English football is home to some of the most successful and historic clubs in the world, with teams competing across domestic and European competitions for glory. While modern football is often dominated by financial powerhouses, success is ultimately measured by the number of major trophies a club has won.
In this ranking, we take a look at the most successful clubs in English football history, based on major trophies won. The competitions considered in this list include the First Division/Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, European Cup/Champions League, UEFA Cup/Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup, and UEFA Conference League. These tournaments represent the pinnacle of club football, and the clubs featured here have solidified their place in history through decades of triumphs.
From legendary teams that dominated in the early days of English football to modern powerhouses that continue to add silverware to their collections, these are the 15 English clubs with the most major trophies.
West Bromwich Albion has a proud history, having won the First Division once in 1919-20 and lifting the FA Cup five times. Their most recent major triumph came in 1966 when they secured the League Cup. Though they have spent recent years fluctuating between the Premier League and the Championship, their legacy remains intact.
Sheffield Wednesday was one of England’s dominant teams in the early 20th century, winning four First Division titles and three FA Cups. Their last major trophy came in 1991 when they won the League Cup. The Owls continue to have a strong following despite spending time outside the top flight in recent years.
Sunderland – 8 trophies
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Sunderland has a rich history, particularly in the early years of English football. They have won six First Division titles, with their last coming in 1936. The club’s most famous triumph in modern history was their FA Cup win in 1973, when they shocked Leeds United in the final.
Wolverhampton Wanderers – 9 trophies
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Wolves were a dominant force in English football during the 1950s, winning three league titles in that decade. They have also claimed four FA Cups and two League Cups. More recently, Wolves have re-established themselves in the Premier League and continue to compete for European qualification.
Nottingham Forest – 9 trophies
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Nottingham Forest is unique on this list, as they have more European Cups (2) than English league titles (1). Under legendary manager Brian Clough, Forest won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980. Their last major domestic trophy came in 1990 when they lifted the League Cup.
Newcastle United has a passionate fan base and a rich history, though their last major domestic trophy came in 1955 when they won the FA Cup. The Magpies have won four First Division titles and six FA Cups. With recent financial backing, they are aiming to add more silverware in the coming years.
Blackburn Rovers – 10 trophies
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Blackburn Rovers’ most famous triumph in modern history was their Premier League title in 1994-95 under Kenny Dalglish. They have also won six FA Cups and one League Cup. Though they currently play outside the top flight, their history remains an important part of English football.
Everton – 15 trophies
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Everton has a proud history, having won the First Division nine times, with their last league title coming in 1987. They have also won five FA Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup. The Toffees have struggled in recent years but remain one of England’s most historic clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur – 17 trophies
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Tottenham became the first English club to win a European trophy when they claimed the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963. They have won two First Division titles, eight FA Cups, and four League Cups. Despite their recent reputation for near misses, Spurs remain one of England’s biggest clubs.
Aston Villa is one of England’s oldest and most successful clubs. They won the European Cup in 1982, adding to their seven league titles and seven FA Cups. Villa has enjoyed a resurgence in recent seasons and is once again competing in European competitions.
Chelsea – 25 trophies
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Chelsea has been one of England’s most dominant teams in the modern era, winning five Premier League titles since 2005. They have also won two Champions League titles, with their most recent triumph in 2021. The club continues to be a powerhouse in both domestic and European football.
Manchester City – 27 trophies
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Manchester City has established itself as the dominant force in English football over the past decade, winning six Premier League titles since 2012. They won their first-ever Champions League trophy in 2023, completing a historic treble. With Pep Guardiola at the helm, they remain a formidable force.
Arsenal – 30 trophies
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Arsenal has a rich history, having won 13 league titles and a record 14 FA Cups. Arsène Wenger’s “Invincibles” team of 2003-04 remains legendary for going an entire Premier League season unbeaten. While they haven’t won the league since 2004, they remain one of England’s biggest clubs.
Manchester United was the dominant force in English football under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies. They have a record 20 English league titles overall and remain one of the biggest clubs in world football, despite recent struggles.
Liverpool – 46 trophies
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Liverpool holds the record for the most major trophies in English football history. They have won 19 league titles and are England’s most successful club in European competition, with six Champions League trophies. Under Jürgen Klopp, they won the Premier League in 2020, cementing their place as one of football’s greatest institutions.
