Home » Latest Travel News » England Set to Join Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Portugal, Poland and Turkey in Skyrocketing European Tourism Through Football with Groundbreaking Visitors Throughout the Years, Here’s a New Report on It
Published on
August 21, 2025
Football has become a key driver of tourism across Europe, with countries like England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Portugal, Poland, and Turkey experiencing significant growth in global visitors due to their passionate football cultures. As the birthplace of modern football, England is leading the charge, attracting millions of international tourists through its world-renowned clubs, iconic stadiums, and major events like the Premier League and FA Cup Final. Spain, with its footballing powerhouses such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, continues to captivate global fans, drawing them to iconic venues like Santiago Bernabéu and Camp Nou. Italy’s Serie A, featuring historic clubs like AC Milan and Inter Milan, and Germany’s Bundesliga, with top clubs like Bayern Munich, also play major roles in boosting tourism through football.
Countries like France, Portugal, Poland, and Turkey are also riding the wave of football tourism, with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, and Legia Warsaw attracting international attention. Major international events such as UEFA Euro 2024 and the FIFA World Cup have only amplified the football tourism boom. As these countries harness football’s global appeal, they continue to see groundbreaking numbers of visitors, solidifying football as a powerful engine for European tourism.
England: The Heart of Football and Tourism
As the birthplace of modern football, England has long been a global hub for football fans. The country is home to some of the most popular football clubs and iconic stadiums, which play a key role in attracting international tourists.
Key Attractions and Clubs
Manchester boasts two of the world’s most famous clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City, with Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium as major football destinations.
London is home to numerous football clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United, with Wembley Stadium hosting large-scale events.
Liverpool is another football hotbed with Liverpool FC and Everton FC, drawing fans to Anfield.
Football Events and Impact
The Premier League is the most-watched football league in the world, bringing millions of international tourists to the UK each season.
Events such as the FA Cup Final and Champions League matches at Wembley also contribute significantly to tourism.
Spain: A Footballing Powerhouse
Spain is a global leader in football, both in terms of club success and national team achievements. The country’s footballing culture attracts visitors to major cities, where iconic clubs and historic stadiums await.
Key Clubs and Stadiums
Madrid is home to Real Madrid (Santiago Bernabéu) and Atlético Madrid (Wanda Metropolitano), two of the biggest clubs in the world.
Barcelona is dominated by FC Barcelona and the iconic Camp Nou, one of the largest and most famous football stadiums globally.
Football Events
Spain’s La Liga is one of the most-watched leagues in the world, with matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona (El Clásico) drawing football fans from all over the globe.
Major international events like the UEFA Champions League also attract international visitors.
Italy: Passionate Rivalries and Iconic Stadiums
Italy boasts a rich footballing history with some of the most passionate fanbases in Europe. The country’s Serie A league and historic stadiums play a significant role in attracting tourists, especially those seeking to immerse themselves in Italian football culture.
Key Clubs and Stadiums
Milan houses two of the world’s biggest clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan, both playing at the iconic San Siro Stadium.
Rome is home to AS Roma and Lazio, with both clubs sharing the famous Stadio Olimpico.
Football Events
The Serie A league draws global attention, with some of the world’s best players taking the field in iconic stadiums.
Italy’s national team success in FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship tournaments also fuels football tourism.
Germany: World-Class Football and Stadiums
Germany is a football powerhouse, known for its high-quality football, passionate fanbases, and impressive stadiums. Bundesliga clubs and national team success contribute significantly to the country’s tourism industry.
Key Clubs and Stadiums
Munich is home to Bayern Munich, the country’s most successful club, playing at the stunning Allianz Arena.
Dortmund is renowned for its passionate fanbase and the Signal Iduna Park, which boasts one of the largest football crowds in Europe.
Football Impact
The Bundesliga attracts football fans from around the world, especially for matches involving top clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
Germany’s national team success, including their 2014 FIFA World Cup win, continues to boost tourism, especially during international tournaments.
France: A Rising Football and Tourism Hub
France has long been a footballing giant, both domestically and internationally. With the success of the Ligue 1 and the country’s national team achievements, France is increasingly becoming a hotspot for football tourism.
Key Clubs and Stadiums
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is one of the world’s top football clubs, playing at Parc des Princes in Paris.
Olympique Lyonnais and Marseille are also top clubs in France, with the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille being an iconic venue.
Football Events
France’s Ligue 1 draws significant international attention, especially with PSG’s dominance and star players like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé.
The UEFA Euro 2024 and future FIFA World Cup events in France will only continue to boost the country’s status as a top football tourism destination.
Portugal: A Footballing Jewel in Europe
Portugal has a rich footballing tradition, with its top clubs consistently competing at the highest levels in Europe. The country’s national team, as well as its domestic league, have a major influence on the local tourism industry.
Key Clubs and Stadiums
Benfica, Porto, and Sporting CP are the three dominant clubs, with their stadiums (Estádio da Luz, Estádio do Dragão, Estádio José Alvalade) attracting football tourists from around the world.
