Top 10 clubs with the highest average attendance in European football 2023/24: German fan loyalty shines through

The passion of European football fans is a phenomenon that never ceases to amaze. Whether it is a rain-soaked Tuesday night in the English Championship or a high-stakes title decider in the Bundesliga, the sight of packed terraces remains the sport’s most enduring image.

Even when a club’s trophy cabinet remains dusty or their league position falters, the supporters remain, a sea of people, a chorus of anthems, and an unwavering commitment to a piece of fabric and a local identity. As the saying goes, "Without fans, football is nothing, without sharing, victory is meaningless." These "12th men" have signed a lifelong, priceless contract with their clubs, and for the following ten giants, they are the luckiest beneficiaries. 

According to Nowgoalpro, the data surrounding the highest average attendance in European football 2023/24 reveals a map of devotion that stretches from the Ruhr Valley to the streets of Manchester.

Top 10 giants with the highest average attendance in European football 2023/24

10. Tottenham Hotspur - 61,459 spectators

The North London side welcomed an average of 61,459 spectators to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium throughout the 2023/24 campaign. Operating at a 97.8% capacity, this figure marks a consistent rise since they moved into their new home in 2019, cementing their status as one of the most visited venues in London. 

Fans are drawn not just by the football, but by the world-class stadium experience, which has set a new benchmark for revenue generation in the league. On the pitch, Spurs played 41 matches across all competitions, finishing 5th in the Premier League under Ange Postecoglou with 20 wins, 6 draws, and 12 losses. Their home form was particularly strong, winning 13 of their 19 league games at home, providing the "Angeball" era with a raucous atmosphere that helped the club navigate a transitional post-Harry Kane season.

9. Schalke 04 - 61,538 spectators

In a stunning display of loyalty, the "Royal Blues" took the 9th spot with an average attendance of 61,538 at the Veltins-Arena. Despite competing in the 2. Bundesliga, they maintained a 98.8% stadium occupancy rate, outperforming nearly every top-flight club in France, Spain, and Italy. 

This unwavering support is a testament to the deep-rooted mining culture of Gelsenkirchen, where the club is the community's heartbeat. While the team struggled significantly on the pitch, finishing in the lower half of the second division, their home gate remained a fortress of noise.

8. West Ham United - 62,440 spectators

The Hammers boasted an average attendance of 62,440, representing a staggering 99.9% capacity, the highest percentage in the Premier League. This marks a significant improvement from previous seasons where the stadium often felt vacant. Now, it is a sell-out every week. 

The lure of European football (reaching the Europa League quarter-finals) and a top-half Premier League finish kept the fans coming. During 2023/24, David Moyes’ men played 52 matches in total, recording 14 home wins across all competitions. The massive turnout has drastically boosted their match-day revenue, allowing the club to compete more aggressively in the transfer market than in previous decades.

7. AS Roma - 62,925 spectators

Under both José Mourinho and later Daniele De Rossi, the Giallorossi averaged 62,925 fans per match. While the stadium’s historical design only allows for an 85.9% occupancy rate due to athletics tracks and safety zones, the "Sold Out" signs were a frequent sight. 

This season saw a continuation of the "Mourinho effect", a renewed sense of pride that resulted in Roma reaching the Europa League semi-finals. Across 54 competitive fixtures, Roma relied heavily on their home form. The consistent high attendance has helped the club navigate strict FFP regulations by maximizing gate receipts, an essential factor as they look to build a stadium of their own in the future.

6. AC Milan - 72,000 spectators

We find the red half of the San Siro, as AC Milan continued to demonstrate why they are European royalty. The Rossoneri averaged 72,000 fans per game, filling 94.8% of the iconic cathedral of football.

In 2023/24, Milan finished as runners-up in Serie A, securing Champions League football once again. Their season was defined by consistency, playing 52 matches and maintaining a formidable home record. The massive crowds are fueled by a mix of a global tourist draw and a rejuvenated local ultras scene.

5. Real Madrid - 72,061 spectators

Despite capacity being slightly restricted for parts of the year due to construction, the Merengues averaged 72,061 fans at the Santiago Bernabéu (88.9% capacity). This season was nothing short of legendary for the club, as they captured both the La Liga title and their 15th Champions League trophy. 

The "Bernabéu factor" was pivotal in their late-game heroics, particularly in Europe. Totaling 55 matches with only 2 losses all season (neither of which were at home in the league), the club’s attendance is expected to skyrocket past 80,000 in the next years. 

4. Inter - 72,838 spectators

Inter outpaced their neighbors both on the pitch and in the stands. The Nerazzurri averaged 72,838 fans at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, achieving a 95.9% occupancy rate. Their 2023/24 season was a masterclass in dominance, as they cruised to their 20th Serie A title, earning the second star on their crest. 

With 29 wins in 38 league matches, the fans were treated to some of the best football in Europe. The celebratory atmosphere throughout the second half of the season ensured that every home match was a festival, further strengthening the club’s commercial appeal and reinforcing their status as Italy’s best-attended club for another consecutive year.

3. Manchester United - 73,534 spectators

Old Trafford remains a theatre of dreams despite a tumultuous season. The Red Devils averaged 73,534 fans per match, filling 98.2% of the stadium. Even though the club finished 8th in the Premier League, their lowest ever, the fans did not waver, partly due to the hope brought by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment and a dramatic FA Cup victory to end the season. 

United played 52 games in total, and while their home form was inconsistent compared to historical standards, the demand for tickets remained at an all-time high. The club continues to hold the record for the highest aggregate attendance in England.

2. Bayern Munich - 75,000 spectators

The Allianz Arena was a picture of perfection, averaging exactly 75,000 fans, which equates to a 100% capacity. In the Bundesliga, Bayern did not miss a single seat all season. Although they famously failed to win the league for the first time in over a decade, losing out to Bayer Leverkusen, the arrival of Harry Kane kept the excitement levels at fever pitch. 

Bayern played 49 matches, their home dominance remained a key feature of their season, including a deep run to the Champions League semi-finals. The 100% occupancy rate is a standard Bayern has maintained for years, providing a financial bedrock that makes them the richest club in Germany.

1. Borussia Dortmund - 81,305 spectators

The Signal Iduna Park remains the undisputed king of atmospheres, with an average attendance of 81,305, filling 99.9% of its capacity. The "Yellow Wall" was the driving force behind the club’s incredible journey to the Champions League final at Wembley. 

Despite finishing 5th in the Bundesliga, Dortmund’s home games were the most attended sporting events in European football. The club’s business model is built on this connection with the fans, offering affordable tickets that ensure the stadium is packed regardless of the opponent. 

10 clubs by average attendance in 2023/24: 

Borussia Dortmund (Germany) - 81,305

Bayern Munich (Germany) - 75,000

Manchester United (England) - 73,534

Inter Milan (Italy) - 72,838

Real Madrid (Spain) - 72,061

AC Milan (Italy) - 72,000

AS Roma (Italy) - 62,925

West Ham United (England) - 62,440

Schalke 04 (Germany) - 61,538

Tottenham Hotspur (England) - 61,459

Naturally, the fact that these clubs possess stadiums with overwhelming capacities acts as a major catalyst for their placement on the list of the highest average attendance in European football 2023/24 by Nowgoalpro.net. However, the increasing number of seats is also a direct metric of the stature and passion of the local fan communities. 

Beyond providing these fascinating insights that not everyone knows, Nowgoalpro helps you live out your passion for the "king of sports" with a platform that constantly updates match schedules for the planet's top leagues, live developments, and results. Coupled with in-depth statistical analysis before and after every match, we are confident in bringing you a completely fresh and attentive experience.