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Robert Lewandowski (r.) and Bayern are the biggest digital draw in China.
Robert Lewandowski (r.) and Bayern are the biggest digital draw in China.

Bayern top of Chinese digital survey

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According to a Chinese survey of the world's leading football clubs, FC Bayern München have come out on top as having the best media presence in China.

Watch: FC Bayern greeted by euphoric crowds in China

The Red Card report, produced annually by Shanghai-based Mailman sports marketing group, analyses clubs' commercial success and attractiveness also on social media, and Bayern's endeavours in both departments have clearly paid off.

Not Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid or Barcelona but Bayern are the biggest digital draw in the Far East country.

Growing popularity

Last summer, the record German champions spent nine days touring China as part of their pre-season preparations, visiting Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou and facing the likes of Valencia, Internazionale Milano and Guangzhou Evergrande in friendly matches.

Furthermore, the Bavarian club developed a Chinese website, run by a local office in China, an account on the YouKu channel and its own online shop. A partnership with China's largest television broadcaster CCTV has also raised brand awareness, taking Bayern to the top of the China Digital Football Index.

Match preview: FC Bayern vs Hoffenheim

Top accolade! Bayern have come out on top as having the best digital presence in China.