How Sunderland's incredible attendance compares to Europe's biggest clubs after stunning Premier League return
Sunderland are drawing their highest crowds since the 1950s, but how does their attendance compare to Europe's best?
Sunderland have enjoyed an excellent start to life back in the Premier League, and that’s been reflected in their attendance figures.
The Black Cats are fourth with 19 points, five wins and just two defeats on the board after 11 games, already opening up a nine-point gap on the relegation zone and trailing Manchester City in second by just three points. Sunderland have always drawn impressive attendance figures, no matter what league they’re in. This season, however, the Mackems have come back in force, with an average of 45,602 (FBref) supporters packing the Stadium of Light.
That’s the highest average attendance Sunderland have enjoyed since the 2001/02 campaign, and the first time they’ve broken the 40,000 mark since the 2016/17 season - the last time they were in the Premier League. But how does Sunderland’s average attendance compare to teams from Europe’s top five leagues?
Where does Sunderland’s 2025/26 average attendance rank in Europe?
- Dortmund - 81,365
- Bayern Munich - 75,000
- Manchester United - 73,997
- Real Madrid - 73,782
- AC Milan - 72,916
- Inter - 70,814
- Marseille - 65,018
- Roma - 62,871
- West Ham United - 62,453
- Atletico Madrid - 62,153
- Tottenham Hotspur - 61,095
- Liverpool - 60,371
- Arsenal - 60,144
- Stuttgart - 59,500
- Eintracht Frankfurt - 59,400
- Hamburg - 57,000
- Real Betis - 56,993
- Manchester City - 52,344
- Gladbach - 52,255
- Newcastle United - 52,183
- Everton - 51,968
- Napoli - 51,402
- Lyon - 50,852
- FC Koln - 50,000
- Athletic Club - 47,824
- PSG - 47,644
- RB Leipzig - 46,553
- Lazio - 45,921
- Sunderland - 45,602
- Valencia - 44,755
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Sunderland making the most of home advantage
Sunderland’s average attendance is enough to place them ninth in the Premier League so far this season, while it also sneaks them into the top 30 among Europe’s top five leagues, just ahead of Valencia in 29th. The Black Cats have enjoyed crowds in excess of those seen by a host of European giants, including Juventus, Chelsea, Sevilla, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille.
It’s clearly had an effect, too, with Sunderland unbeaten in six home Premier League matches this season - winning three and drawing three, with 11 goals scored and just five conceded. Aston Villa boss Unai Emery paid huge tribute to the noise of the Sunderland supporters when his side drew 1-1 at the Stadium of Light back in September - despite taking the lead and Sunderland being reduced to 10 men in the 33rd minute.
“Of course Sunderland as well, they are here at home, in this stadium, they are playing so, so motivated, enthusiastic, the supporters they are helping them, the atmosphere is a very great atmosphere,” said Emery. “Even playing with one less player, they were feeling strong. And sometimes we were playing under the pressure from the supporters and not, OK, I can close my ears [block out the noise] and play."