The 30 Best Football Teams in the World in 2025 – Ranked by Opta
Opta’s updated Power Rankings have revealed the 30 strongest football clubs in the world as of May 30, 2025. Based on Elo algorithm ratings analyzing over 2.5 million matches, the list spans a global spectrum of performance, prestige, and momentum. Let’s count down from 30 to 1, highlighting each club’s recent form and position in the modern footballing hierarchy.
30. Everton (91.1)
Everton’s transformation under new leadership saw them comfortably survive Premier League relegation fears. A mid-table finish marked a significant recovery after a turbulent first half of the season under Sean Dyche.
29. Club Brugge (91.2)
Belgium’s top club continues to dominate domestically but couldn’t break through in Europe. Their high rating reflects strong league performances despite international setbacks.
28. Manchester United (91.3)
A season to forget for the Red Devils sees them fall behind Europe’s elite. Their absence from Champions League success significantly dents their global reputation.
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27. PSV Eindhoven (91.3)
PSV bounced back late in the season to claim the Eredivisie title. Their domestic dominance returned after a shaky start to the campaign.
26. AC Milan (91.5)
Once the pride of Italy, Milan’s mid-table finish and lack of European firepower have dragged them down the list. Their legacy still holds weight, but recent form doesn’t support a higher ranking.
25. Benfica (91.7)
Benfica narrowly missed out on the Portuguese title, falling behind rivals Sporting CP. Their European campaign lacked impact, which cost them dearly in the rankings.
24. Sporting CP (91.8)
Despite some inconsistency, Sporting CP edged out Benfica to reclaim domestic supremacy. The Lisbon-based club remains a strong force in Portugal, though continental struggles persist.
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23. Nottingham Forest (91.8)
One of the season’s surprise packages, Forest qualified for Europe after a stunning turnaround. Nuno Espírito Santo’s leadership revitalized a squad that had battled relegation just a year earlier.
22. Brentford (91.8)
Thomas Frank’s side continues to impress with disciplined performances and tactical flexibility. Brentford flirted with European qualification again but just fell short.
21. Juventus (92.0)
The once-dominant Old Lady has lost her edge in Italy and Europe. A fourth-place Serie A finish and disappointing Champions League outing reflect their recent decline.
20. Bournemouth (92.2)
After a promising start to the campaign, Bournemouth hit a rough patch that saw them slide down the table. Still, their overall progress earns them a spot among the world’s top 20.
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19. AS Roma (92.3)
Jose Mourinho’s former side struggled with consistency but held their own in Serie A. They narrowly missed out on Champions League football, impacting their ranking.
18. Atalanta (92.9)
A thrilling Europa League triumph and third-place league finish made Atalanta one of Italy’s best stories. Their high-energy style and attacking flair earned them widespread praise.
17. Bayer Leverkusen (93.0)
Despite losing their unbeaten streak in the Europa League final, Leverkusen remain a top European outfit. Their remarkable consistency under Xabi Alonso kept them in the spotlight.
16. Napoli (93.1)
Napoli reclaimed the Serie A title with key performances from new signings like Scott McTominay. Their lack of European participation, however, held back their ranking.
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15. Borussia Dortmund (93.1)
The German giants just secured a top-four Bundesliga finish but fell short in Europe. Still, their squad depth and competitiveness kept them among the elite.
14. Atletico Madrid (93.5)
Diego Simeone’s men were tough to beat domestically, securing third in La Liga. But early exits from European tournaments hurt their position.
13. Brighton (93.6)
Brighton continue to impress under young manager Fabian Hürzeler. They narrowly missed out on Europe but played bold, attractive football throughout.
12. Crystal Palace (94.3)
Palace shocked the world by winning the FA Cup, their first major trophy. That historic success, paired with strong league form, launched them into the top 15.
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11. Newcastle United (95.4)
With a Carabao Cup win and improved consistency, Newcastle made their presence felt. Their first major trophy in decades signals their rise under Eddie Howe.
10. Aston Villa (95.4)
Unai Emery’s leadership has transformed Villa into a Champions League-level side. Their impressive Premier League campaign cemented their top-10 status.
9. Chelsea (96.0)
Chelsea bounced back under Enzo Maresca, winning the Europa Conference League. A strong finish and Champions League qualification hint at long-term stability.
8. Real Madrid (96.4)
Despite having stars like Mbappé and Bellingham, Real struggled with cohesion. A disappointing season domestically and in Europe sees them fall out of the top five.
7. Bayern Munich (97.2)
Bayern reclaimed the Bundesliga under Vincent Kompany but faltered in Europe. Harry Kane’s influence was key, but expectations remain higher in Munich.
6. Inter Milan (97.5)
Back-to-back strong campaigns culminated in a Champions League final berth. Lautaro Martinez led a resurgent Inter to another Scudetto and continental relevance.
5. Barcelona (98.0)
Financial limitations didn’t stop Barça from reclaiming La Liga. Hansi Flick’s structured system and Yamal’s brilliance kept them among the best.
4. Paris Saint-Germain (98.3)
PSG adjusted swiftly to life without Mbappé, storming to another Ligue 1 title. Their presence in the Champions League final under Luis Enrique boosted their score.
3. Manchester City (98.6)
A rare slump from Pep Guardiola’s side saw their European dominance slip. But they remain an elite force, thanks to consistent domestic excellence.
2. Arsenal (99.5)
Despite falling short in both league and Europe, Arsenal’s rise under Mikel Arteta continues. Their tactical cohesion and youth-driven squad make them a formidable opponent.
1. Liverpool (100.0)
Arne Slot took over from Klopp and led Liverpool to the Premier League title with four games to spare. Their form, cohesion, and dominance earn them the top spot in world football.
