On March 26, 2025, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) unveiled an interactive supporters map of the Netherlands, providing a unique insight into the distribution of football fans across the country. This map reveals which football clubs have the most season ticket holders in each municipality, a significant development since the last official supporters map was published in 2014.
The map includes data from all 34 professional football clubs in the Netherlands, showcasing the passionate following of these teams. The findings highlight interesting trends, such as the dominance of Ajax in various municipalities far from Amsterdam, along with notable local loyalties to clubs like SC Heerenveen and FC Twente.
In Rotterdam, the largest city in the Netherlands, an impressive 8,304 season ticket holders call the area home. This number is primarily divided among fans of Feyenoord, Sparta Rotterdam, and Excelsior. However, when looking at the percentage of residents who hold season tickets, Edam-Volendam stands out with a remarkable 7.7% of its population supporting FC Volendam.
The map also illustrates that Ajax has the highest number of season ticket holders from a single club in a municipality, boasting 7,375 supporters. This statistic underscores Ajax's widespread appeal, as the club's fan base stretches from Aagtekerke to Delfzijl, a distance of approximately 305 kilometers.
Interestingly, the map reveals that Friesland, a province known for its own clubs, primarily features SC Heerenveen and SC Cambuur. In Heerenveen, 3,614 supporters hold season tickets at the Abe Lenstra Stadium, making it the most supported club in the municipality. Following SC Heerenveen is De Graafschap with 130 season ticket holders, and SC Cambuur, which has 40 supporters in Heerenveen.
Moreover, the map indicates that all 342 Dutch municipalities have at least some football fans with season tickets. Even in smaller villages, dedicated supporters travel to see their favorite teams play. For instance, the city of Almelo, with a population of around 70,000, has 4,514 residents attending matches at the Asito Stadion, while Enschede, which has over 160,000 residents, supports FC Twente with 4,759 season ticket holders.
In a surprising twist, the map also highlights some peculiarities, such as the small area of Schiphol-Rijk, where ten of the twelve season ticket holders are fans of Fortuna Sittard. This quirky detail adds a layer of charm to the map, illustrating the diverse fan culture across the Netherlands.
The KNVB's initiative not only celebrates the sport but also fosters community spirit among football enthusiasts. With this interactive map, fans can better understand the geographical spread of their clubs and connect with fellow supporters in their regions.
As the football season progresses, the competition for season ticket holders continues to intensify. Ajax and PSV are currently vying for the league title, and the results from this map may influence fans' engagement and loyalty as they rally behind their respective teams. The KNVB's efforts in mapping out the supporters' landscape reflect the deep-rooted connection between football clubs and their communities.
In conclusion, the supporters map serves as a testament to the enduring love for football in the Netherlands. It highlights not only the popularity of clubs like Ajax and Feyenoord but also the local passion for regional teams, showcasing the rich tapestry of Dutch football culture.
