Football has grown from a national sport in Britain to an international obsession, but it's a testament to the devotion of England's football fans that so many of the world's biggest clubs can still be found in this country.
The world's top football teams are truly in a league of their own, to the point that it often seems futile comparing them to clubs that are successful on a strictly national or more regional level. The most obvious example to cite is Manchester United, the world's most famous football club that essentially acts more as England's national ambassador for the sport than the England team itself. However, there are many other teams that have made their mark on the game, if not achieved the same level of global fame.
Sheffield FC deserves particular note for being the world's oldest surviving football club, even if the team's victory count has been lacking since its success in the 1904 FA Amateur Cup. Queens Park FC is one of Scotland's best known clubs, and the only team that can claim to have reached the finals of both the English and Scottish FA Cups, in addition to its own impressive 10 victories in the Scottish FA. Until the Maracana stadium was built for the 1950 World Cup, the club's Hampden Park ground was the largest football venue in the world.
Looking abroad, Real Madrid is one of the most globally recognised European teams, thanks in no small part to the club's record 31 victories in the Spanish championship and numerous European cup wins. Real Madrid has been officially called the world's most successful football club in recent years, especially with the signing of star talent such as David Beckham.
If a football club's success is based on its value, Real Madrid is beaten only by Manchester United in the global stakes, and Malcolm Glazer's $1.5 billion purchase of United in 2005 makes financial sense when taking a look at the statistics of growth year on year. Manchester United's significant global profile and merchandising contribute substantially towards this fund, which enables greater investment back into the club itself and the signing of even more star players to keep the club on top of the world in years to come.
Whether you're a die-hard Manchester United fanatic or just curious to learn more about this club's rise to stardom, staying at Manchester hotels and making the trip to the Old Trafford grounds and on-site museum can be considered an essential experience.
Sean Burke writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
