“Juventus vs Barcelona” the most viewed Champions League final – Study reveals

Casino Encyclopedia has recently conducted study from various online video sharing and social media platforms to find out the most discussed and viewed Champions League finals. The study focused on the cumulative view numbers of these finals and the level of social engagement surrounding them. Compiled in May 2024, the data ranks all the finals from the most to the least viewed.

The most-watched Champions League final is the 2015 matchup between Juventus and Barcelona, which has 18.2M views. Featuring the attacking trio of Messi, Neymar, and Suárez, contributed significantly to the high viewership, as they led Barcelona to a memorable 3-1 win.

Second most-watched final in the ranking is the 2016 clash between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, attracting 17.2M viewers. This match earned the majority of its viewership for its dramatic finish in a penalty shootout after Sergio Ramos’ equalizer and Ronaldo’s winning goal in the shootout.

Third place is secured by the 2008 game between Manchester United and Chelsea, which drew 16.7M viewers. The high viewership of this match was driven by key moments such as John Terry’s infamous missed penalty and Cristiano Ronaldo’s early header, crucial for his first Champions League victory.

Fourth most popular final in the list is the 2017 match between Juventus and Real Madrid, attracting 15.3M viewers. The game’s high viewership continues to be driven by Real Madrid’s dominant 4-1 victory and Cristiano Ronaldo’s outstanding performance leading the 2 goals.

Fifth in the ranking is the 2005 clash between AC Milan and Liverpool and gathered 14M views. Known as the “Miracle of Istanbul,” the match’s popularity mostly comes  from Liverpool’s dramatic comeback from a three-goal deficit to win on penalties, making it one of the most iconic moments in football history.

Chelsea vs Bayern Munich final in 2012 takes the sixth place, attracting 13.8M views. This game is memorable for Chelsea winning their first Champions League trophy in a dramatic penalty shootout, contributing to its high viewership and its place in the ranking.

Seventh place in the ranking is taken by the 2019 match between Liverpool and Tottenham, which draws 11.3M viewers. Liverpool’s early goal laid the groundwork for their 2-0 win, securing their sixth European title and making it one of the most viewed and discussed finals of the championship.

Tied for ninth in viewership, the 2002 and 2014 Champions League finals both featuring Real Madrid attract 10.4M views. The 2002 final between Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid is remembered for Zinedine Zidane’s stunning volley. The 2014 match featuring Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid is notable for Sergio Ramos’s late equalizer, which led to a dramatic 4-1 victory after extra time. This win secured Real Madrid their  “La Decima” title.

Rounding out the top ten, the 2018 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool attracted 9.7M viewers. The match featured Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory, highlighted by Gareth Bale’s remarkable overhead kick, which sealed their third consecutive Champions League title.