In brief
a list of the top 23 football teams in history, ranked by the quantity of trophies and awards they have won.
Despite being the most successful club in English football, Manchester United only comes in at number 14.
These teams represent the cultures and aspirations of millions of people and are more than just numbers; they are the beating hearts of their communities, taking centre stage in the vast arena of football.
Football success is cyclical; while all clubs experience periods of success, some have much more stable cycles than others. As the best always emerges, numerous teams have enjoyed generations of success over all football eras, including numerous competitions, managers, rule changes, and players.
With a record 15th appearance on the UEFA Champions League winner’s list heading into the 2024–25 season, Real Madrid is hoping to repeat their success in the competition’s new format, as they have done so many times before. In the 2023–2024 season, Premier League teams like Manchester United and Liverpool will be looking to add to their collection of trophies, with the latter winning the FA Cup and the former the Carabao Cup.
Every championship, every cup, and every league victory has a backstory, which is crucial to comprehend as we delve deeply into the tales of these footballing titans. Tales of perseverance, moments of enchantment, remarkable victories, and yes, heartbreaks as well. Each piece of cutlery represents a chapter in their history’s remarkable novel.
Get ready for an exciting adventure. An exploration of football’s hall of fame, where legends of thrilling championship games, footballing dynasties, and players who have outlived their careers await.
The 23 football teams with the most decorations
Trophies are a good indicator of a club’s success, but what really makes a team great are its traditions, culture, and devoted supporters. In addition to listing their accomplishments, we are honouring the unwavering spirit that has made these titans legendary as we profile them. Because keep in mind that in football, the trip is just as significant as the final destination, if not more so. Now let’s start the games.
Club
Trophies obtained
Al-Ahly
123
Celtic
119
The Rangers
118
Penarol, Atletico
117
Football Club Nacional
116
Real Madrid
102
Barcelona
98
Benfica
85
Porto FC
85
Al-Faisaly
84
The Bayern Munich
83
Olympiacos
80
Ajax
73
Juventus
71
United Manchester
68
Zagreb Dinamo
68
Liverpool
67
Anderlecht
64
FCSB
62
Junior Boca
61
Galatasaray
61
Zamalek
58
Sofia CSKA
57
23 Bulgarian CSKA Sofia
There were 57 trophies won.
First on our list is CSKA Sofia, a Bulgarian powerhouse that is perhaps not the first team that comes to mind when you think of football success. However, in their history, they have won an incredible 57 trophies, a record that few in Eastern European circles can match.
Since their founding in 1948, they have firmly controlled domestic football in their country, which has surely impressed both supporters and opponents. The football world will never forget their intense rivalries and memorable games against teams like Levski Sofia, who are referred to as “The Eternal Derby of Bulgaria.”
22 Zamalek, Egypt
There were 58 trophies won.
They are essential to Africa overall as well as to Egyptian football. Their 58-trophy haul has demonstrated their tenacity and reliability. They and Al Ahly’s famous Cairo derby is a footballing extravaganza that never fails to astound. In the past, it has been referred to as “the world’s most violent derby.”
21 Argentina’s Boca Juniors
61 trophies were won.
One of the most well-known clubs in the world, Boca Juniors undoubtedly has a global presence on par with or perhaps more than some of the best teams in Europe. Although it has been a while since someone of that calibre had an influence on the squad, their iconic blue and yellow stripes are well-known throughout the football world, particularly for the exploits of Diego Maradona, who is unquestionably one of the best players of all time.
The Argentine giants continue to establish their dominance in the game overall, having won 61 major awards, the most recent of which was in 2022.
20 Turkey’s Galatasaray
61 trophies were won.
Galatasaray, meantime, is a proud and lofty representation of Turkish football might. Their Turk Telekom Arena is a place that most European opponents fear due to the cauldron of noise it produces; this legend dates back to the early 1990s, when Manchester United made their first visit, complete with a famous Tifo that said, “Welcome to Hell.”
However, the Red Devils are not the only team that has endured the wrath of the outstanding football team over the years. They are tied with Boca and have won 61 trophies, including yet another league title, thanks to the support of their fans and their heroic efforts on the pitch in the club’s iconic red and yellow colours. They will continue to leave a lasting impression on Galatasaray’s history.
19 FCSB (Romania)
62 trophies were won.
