Stadiums: Tifos
Tifos are a recent addition to fan culture at British soccer stadiums. However, they are beginning to gain more traction with some good, and not so good examples, seen at stadiums across the country. At their best, tifos are more than mere decoration; they act as symbols of identity, pride, and fan loyalty. Slowly tifos are spreading in the British game from the Premier League to clubs at a lower level.
Manchester United fans unveiled their first ever tifo at Old Trafford in 2025 before their Europa League game with Lyon. Aston Villa's tifo featuring Villa fan Ozzy Osbourne at Villa Park ahead of their Champions League clash with Celtic was a big success.
History of Tifos
Tifo banners are one of football's most visually striking traditions. Derived from the Italian word tifosi (supporters), a tifo refers to large choreographed displays in stadiums, often involving banners, flags, and coordinated movements.
These spectacles are typically unveiled before kick-off to generate atmosphere and can range from massive painted sheets to complex displays with lights, smoke, and choreography.
The origins of tifos can be traced back to Italy in the 1960s and 70s, where ultra groups began organizing elaborate displays to support their teams and intimidate opponents. The tradition quickly spread across Europe, especially in countries like Germany, Poland, and the Balkans, and has since become a global phenomenon with examples now seen at grounds across Asia as at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia (see above) and many soccer stadiums in Japan (see below).
Tifo Hotspots
Clubs known for their spectacular tifos include Borussia Dortmund, whose famous "Yellow Wall" at Signal Iduna Park is often the canvas for huge, intricate displays.
Lazio, Legia Warsaw, and Galatasaray also boast fan bases renowned for their theatrical tifos. Celtic supporters, especially the Green Brigade are known for their tifos at Celtic Park.
In South America, clubs like Boca Juniors and Flamengo bring a more chaotic and colorful style, while in the MLS, teams like DC United, Seattle Sounders and Atlanta United have also embraced the tradition with some impressive results.
Clubs in Britain who have pulled off some spectacular tifos include Aberdeen at Pittodrie, Everton in their last season at Goodison Park, Ipswich Town at Portman Road, Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, Rangers at Ibrox, Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Stockport County at Edgeley Park and also Motherwell at Fir Park. Aston Villa fans at Villa Park consistently unveil specatacular tifos particularly on European nights including one of Ozzy Osbourne and a polaroid-themed classic.
Creation
Tifos are usually created by supporters' groups, such as ultras or fan unions. These groups plan weeks or even months in advance, designing the banner, raising funds, and assembling volunteers to paint or sew the materials by hand. Most tifos are made in secret to surprise both the team and rival fans, and they often carry powerful messages - whether celebratory, political, or defiant.
In Britain some clubs must first agree to the design of a tifo and can refuse them as was the case for a fan-produced tifo to be unveiled at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium for a Champions League game with PSG. The club's version was widely mocked on social media.
Tifo Gallery - See Some Amazing Tifos From Around The World
UK Stadiums
Kirklees Stadium (John Smith's Stadium)
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