How Many Man United Fans Did Barcelona Have in 1999?

By Robert Palmer

In 1999, Manchester United and Barcelona faced each other in the UEFA Champions League final, held at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. This highly anticipated match attracted fans from all over the world, including a significant number of supporters from both teams.

Manchester United Fans

Manchester United, also known as the Red Devils, have one of the largest fan bases in the world. Their supporters are known for their unwavering loyalty and passion for the club. In 1999, thousands of Manchester United fans traveled to Barcelona to witness their team’s historic triumph.

Estimating the Number:

  • While it is challenging to determine an exact figure, it is widely believed that around 20,000 Manchester United fans made the journey to Barcelona for the final.
  • The club had previously estimated that they received approximately 12,000 ticket requests from their official membership scheme alone.
  • This number does not include fans who acquired tickets through other means or those who traveled without tickets just to be part of the atmosphere.

Barcelona Fans

Barcelona, commonly referred to as Barça, is one of the most popular and successful football clubs in Spain and worldwide. Known for their distinctive playing style and rich history, Barcelona boasts a dedicated fan base that supports them through thick and thin.

The Local Advantage:

  • In contrast to Manchester United fans who had to travel from England and various other parts of the world, Barcelona had a significant local advantage.
  • The final being held at their home stadium meant that thousands of Barça fans were already situated in Barcelona itself.
  • Additionally, the allure of witnessing a Champions League final on home soil attracted even more supporters to the Camp Nou.

The Attendance:

  • The official attendance for the match was recorded as 90,045 spectators.
  • While it is challenging to determine the exact number of Barcelona fans present, it can be safely assumed that the majority of attendees were supporting the home team.

In Conclusion

The 1999 UEFA Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona was a memorable event that brought together fans from both sides. While the exact number of Manchester United fans present in Barcelona is difficult to ascertain, an estimated 20,000 Red Devils made the trip.

Meanwhile, Barcelona enjoyed a significant local advantage with thousands of their loyal supporters already in attendance. The clash between these two football giants remains etched in history as one of the most iconic finals ever played.