Serie A’s Global Reach
The Serie A has just been added to the Goalden View Popularity Ranking (GVPR), and the results are surprising to say the least. The Italian top flight’s lack of global impact has become impossible to ignore. Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez is the highest-ranked player from the Italian league, sitting at 45th overall. However, this rank would only make him the 17th most popular in La Liga, the 26th in the Premier League, and the 4th in the Bundesliga.
It paints a clear picture: Serie A lags far behind in star power.
The league’s overall presence in the GVPR is just as underwhelming. Brentford, the Premier League’s lowest-ranked team by average popularity (1,044), would actually place 9th in Serie A. That contrast reveals how much more exposure and attention English clubs receive, even those outside the “Big Six”.
Behind the Disparity
One major reason behind this disparity lies in TV rights. Serie A currently earns just under $1 billion annually from broadcasting deals. That figure is less than both La Liga and the Bundesliga, which each clear $1 billion. This figure pales in comparison to the Premier League’s multibillion-dollar agreements.
But it’s not just about TV contracts—it’s also about global visibility. All 20 Premier League clubs now include preseason tours in the Far East, North America, or both. These international campaigns help English teams grow massive followings, sell merchandise, and increase player recognition around the world. In contrast, only a handful of Serie A clubs engage in similar efforts. The lack of presence in international markets limits the league’s reach and relevance.
The Effects on Popularity
This limited visibility directly affects player popularity. Fans want to see global icons, and when most of them play in La Liga or the Premier League, it’s no surprise that Serie A gets left behind. The Bundesliga, though smaller in terms of league profile, still promotes its stars better and performs well in GVPR rankings as a result.
The analysis is straightforward: Serie A needs to modernize. Without international outreach and star-studded rosters, it will remain fourth in both TV money and popularity. The numbers reflect what fans already feel—Serie A just doesn’t shine as brightly as its European rivals.