24/7 Insights
- The most popular soccer teams with baby boomers are two national teams.
- The next most popular teams often play in the English Premier League.
- Soccer (football) continues to be the world’s most popular sport.
As the most popular sport globally, many passionate soccer fans, including baby boomers, are out there. For those born between 1946 and 1964, soccer has long been the most popular sport, with an estimated 3.5 billion fans worldwide. Believed to be played in 200 countries, soccer is currently the most popular sport in 93 of these countries, with an estimated total population of 2 billion.
With this many soccer fans in the wild, there is bound to be some passion around which teams are the most popular. If you have ever attended a soccer game, it’s an experience unlike any other, as fans take it more seriously than any other sporting event. Thankfully, using data from YouGov, we can look at the most popular soccer teams according to baby boomers in descending order.
This post was updated on August 29, 2025 to include the most up-to-date information.
Why Is This Important?
Soccer or football, depending on where you live, has some of the world’s most passionate fans.
Considering that FIFA, the governing body of international soccer, generated $1.17 billion in revenue in 2023, it’s easy to understand why this sport gets attention. In addition, Europe’s five biggest leagues topped $20 billion in revenue in 2023. Thanks to sponsorships from many brands we regularly cover on this site, soccer is one of the most notable sports to cover.
15. Seattle Sounders SC
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 11%
The Seattle Sounders, established in 2007, are one of the most successful Major League teams. Playing home matches at Lumen Field, the Sounders are renowned for their massive fan support, including the iconic “March to the Match.” The club has captured multiple MLS Cups, U.S. Open Cups, and in 2022 became the first MLS team to win the modern CONCACAF Champions League.
14. Nashville SC
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 11%
Nashville SC is a Major League Soccer team based in Nashville, Tennessee, officially joining the league as an expansion club in 2020. Known for its strong defensive play and dedicated supporters, the team quickly became a playoff contender and reached the Leagues Cup final in 2023. The club plays its home matches at GEODIS Park, the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States, showcasing Nashville’s growing passion for the sport.
13. LA Galaxy
The LA Galaxy have helped lead the way for MLS to sign big international names.
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 11%
One of the best-known teams in Major League Soccer, the team made big headlines in 2007 when it signed David Beckham away from Real Madrid. Not only did this elevate the team’s fan base across all generations, but it popularized Major League Soccer in a big way. The team has worked to bring in other international stars over the years, to the delight of its fans, like Ashley Cole, Zlatan, and Luis Hernandez.
12. New Castle United
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 12%
Newcastle United, founded in 1892, is a historic English football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Nicknamed “The Magpies” for their black-and-white striped kits, the club plays its home matches at the iconic St James’ Park, which has one of the most passionate fanbases in the Premier League. Newcastle has won multiple domestic trophies in its history and, with new ownership and investment, is aiming to reestablish itself as a major force in English and European football.
11. Real Madrid
Soccer superstar Ronaldo once led Real Madrid to multiple trophies.
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 12%
Real Madrid is the world’s most popular soccer club on social media and the world’s most valuable club. In 2024, it became the first soccer club to make more than $1 billion in revenue, much of which may have come from its die-hard baby boomer fanbase, who never miss a game no matter who they are playing.
10. New York City FC
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 13%
This Major League Soccer club based in New York City is co-owned by City Football Group and the New York Yankees. The team began play in 2015 and quickly established itself as a competitive force, winning its first MLS Cup in 2021. Known for its vibrant fan culture, NYCFC plays its home matches at Yankee Stadium while working toward building a permanent soccer-specific venue.
9. D.C. United
DC United has been a staple of Major League Soccer since the late 1990s.
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 13%
An inaugural franchise for Major League Soccer, D.C. United has been playing its matches in the league since 1996. While the team’s success mostly came in the 1990s, it’s been a stable presence in the league for 30 years, which has helped the team grow its baby boomer fanbase even if it doesn’t look like an MLS Cup is happening anytime soon.
8. Chelsea FC
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 13%
Chelsea FC, founded in 1905, is based in West London and one of the most successful teams in English football. Known as “The Blues,” the club has won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League trophies. Playing home matches at the iconic Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is renowned for its passionate fanbase, high-profile players, and strong presence in both domestic and European competitions.
7. Brazil National Soccer Team
Neymar has led the Brazilian national soccer team in the past.
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 16%
The most successful national team in World Cup history, the Brazilian National Soccer team has won five times since 1958. Currently ranked fifth in the world, Brazil won the 2016 Summer Olympics, becoming the only country to have won every major soccer tournament at least once. The team’s rivalry with Argentina is legendary, something baby boomers have been cheering on for decades.
6. Italy National Soccer Team
Italy heartbreakingly lost the 1994 World Cup.
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 17%
One of the world’s most successful national soccer teams, the Italian National Soccer Team, is currently ranked 10th. A four-time winner of the World Cup, the team has appeared in the tournament 18 times since 1934, which explains why it has gained a loyal following of baby boomers.
5. Manchester United FC
Manchester United has had some of the biggest names in the game on its roster.
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 17%
Commonly referred to as Man United, Manchester United FC is one of the most popular teams in England and worldwide. One of the top teams in the ultra-competitive Premier League, Manchester United is consistently battling to be the best team in England and Europe. Baby boomers have been cheering for this 146-year-old team for decades and will never stop.
4. FC Barcelona
Messi was FC Barcelona’s biggest name and best player.
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 18%
The world’s fourth richest football club is worth $5.51 billion, and there is every reason to understand the team’s popularity for a team founded 124 years ago. Finishing second in La Liga during the 2023-2024 season, FC Barcelona has one of the largest support bases worldwide, including millions of baby boomers who have supported the team their entire lives.
3. Chicago Fire
The Chicago Fire is named after the city’s worst tragedy.
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 22%
The most popular Major League Soccer team in America with baby boomers, Chicago Fire FC, is appropriately named after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Beginning play in 1998, Chicago’s baby boomers quickly took to the team, which has won the U.S. Open Cup three times since 2000. The team’s luck has fallen as of late, but this hasn’t deterred the team’s boomer-heavy fanbase.
2. United States Men’s National Soccer Team
Christian Pulisic is the Captain of the US men’s national soccer team.
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 34%
While the US men’s team hasn’t enjoyed the same success as the women’s team, the US Men’s National Soccer Team remains very popular. Currently ranked 16th in the world, there is plenty of hope for the men’s team in the future as the sport’s popularity continues to grow in the US as baby boomers pass down their love of the sport and this team to younger generations.
1. United States Women’s National Soccer Team
The US Women’s soccer team is back on top of the world.
- Percentage of baby boomers with a favorable opinion: 44%
Hot off the team’s gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the United States Women’s National Soccer team is back to being ranked number one globally. As such, it shouldn’t be surprising why this team is so popular with baby boomers. It has a long-standing history of success in the sport, including a number one ranking from March 2008 to November 2014, the longest in women’s soccer history.
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