Football Tourism
The fierce rivalries between the “Big Three” clubs and Portugal’s historic success, including UEFA Euro 2016, have turned the country into a key football destination.
Poland: A Growing Football Destination
While Poland may not have the same global recognition as Spain or Italy, the country’s football scene is growing, with historic clubs and passionate rivalries boosting tourism.
Key Clubs and Stadiums
Legia Warsaw, Wisła Kraków, and Lech Poznań are among Poland’s top clubs, with PGE Narodowy in Warsaw being a major venue for both football and concerts.
Football Events
The UEFA Euro 2012 hosted by Poland (and Ukraine) marked the country’s arrival on the football tourism scene, and the growing popularity of the Ekstraklasa league ensures continued interest from international football fans.
Turkey: A Footballing Heartbeat of the Middle East
Turkey is home to some of the most passionate football fans in Europe, with its football culture deeply intertwined with national identity. The country’s top clubs and historical footballing heritage continue to attract tourists from all over the world.
Key Clubs and Stadiums
Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş dominate Turkish football, with Türk Telekom Stadium in Istanbul being one of the most iconic football venues.
Football Events
Super Lig matches, especially the Istanbul derbies, are some of the most intense football encounters in the world, drawing massive crowds and football fans from every corner of the globe.
How Football Boosts Travel and Tourism Across Europe
Football has become a key driver of tourism in many European countries, with iconic clubs, historic stadiums, and major international events attracting millions of visitors each year. England, with its globally recognized Premier League, draws football fans from around the world to cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and London, where clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool FC, and Arsenal offer unforgettable match-day experiences. In Spain, the fierce rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona attracts thousands to Madrid and Barcelona, with the iconic Santiago Bernabéu and Camp Nou stadiums serving as major football tourism hubs. Italy thrives on its football culture with clubs like AC Milan and Inter Milan, whose San Siro Stadium in Milan is a must-visit for fans. Germany’s Bundesliga, featuring top clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, is known for its passionate fanbase, with Signal Iduna Park providing an electric atmosphere for football tourists. In Portugal, the success of Benfica, Porto, and Sporting CP, coupled with stadium tours and historic rivalries, adds to the country’s football tourism appeal. Poland and Turkey are also growing football tourism destinations, with cities like Warsaw and Istanbul hosting passionate fanbases and exciting matches that draw international football tourists. Football culture in these countries not only boosts their economies but also offers unique travel experiences for fans worldwide.
The Massive Impact of Football Tourism on the Global Sports Tourism Industry
Attracts Millions of Football Fans: Football tourism attracts millions of visitors each year, who travel specifically to watch matches, visit football stadiums, and participate in football-related activities. Major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro, and UEFA Champions League bring in not only spectators but also sponsors, media, and other stakeholders, all of whom contribute to the local economy.
Boosts Local Economies: The influx of football fans to a city or country can boost local economies significantly. This includes revenue from match tickets, merchandise, hotel bookings, transportation, restaurants, and other local services. For example, cities that host major football tournaments see a surge in tourism, especially for events like Euro 2024 in Germany or the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
Creates Football Tourism Experiences: Many football clubs and national teams offer stadium tours, fan experiences, and football museums that attract tourists year-round. Famous stadiums like Old Trafford in Manchester, Camp Nou in Barcelona, and Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid draw large numbers of visitors who want to immerse themselves in the history of their favorite clubs. These football tourism experiences generate consistent, long-term travel opportunities.
Enhances City Branding and Global Appeal: Football tourism helps cities and countries to enhance their brand and appeal on the global stage. Cities like London, Barcelona, and Munich have successfully leveraged their footballing history and iconic stadiums to become must-visit football tourism destinations. Football brings international attention, making these destinations more attractive for both leisure and business tourism.
Positive Impact on Infrastructure Development: Hosting football events often leads to improved infrastructure, including stadiums, transportation systems, and public amenities. For example, Russia’s 2018 World Cup and Brazil’s 2014 World Cup resulted in substantial investments in infrastructure that not only improved facilities for football but also benefited broader tourism.
Football as a Gateway to Other Tourism: Football tourism is often an entry point for broader cultural tourism. Many fans travel to cities and countries to experience football matches but end up exploring local culture, food, and history. This combined cultural and football tourism is a significant factor in attracting repeat visitors and fostering longer stays.
Increase in International Events: As football continues to be a major global sport, the number of international events and competitions grows, thereby boosting sports tourism. Events like friendly matches, international qualifiers, and tournaments such as the Copa América or Africa Cup of Nations attract a global audience and contribute to the tourism economy of the host country.
Football Clubs Expanding Globally: Major clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain have established global fan bases. This global connection further fuels tourism as fans travel internationally to see their teams play in foreign cities, visit club stores, or attend exclusive fan events, creating a widespread impact on tourism.
