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Football without supporters simply could not exist — that much is beyond question. The fans are often called the twelfth player, and it makes perfect sense. They are the ones who travel to follow their club to every corner of the country weekend after weekend, wearing the shirts, waving the scarves, and sometimes going to bed without eating after a bad result. What they all share is an unmistakable passion and loyalty to the club of their hearts. In this article we revisit some of the most devoted supporters in football.
Emilia García, 'La Pixarra'
Emilia García Fernández, known as 'La Pixarra', was a devoted Oviedo supporter who became a symbol of the Asturian club. From a very young age she followed and accompanied Real Oviedo every Sunday, maintaining a close relationship with players and directors alike. Emilia García — "La Güela Carbayona".
Vicente Navarro
Despite losing his sight at the age of 54, Vicente Navarro continued going to Mestalla with his son, who described every Valencia match to him. In 2016 Vicente Navarro passed away, and in 2019 a bronze statue was placed in seat 164, row 15 of the main stand at Mestalla. Vicente Navarro — "An eternal feeling for Valencia".
Margarita Luengo
From the Calderón to the Metropolitano — since 1996, Margarita has brought a bouquet of flowers to every Atleti match, a ritual that began as a tribute to Milinko Pantić, her greatest idol. The bouquet, always placed at "Pantić's corner", has become a genuine ceremony at the colchonero club.
Manolo 'El del Bombo'
With ten World Cups behind him following La Roja, Manolo Cáceres is and always will be an icon for the Spanish national side. He cheered Spain on in different corners of the world and is the only person ever to have attended ten consecutive World Cups.
Jesús 'El Txapela'
The greatest fan of Athletic Club de Bilbao — Jesús 'El Txapela'. The rojiblanco supporter had a supporters' club named in his honour, cheered tirelessly at every Athletic match and attended San Mamés from the age of ten. One of his iconic txapelas is on display in the museum at the club of his life.
José Rico, 'El Panadero de Archena'
José Rico, 'El Panadero de Archena' (The Baker from Archena), was a devoted Real Murcia supporter. He worked as a baker and was well known for his enormous generosity — often giving away his season ticket to any child who asked for it. His presence in the stands was a ray of light for his club and its supporters.
Kitty Thorne
Kitty fell in love with football when she and her husband watched Bristol Rovers beat Leeds United in 1954. From that moment she followed and supported her team until the very end of her days. At her funeral, those attending came wearing the club's colours.
Pascual García 'Macarty'
Pascual García de Quirós, better known as 'Macarty', was one of Cádiz's greatest supporters in the club's history. He perfectly embodied the spirit of being a cadista and living life the Gaditano way. He was a deeply beloved figure among the yellow faithful for his lifelong loyalty to Cádiz.
Concepción Andrade, 'La Abuela del Betis'
Known as 'La Abuela del Betis' (The Grandmother of Betis), Concepción Andrade was a passionate Real Betis supporter who came to wider fame through several television appearances. She was a regular at the Benito Villamarín, always smiling and dressed in the green and white. She will always be a deeply loved and respected figure among the Betis faithful.
Michael Garbe
A lorry driver and die-hard Hamburg supporter, Michael Garbe has over one hundred trucks painted blue and decorated with the badge of the club of his life. They say he's turned every German motorway blue…
Magín, 'El bombo de la Cultural'
Magín Cantón, the Cultural Leonesa supporter who has been cheering on the team of his life for over forty years. His official kit consists of a bass drum, a wooden spoon and his black hood. "I can't watch a match sitting in my seat — cheering is what I do, it's in my blood," Magín said in one interview.
Fernando 'El Bandera'
Fernando González 'El Bandera' is the creator of the battle cry 'pío-pío'. A poncho, a Mexican sombrero, his bugle and the yellow-and-blue flag — with that kit he followed UD Las Palmas to every corner of Spain.
Carlos Pascual, 'El Tula'
Argentina's greatest supporter, Carlos Pascual — known as El Tula — passed away just two years ago. He always described himself as the first person ever to bring a bass drum to a World Cup, dating back to 1974. On one occasion El Tula noted that four years later, in 1978, everyone else followed his lead. "The first bass drum in the history of the World Cup was mine. The second was Manolo from Spain — he was famous," he said.
Joan Casals
Known as 'El Avi del Barça' (The Grandfather of Barça), Joan Casals is and always will be one of the most recognisable faces among the culé faithful. His beard and his appearance are iconic to blaugrana supporters. Joan has a statue at La Masía.
These are just some of the most devoted supporters in football — people who follow their clubs above all else, to every corner of the world. Their passion knows no limits; it is one of the driving forces of their lives. And that is something we deeply admire.
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