Ronaldo, Barcelona and English Premier League still top in China: report

EPL remains No 1 league despite broadcast issues, while impact of Covid-19 sees players and teams unable to visit the country

David Beckham second most popular player, while Anthony Martial outperforming Lionel Messi with Chinese fans, says Red Card Report

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Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo is the most popular player in China. Photo: DPA

Published: 6:15pm, 28 Jan 2021Updated: 6:15pm, 28 Jan 2021

The English Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona are the big winners on Chinese social media, according to the latest Red Card Report.

England’s top flight joined Juventus and Portugal forward Ronaldo in being named top of their categories for the third year in a row on the 10th annual social media and digital dominance survey conducted by Shanghai-headquartered sports marketers Mailman.

Barcelona, who did not win any silverware last season, remained at the top of one ranking, that of China’s most popular football club online.

The Spanish La Liga giants retained the position that they won last year, with the top three – Real Madrid and Chelsea – remaining unchanged for the first time since the report started. Barcelona also beat rivals Real Madrid as the most followed Spanish club on microblogging site Weibo.

Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi during a game against Real Valladolid. Barcelona are China’s most popular team. Photo: AFP

Both Barcelona and the English Premier League were dominant on Douyin, the Chinese-language version of TikTok. The report noted a 50 per cent increase in the number of clubs active on Douyin.