool named world’s most culturally influential football club in global study

Liverpool have been ranked the most culturally influential football club in the world after a global study placed them ahead of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona.

The independent research was carried out by Harris and Toluna after surveying 22 international markets. It found that 31% of respondents identified Liverpool as a major cultural force.

The findings were published on Liverpool’s official website on Monday, as the club highlighted its growing influence beyond football and its expanding global reach through social media, broadcasting and digital platforms, including in the United States.

The ranking comes as Liverpool begin the 2026-27 campaign under new manager Andoni Iraola. Their opening results have been mixed, with 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, alongside a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.

Liverpool will now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League. They begin the league phase against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.

The club said in a statement: “Liverpool’s ranking reflects the club’s growing influence beyond the pitch, as its global reach continues to expand across social, broadcast and digital platforms, including in the US.”

During the past year, Liverpool recorded 14.7 billion social-media views. That figure was 37% higher than the total recorded by the second-highest Premier League club.

They were also named the most engaged club in the Premier League for a third consecutive season. Liverpool’s official website recorded 96.16 million visits worldwide, the highest figure among Premier League clubs.

The research also placed Liverpool at the top of the list for cultural influence in the area of sports broadcasting rights. They were identified by 31% of respondents, compared with 25% for their closest rival, putting them ahead of major global sports brands.

In the US market specifically, Liverpool were ranked as the most culturally influential European football club, with 18% of respondents selecting them. The club in second place received 13%.

Liverpool said its influence was being built through several areas of its international work, rather than through results and trophies alone.

The club added: “Through fan culture, storytelling, international events, innovative content and community initiatives, the club continues to connect with fans in ways that extend beyond football to include wider conversations across sport, entertainment and popular culture.”

Hanna Bim, Liverpool’s senior vice-president of marketing and digital, said the recognition reflected the breadth of the club’s support.

She said: “Seeing the club recognised as the most culturally influential football club reflects the breadth of our community, from our passionate fan culture and roots in Liverpool to our global fanbase.”

The study therefore ranks Liverpool on their wider cultural presence and international connection, rather than on their performance in domestic or European competitions. The result places the club above several of the biggest names in world football in a global assessment of influence outside the pitch.