Nic Cruwys was knocked to the ground, kicked and attacked following a match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford on 7 March 2015.
Four 19-year-olds and a 15-year-old deny grievous bodily harm with intent.
The jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court heard Mr Cruwys was in a coma for three months and suffered life changing injuries in the "unprovoked" attack.
The defendants are Daniel Lloyd, of Longfellow Road, Dudley; Joseph Lister, of Palmer Close, Wednesfield; Robert Beech, of Springfield Road, Wednesfield; and Ryan Meer, of Watling Street, Gailey, Staffordshire, all aged 19. A 15-year-old boy cannot be named for legal reasons.
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For the prosecution, David Lee said Watford fan Mr Cruwys had travelled with friends by train to watch the match and visited three pubs before the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Mr Lee said following the match Mr Cruwys and his friends walked towards the train station and planned to have a drink on the way, but they encountered a group and Mr Cruwys was knocked down, kicked and attacked.
The trial continues.
A football fan suffered brain injuries when he was allegedly attacked by a group of teenagers, a court has heard.