Although there is no doubt that money talks in modern-day football, there are some things that money just can't buy... passion and atmosphere from the supporters. The Fan Park crew takes a look at the most loyal and passionate fans in football today.
England National Team
The 'Barmy Army' will follow their side around the world, whatever the weather, wherever the fixture. It's been a baron 50 years for the English, who haven't seen footballing success since 1966 yet this doesn't stop the many thousands uniting as one to cheer on the three lions.
Liverpool
The key to a passionate fan base is for the supporters to stay loyal to their side throughout, whatever their performance on the pitch. Liverpool fans were known as some of the loudest and intimidating fans in Europe when the Merseyside club featured regularly in Europe and they still sell out to the raptures despite their mini four year hiatus from the Champions League. It could be argued that the club overachieved last season when they agonisingly finished as runners-up to Manchester City and it could be argued that the home crowd played more than their part in the season's efforts.
Besiktas
In their hay day they regularly performed in the Champions League and accepted that their home crowd were their best chance of any success on the European stage, given the lack of finances available compared to other clubs. The intensity of the famous support at their home ground, the Olympic Stadium, was outlined when in 2009, a Guinness world record was set for the loudest noise ever made at a football match at 132 decibels.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund have gained a reputation around the world when they dominated teams on and off of the pitch. However, the status of the club, at least on the field has recently become engulfed in the shadow of Bundesliga rivals due to a mass exodus of certain star players including Lewandowski and Gotze but that hasn't stopped the fans flocking to the Westfalenstadion to support their team. The stadium boasts an 80,000 capacity and also includes the famous Yellow Wall, where 25,000 fans are packed in behind the goal to help create the most hostile of atmospheres.
Bloemfontein Celtic
When it comes to football, right here in South Africa, there is one team's set of fans that stands out above them all. The Siwelele fans are not only capable of creating an atmosphere that spurs on their players at home, but they are also incredible travellers. Wherever Celtic play, you can always be sure that some part of the stadium will be occupied by their loyal fans, dancing and blowing vuvuzelas to make themselves seen and heard.
Which fans do you think are the best?