For some people, FCSB may not signify anything, but when you mention Steaua Bucharest, everything begins to make much more sense. With 62 trophies, FCSB is unquestionably the best club in Romania. Even though the club is only a century old, it has accomplished more in Europe than clubs in nearby nations could ever hope to. The club is immensely proud of Steaua’s 1986 European Cup victory, also referred to as the “Miracle of 86,” and with good reason. For the following three years, they had one of the longest unbeaten streaks in history.
This team is the epitome of what it means to be an underdog. They are still seen as inferior to the rest of Europe, despite being by far the finest team in their nation. However, after winning the European Cup, their fans would contend otherwise.
Belgium’s Anderlecht (18)
64 trophies were won.
The Belgian powerhouse Anderlecht, who have been competitive for as long as many of us can remember, will be the next team to play. Their consistent success at home is a major factor in why it appeared like they would play Manchester United in the Champions League every year.
They have won 64 trophies since its inception in 1908, which demonstrates their consistency over the years in the Belgian Pro League and various cup competitions in which they are accepted. Anderlecht is the first team that football fans think of when they see the colours purple and white.
Liverpool, England, 17
There were 67 trophies won.
There’s no need to introduce this club. Around the world, Liverpool Football Club is a well-known football team. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is the Reds’ song, and it makes Anfield shout. This song, which was adopted by Gerry and the Pacemakers in the 1960s, crosses boundaries and brings football fans from all over the world together.
With 67 trophies, Liverpool’s history is replete with tales of memorable comebacks, European evenings, and renowned players like Kenny Dalglish and Bill Shankly. Their tale is far from over, even if they won their first league title in thirty years in 2020. The Reds’ most recent triumph was the Carabao Cup, but with new manager Arne Slot in charge, they have a good chance of completing a quadruple and adding four more trophies to their collection, surpassing one of their fiercest rivals in the process.
16 Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb
68 trophies were won.
The next team on the list is Dinamo Zagreb, a Croatian powerhouse and one of the most recognisable names in eastern European football. Although they haven’t had much success in Europe lately, their dominance of Croatian football has made them regulars on the continental scene.
With 68 trophies, Dinamo is tied for major honours with Manchester United, perhaps the biggest club in the world. They are also the only Croatian team to win a continental trophy, albeit during the time that the country was a part of Yugoslavia, having defeated Juventus to win the 1966–67 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and defeat Don Revie’s Leeds United in the final.
15 Manchester United, an English team
68 trophies were won.
Manchester United is the only team that springs to mind when you mention the “Busby Babes,” Old Trafford, or the “Theatre of Dreams” to someone. From the ‘Class of 92’ to the ‘Busby Babes’ Munich plane catastrophe in 1958, their 68 trophies tell a story of legends. The iconic red jersey has been worn by legends including Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona, and the late Sir Bobby Charlton, who died in 2023.
Even if they haven’t been able to replicate the success of the 1990s and 2000s in recent years, the squad is still the most successful in England and, with three Champions League titles under their belt, among the greatest teams to have ever competed in Europe. Most recently, they won the FA Cup again after an unexpected 2-1 victory over their bitter rivals, Manchester City, who are not on this list.
14Juventus (Italy)
Number of trophies won: 71
Without a question, Juventus is the most successful Italian football team in history. Known as ‘La Vecchia Signora’ (The Old Lady), this Turin powerhouse has produced some of the greatest football players in history, from Dino Zoff to Alessandro Del Piero. Together, they have contributed to the creation of moments that collectively tell the story of their 71 championships.
Few teams can take pride in the fact that they were founded by a handful of grammar school students and have grown to become one of the largest in the world of football. An equally thrilling voyage with an intriguing past. even though the Old Lady isn’t quite as strong as they once were.
13Ajax (Netherlands)
Number of trophies won: 73
The story of Ajax, a fantastic football team, can be summed up in one word: invention. From Johan Cruyff to Frenkie de Jong, their academy, De Toekomst, the originator of “Total Football,” has been a talent conveyor belt. Their ideology, which emphasises skill and vision, is reflected in their 73 trophies, which include their European accomplishments.
Even though the Amsterdam-based team had a difficult 2023–24 season, which led to fan unrest, the team has had an incredible 123-year history, winning 36 Eredivisie titles and four Champions League titles, three of which were consecutive. Only Real Madrid has ever been able to match their European record, demonstrating the enormity of their accomplishments. Ajax will likely do much more in the coming future.
