As of this week, Liverpool FC became the most popular English football club on China’s top social media network: SINA Weibo.
Manchester United were the previous holders of this title with 156,000 followers however they were overtaken on Wednesday by their fierce local rivals who have been hot on their tail over the last few months.
Thanks to Mailman’s Social Media Management ability, Liverpool’s SINA fan base currently stands at 159,397.
This marks a turning point in English football’s exposure on Chinese Social Media. For years Manchester United have been the Premier League giants in China, however it may be time for another team of REDS to take pole position. No matter what is happening on the pitch, you can be sure to see just as many Liverpool shirts on the streets of Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou as any other team in the world, if not more!
What is clear is that NOW is the time for football clubs to consider their China strategy. With many of Europe’s top teams already beginning to make their move in the Far East, there is an enormous pool of football fans ready to get behind the clubs who win the China race and get a firm foothold in China’s vast social media landscape.
Barcelona, Chelsea, Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, AC Milan are just some of the clubs amassing fans by the thousand using online resources.
This is by no means the end of the matter, as the race will continue over the coming weeks and it will be intriguing to see whether Liverpool can keep their noses in front, or whether the Premier League champions can stage a late comeback, as they do so often at Old Trafford.