“Europe dominates, but the throne is South American: River Plate leads global assists in 2025, Benfica in the top 20.”

In an increasingly globalized football world dominated financially by Europe, there is one statistic that continues to defy market trends: attendance figures. And in 2025, the reigning champion in this regard is not a European giant, but rather a colossus from South America.

According to a survey by the platform Transfermarkt, River Plate had the highest average attendance per game in the world throughout 2025, surpassing heavyweights from European football and confirming the cultural and emotional strength of South American football.

River Plate at the top of a predominantly European ranking

The list of the 20 clubs with the highest average attendance per game is largely dominated by European teams, reflecting the size of the stadiums, competitive stability, and the strength of the continent’s major leagues. Nevertheless, it is River Plate that stands in first place, a feat that reinforces the Argentine club’s status as a true global powerhouse off the pitch.

Another South American representative also makes the top 10: Flamengo, confirming that, despite economic differences, the passion in the stands remains a decisive asset for South American football.

Benfica is the only Portuguese representative in the top 20

In terms of Portuguese football, only Benfica has managed to secure a place among the top 20 clubs in the world, being the only national team to feature in this elite level of attendance.

Further down the table are the other giants of Portuguese football:

• Sporting – 46th place, with an average of 42,784 spectators per game
• FC Porto – 57th place, with an average of 39,900 spectators

The numbers reflect the difference in scale between the leagues, but also highlight Benfica’s consistency as the main Portuguese force in the stands.

A surprise from the second division

One of the most curious aspects of the ranking is the presence of one national second division club among the top 20 in the world in terms of average attendance. A clear sign that fan engagement does not always depend on competitive level, but rather on the club’s identity, its connection to the city, and the deeply rooted football culture.

Full stands continue to be power

In a football increasingly analyzed through financial and digital metrics, this ranking serves as a reminder of an essential truth: football lives off the people. Whether in Buenos Aires, Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, or the major European capitals, filling stadiums remains one of the greatest indicators of a club’s greatness.

The European dominance is evident, but in 2025, the top belongs to the south of the American continent — with River Plate demonstrating that, when it comes to passion, few can compete.