12 Greek Olympiacos
Eighty trophies were won.
Similar to Galatasaray, Olympiacos is renowned for having a very intimidating home crowd at their stadium, Karaiskakis Stadium. It is a famous stronghold for the home team, even though it can only accommodate 33,334 spectators. Since its founding in 1925, they have unquestionably dominated Greek football. From iconic players to the current squad, Olympiacos’ incredible team spirit has helped the club win 80 titles.
The heartbeat of innumerable devotees, their red and white stripes are more than just colours. Named the ‘Mother of all Battles’ for good reason, their rivalry with Panathinaikos is undoubtedly one of the fiercest in Europe. This is one of the few games where the animosity is equally as strong in basketball as it is in football. But one advantage they have over their competitors is a place on this list. In 2024, they defeated Fiorentina to win the Europa Conference League, becoming them the first Greek club to ever win a continental competition.
11 Munich, Germany’s Bayern
83 trophies were won.
For many years, German football has been dominated by Bayern Munich, the Bavarian powerhouse. They have demonstrated an efficient and sophisticated style of play from their Allianz Arena, a contemporary coliseum, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and making significant inroads into Europe.
When Bayern fell to third place in Bayer Leverkusen’s “invincible” season in 2023–24, their historic run of 11 straight titles came to an end. However, the fact that Die Bayern’s third-place finish was viewed as a failure speaks volumes about the club’s stature and the enormity of their prior accomplishments. It will be Vincent Kompany’s goal to turn things around and put the Bavarians back at the top of German football.
10 Jordan’s Al-Faisaly
84 trophies were won.
Al-Faisaly is by far the most successful club in Jordan, and their success places them in a separate universe than their regional opponents. They may be a name that many people are unfamiliar with.
Despite less domestic success in recent years, the football team, formerly known as Al-Ashbal Club, has won 21 Jordan FA Cups and 35 league titles in its 91-year history. The team is painfully near to eventually breaking this duck, but they have yet to achieve any victory on the AFC stage. Keep an eye on this area.
Football Club Porto (Portugal)
85 trophies were won.
FC Porto has emerged as Portugal’s footballing lighthouse from the banks of the Douro River. The Estadio do Dragao has seen both legendary European evenings and domestic domination. Their 85-trophy record indicates a club that successfully combines tradition and contemporary aspirations. Players like Deco, Ricardo Carvalho, and, of course, the cult icon Benni McCarthy came from this football team.
Furthermore, the Champions League victory in 2004 marked the remarkable ascent of manager Jose Mourinho, who swiftly joined Chelsea and earned the nickname “Special One.” In their 130-year history, Porto has won 30 Primeira Liga titles, 19 Tacas de Portugal, two European Cups, and two Europa Leagues, despite the fact that they haven’t had any success in Europe since.
8 Lisbon, Portugal
85 trophies were won.
Next up, and ahead of a few colossal teams, is Benfica, another Portuguese powerhouse whose artistic talent has painted Portugal’s football landscape. Amazingly, the two dominant teams in the country are equal for the most trophies with 85. The Estadio da Luz is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and artistically beautiful stadiums in international football, and it has echoed with applause, passion, and even euphoria over the years.
Some of the sport’s greatest stars were born because of the club. The 1965 Ballon d’Or winner, Eusebio, was playing for Benfica when he accomplished this incredible achievement. Throughout the years, the Portuguese team has had players come and depart, including Angel Di Maria, Darwin Nunez, David Luiz, and Nemanja Matic. This demonstrates that Benfica can not only spot talent but also help players become household names. An honourable and deserving addition to our roster.
Seven Barcelona, Spain
98 awards were won.
Barcelona is a philosophy as much as a club. The epicentre of ‘tiki-taka’ football, a poetic, captivating, and distinctively Barcelona style, has been Camp Nou. Their 98-trophy total includes moments that altered football in addition to victories.
Unquestionably, the club’s most prosperous years were in the late 2000s and early 2010s, when Lionel Messi—possibly the best football player of all time—led the team. There is no denying that Cristiano Ronaldo is in the conversation, even though some of his supporters might disagree with the final statement. After going through several transitional eras and continuing to produce world-class teams, Barcelona established an identity that left supporters and competitors in awe for years. They were the best team in the world for a considerable amount of time in the mid-2010s. For players, supporters, and managers alike, this era will always serve as a bright example.
