5 clubs that are loved by neutrals

*Leicester City’s title win last season was an underdog story appreciated by every footballing fan in the world*

In every sport, there exists a team that every fan has a soft spot for and genuinely wishes for them to do well. It could be due to the personalities in the team, the style they play or the underdog victories they keep pulling off. In cricket, it is New Zealand while in tennis, it is either Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal.

Similarly, football provides the opportunity for such teams to arise that are cheered almost unanimously by every fan around the globe and are appreciated even if they beat a personal favourite.

These clubs could be the platform for top talents to develop or could have suffered a brutal tragedy that unites the footballing world. Conversely, they could play a brand of young and exciting football that endears them to fans all over the world.

Also read: 5 most hated clubs in World Football

On that note, here are the five teams that neutrals love to root for.

#5 Chapecoense

MESQUITA, BRAZIL - DECEMBER 11: View of the ball and Chapecoense team flag before a match between Fluminense and Internacional as part of Brasileirao Series A 2016 at Giulite Coutinho Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Mesquita, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) — *Chapecoense’s tragedy was a black day for football and now every fan is rooting for the club to find its feet again*

Associacao Chapecoense de Futebol (ACF) or commonly known as Chapecoense is a team in Brazil that was founded in 1973 following a merger of Atletico Chapecoense and Independente. The Brazilian club was mostly an unknown entity to football fans all over the world until November of last year.

Chapecoense made it to the final of the 2016 Copa Sudamericana, the second-most prestigious club competition in South America and were supposed to face Atletico Nacional in what was touted to be their biggest match in history. However, a horrific plane crash carrying the players, staff and journalists killed 71 out of the 77 passengers on the plane and it turned into one of the saddest stories in football.

Also Read – Associacao Chapecoense de futbol: Melancholy in Medellin

Support poured in from the footballing fraternity from all sides and the Brazilian club is now one of the most loved clubs in the world. With the love and support from fellow clubs and fans all across the globe, Chapecoense will be looking to find their feet again and get over the unfortunate tragedy.