Clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich dominate the headlines year after year, collecting trophies and writing new chapters in their storied histories. But not every football institution has enjoyed such glory.
Some clubs—despite long traditions, massive fanbases, and occasional brushes with success—are still waiting for that elusive first major trophy. Whether it’s bad luck, tough competition, or moments of heartbreak, these teams continue to chase a dream that has remained just out of reach.
We’ve taken a closer look at 14 of the biggest clubs in the world that, are still searching for their first major piece of silverware.
London’s oldest professional football club, Fulham, was founded in 1879 but is still waiting for its first major title. Despite a long and storied history, the Cottagers have only come close—reaching the FA Cup final in 1975 and the UEFA Europa League final in 2010. While they’ve been competitive in spells, a major trophy continues to elude them.
Established as early as 1861, Crystal Palace is one of English football’s most historic names. The club came agonizingly close to FA Cup glory in 1990 and 2016, losing both finals. Though now a Premier League regular, Palace has never broken into the top six nor secured silverware.
Brighton & Hove Albion
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Brighton has grown into a respected Premier League side in recent years, especially under manager Roberto De Zerbi. They famously reached the FA Cup final in 1983 and finished sixth in the Premier League in 2023, earning their first-ever European campaign. But the club still waits for a major trophy to crown their progress.
Union Berlin
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Union Berlin’s rise has been one of German football’s best stories. After decades in the shadows, they finally reached the Bundesliga in 2019 and qualified for the Champions League just four years later. Yet, their only significant final came in the DFB-Pokal in 2001, and they’ve never claimed top honors.
Watford
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Watford has flirted with major success, most notably reaching the FA Cup final in 1984 and again in 2019. The club also finished second in the English top flight in 1983 but has never managed to lift a major trophy. In recent years, they’ve bounced between the Premier League and Championship without breaking through.
Freiburg is known for stability, strong development, and long-serving managers, but not for winning trophies. Their best shot came in 2022, when they lost the German Cup final to RB Leipzig. Despite consistent Bundesliga performances, silverware has remained just out of reach.
CD Leganés
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Leganés made headlines when they knocked out Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey in 2018, reaching the semifinals. Promoted to La Liga for the first time in 2016, the Madrid-based club has never come close to a trophy. They currently play in Spain’s second tier, still chasing glory.
CD Maldonado
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A lesser-known name internationally, Deportivo Maldonado has built a reputation in South America by developing players who go on to bigger clubs. Founded in 1928, the Uruguayan club has never won the domestic league or cup. Their best league finish was third place in 2022.
AFC Wimbledon
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Created by fans in 2002 after the controversial relocation of Wimbledon FC, AFC Wimbledon’s rise through the English league system is remarkable. They reached the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2019 but have yet to challenge for major trophies. Their story is one of resilience rather than titles.
Krasnodar is the youngest club on this list, founded in 2008, but already has European pedigree. They reached the Russian Cup final twice and participated in the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2020/21. However, the club has never lifted a single title at any level.
FC Augsburg
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Augsburg has been a stable presence in the Bundesliga since 2011 but has not turned consistency into silverware. Their best league finish was fifth in 2015, which led to a brief Europa League run. A major trophy has always been out of reach.
Celta de Vigo
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Despite multiple Copa del Rey final appearances and a UEFA Europa League semifinal in 2017, Celta de Vigo has never managed to seal the deal. Founded in 1923, the club has a passionate fanbase and a long La Liga history—but no major titles to show for it.
SC Heerenveen
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Heerenveen has been a familiar name in Dutch football for decades, even competing in the Champions League in 2000. They’ve reached multiple domestic cup finals but always fallen short. Their reputation is strong, but a major trophy still eludes them.
A beloved underdog from Madrid, Rayo Vallecano has never won a major trophy despite some impressive performances. They made the Copa del Rey semifinals in 2022 and reached the UEFA Cup quarterfinals in 2001. Still, they remain in search of that elusive first title.