Sixth, Real Madrid, Spain
There were 102 trophies won.
Real Madrid, the Galacticos of football, barely beats their nearest competitors on this ranking. The Santiago Bernabeu is now a site of horrors for rivals and a theatre of dreams for supporters thanks to the club. With an incredible 15 European Cups under their belt, Madrid has won seven more than any other team in the history of the competition (AC Milan has won seven). There is nothing that shouts European victory more than this notorious all-white team.
They have won 20 Copas del Rey (the Spanish FA Cup) and 36 La Liga crowns, if that wasn’t enough to give them a sense of accomplishment. They have the trophy cabinet to match their status as the largest football club in the world with the most worldwide reach. The most recent domestic victory for Los Blancos was when Carlo Ancelotti’s team won La Liga in 2023–2024. Their total later increased to 101 after they managed a 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund in the 2023–24 Champions League final, but their recent Intercontinental Cup triumph has further distanced them from their fiercest competitors.
5Atletico Penarol (Uruguay)
Number of trophies won: 110
One of the longstanding defenders of South American football, Atletico Penarol, narrowly missed the top four. Since its founding in 1891, this club has never been demoted from Uruguay’s top division, which is what makes them so unique and exemplifies their achievement over the years.
It is evidence of durability and constant quality. They are South American mythology, not simply Uruguayan stories, with a total of 110 trophies. This is true even though the nation’s allegiances are divided between Penarol and Nacional, and there is a fierce rivalry known as the Uruguayan “Clasico.”
4 Uruguay’s Club Nacional de Football
116 trophies were won.
Club Nacional has a long and distinguished history that is full with success, honours, and trophies. With 116 championships, the well-known Uruguayan team is legendary in and of itself. With far more trophies won than any other team on the continent, Nacional’s stories of supremacy are South American epics.
In an attempt to boast, they just can’t match their rivals Peranol in terms of total success and individual award collections. Nonetheless, they have won 49 Primera Division titles in their native country during their lengthy and illustrious 125-year history, which is simply incredible to have in your repertory.
Three Rangers from Scotland
There were 118 trophies won.
Rangers, the first of two Scottish powerhouses on this list, have won 55 Scottish first-tier League Championships since 1890, which is slightly less than their city rivals Celtic. It is no surprise that they have achieved such fame when they are able to create such an atmosphere at their home stadium, Ibrox, which is among the most renowned in the British Isles.
But if the outcome of the most recent Scottish League Cup final in December had been different, Glasgow’s blue team would have been the nation’s dominant force.
2Celtic (Scotland)
Number of trophies won: 119
Rather, Celtic emerged victorious, taking home their 119th Cup. This team is more than just a football team; it’s a heritage and a passion. Over the club’s 137-year history, innumerable memories have been made at Celtic Park, also known as Parkhead, which is famous for its boisterous atmosphere. Their trophy collection has grown greatly over the 20th century as a result of their and Rangers’ domination in the Scottish Premiership. However, in a city that is sharply split between green and blue, the green and white hoops represent pride and a long-standing club culture for supporters.
The first British team to win the European Cup was Celtic. When the Hoops played Inter Milan in 1967, Stevie Chalmers’ iconic goal earned them the moniker “Lisbon Lions.” This was the beginning of their success, as the team would go on to win an incredible 54 league titles following their 2023–2024 victory, a total that is probably going to increase in the near future.
1 Egypt’s Al Ahly
There were 123 trophies won.
Lastly, we have the Pharaohs of club football, Al Ahly, who are at the top of our list, which may come as a surprise to some of you. They are more than just Egyptian legends; they are world-renowned, having won 123 prizes and left a history dating back to 1907. Legendary players, memorable games, and events that have influenced football history abound in their histories.
Al Ahly has won 43 Egyptian Premier League championships, 39 Egypt Cups, 12 CAF Champions Leagues, 14 Egyptian Super Cups, 8 CAF Super Cups, and four African Cup Winners’ Cups, to give you an idea of how much they have won throughout the years. In terms of accomplishments, they are basically Real Madrid of Africa and still have a strong hold on Egyptian domestic football.
