Kopites

Kopites are supporters of Liverpool Football Club, a professional association football club based in Liverpool, England. The term is closely tied to the club’s fan culture and is used both within the UK and internationally.

Originating from The Kop, a long-standing terrace at Anfield inaugurated in 1906, the Kop takes its name from Spion Kop, a hill in South Africa where a Boer War battle occurred. The term Kopite denotes a person associated with The Kop and, by extension, with Liverpool’s passionate fan community.

Historically, Kopites are noted for standing support, singing, and elaborate banners and flags. The singing of You’ll Never Walk Alone, adopted by the club in the mid-20th century, is a hallmark of Kopite culture. The Kop and its surroundings have changed through stadium safety reforms, but the identity endures in many fans who trace their allegiance to Liverpool’s home stand.

Tragedy at Hillsborough Stadium in 1989 deeply affected Liverpool supporters, including Kopites, and contributed to major reforms in stadium safety and football governance.

Today, Kopites can be found worldwide through official and unofficial fan clubs, online communities, and international pre-season fixtures, reflecting Liverpool’s global fanbase. While usage varies, Kopite remains a widely recognized label for Liverpool supporters who identify with the club’s history and culture.