According to the Premier League Global Fans Report in 2008, football is the number one topic of conversation in the world. It dominates the thoughts of the fans worldwide so much that it is viewed as the most important activity in life, ahead of family matters, a job and personal relationships.

Fans from the United States admit that football is the most discussed subject among friends - an indicator that the game is starting to have a far greater influence in a country for so long dominated by American football, basketball and baseball.

Fans from Egypt for example are some of the most enthusiastic followers of the game. They declare football

the most important activity in their life and admit it is the topic

of conversation mostly discussed with friends.

This theme is repeated across the globe with fans from Europe, Africa and Asia in agreement that football is the ideal ice-breaker. When meeting new people in a work-related situation for example talking about football is preferred rather than discussing the economy or politics. Finally, supporters from United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates consider football the most important activity in their life.

To find out about the thoughts of fans in your country, why not join an international fan club for your favourite team. Details can be found on our Club pages.