The 10 Greatest Soccer Clubs in History – Ranked

July 13, 2025 Oliver Obel

When it comes to defining the elite in world football, the conversation begins with legacy, trophies, and cultural impact. Here’s a ranked look at the 10 greatest clubs in the sport’s history, beginning with the last and building up to the undisputed number one.

10. Palmeiras

Palmeiras proudly leads Brazilian football in league titles with 12 Série A championships, alongside 3 Copa Libertadores trophies. With youth stars like Endrick and Estevão emerging, the club continues to influence world football and produce world-class talent.

9. Boca Juniors

Boca Juniors boasts a staggering 52 domestic trophies and six Copa Libertadores titles, second-most in South America. The club also propelled Diego Maradona into international stardom, edging out arch-rivals River Plate for a place among the elite.

8. Ajax

Johan Cruyff — By Bart Molendijk / Anefo - http://proxy.handle.net/10648/ad65c59c-d0b4-102d-bcf8-003048976d84, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73186697

Ajax revolutionized football through their “Total Football” philosophy, made famous under Rinus Michels in the 1970s. Their famed academy has produced icons like Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, and Wesley Sneijder, shaping the future of the sport.

7. AC Milan

AC Milan's seven European Cup wins and 19 Serie A titles testify to a club steeped in continental and domestic excellence. With legendary defenders like Paolo Maldini and a string of Ballon d’Or winners, Milan has left an indelible mark on football history.

6. Manchester United

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United dominated the 1990s and early 2000s with 13 league titles and a historic treble in 1999. The club's heritage includes football giants such as George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

5. Liverpool

Liverpool ruled English and European football in the 1970s and 1980s and re-emerged as a powerhouse under Jürgen Klopp. With six European Cups and 20 league titles, the club’s anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” captures their enduring spirit.

4. Juventus

Juventus lifting a trophy — Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

Juventus stands atop Italian football with 36 Serie A titles and 15 Coppa Italia wins, despite the setbacks of the Calciopoli scandal. Legendary figures like Del Piero, Buffon, and Platini have helped shape the Old Lady’s global identity.

3. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich Celebrating Victory — MDI / Shutterstock.com

Bayern Munich’s staggering 33 Bundesliga titles and six European Cups place them among football’s most successful clubs. Their near-total domestic dominance is reinforced by icons such as Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, and Manuel Neuer.

2. Barcelona

Barcelona combines breathtaking football with a world-class academy, producing stars like Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta. With five European Cups, 28 league titles, and a rich identity shaped by La Masia, they are the model of sustained brilliance.

1. Real Madrid

Real Madrid 23/24 — ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Real Madrid reigns supreme with a record 15 European Cups and 36 La Liga titles, the true standard of greatness. Fueled by Galácticos and legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Alfredo Di Stéfano, Los Blancos have defined dominance on and off the pitch.