The 50 Biggest Clubs in Europe – Ranked

When it comes to defining the biggest clubs in Europe, there are many ways to measure greatness – fan base size, global popularity, financial power, or legendary players. But in the end, nothing speaks louder than winning trophies on the pitch. European competition is the ultimate proving ground where the best clubs from across the continent battle for glory, and lifting silverware is what cements a team’s place in football history.

In this ranking, we measure greatness purely by major European trophies won – counting the Champions League (and its predecessor, the European Cup), the Europa League (or UEFA Cup), the now-defunct Cup Winners' Cup, and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. These are the competitions that have defined eras, created dynasties, and delivered unforgettable moments to fans worldwide.

From underdog triumphs to unstoppable dynasties, this list showcases the clubs that have written their names into the history books. Starting from the teams with a single European trophy and climbing all the way to the undisputed kings of the continent, here are the 50 biggest clubs in Europe, ranked by trophies won.

50. Sampdoria

The Italian side may not have the trophy cabinet of the giants, but they secured a prestigious Cup Winners' Cup title in 1990. That victory remains the club’s biggest European achievement and a proud part of their history.

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49. Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen lifted the Cup Winners' Cup in 1992, a highlight of their golden era. The club has remained a respected name in German football thanks to consistent domestic performances and that one big European triumph.

48. Lazio

Lazio's shining moment in Europe came in 1999 when they claimed the Cup Winners' Cup. The triumph capped off a brilliant period for the club, which also included domestic success.

47. Ipswich Town

Ipswich are one of England's surprise European winners, lifting the UEFA Cup in 1981. That victory remains the peak of the club’s success and a major source of pride for their supporters.

46. Bayer Leverkusen

Known for their near-misses, Leverkusen have one European trophy to their name – the UEFA Cup in 1988. They have also been runners-up in the Champions League, showing their enduring competitiveness.

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45. Napoli

Napoli's European highlight came in 1989 when they won the UEFA Cup, led by the legendary Diego Maradona. That triumph cemented their status as a force in Italian football.

44. Schalke 04

The German club’s proudest European moment came in 1997 with their UEFA Cup win. Known for passionate supporters, Schalke’s European pedigree remains a point of pride.

43. Galatasaray

Galatasaray made history by becoming the first Turkish club to win a major European trophy, lifting the UEFA Cup in 2000. They followed it up by beating Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, solidifying their place among Europe’s elites.

42. CSKA Moscow

CSKA made history as the first Russian club to win a major European trophy, taking home the UEFA Cup in 2005. Their victory marked a significant moment for Russian football on the continental stage.

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41. Zenit St. Petersburg

Zenit captured the UEFA Cup in 2008, defeating Rangers in the final. They also went on to win the UEFA Super Cup, making it a memorable year for the club.

40. Shakhtar Donetsk

Shakhtar are one of Eastern Europe’s most successful clubs, famously winning the UEFA Cup in 2009. They have since become regulars in the Champions League knockout rounds.

39. Villarreal

The Spanish side lifted their first major European trophy by winning the Europa League in 2021. Their victory over Manchester United on penalties was one of the club’s greatest nights.

38. Atalanta

Atalanta made history by winning the Europa League in 2024, their first major European trophy. Known for their attacking football, they have become one of Italy’s most exciting clubs.

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37. Celtic

Celtic made history as the first British club to win the European Cup, triumphing in 1967 with the famous "Lisbon Lions." Their victory remains one of the most celebrated moments in Scottish football.

36. Aston Villa

Villa’s proudest European moment came in 1982 when they lifted the European Cup. The triumph remains the club’s crowning achievement on the continental stage.

35. FCSB

Formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, FCSB became the first Eastern European club to win the European Cup, achieving the feat in 1986. Their victory over Barcelona remains legendary.

34. Red Star Belgrade

Red Star won the European Cup in 1991, beating Marseille in the final. They remain Serbia’s most successful club on the European stage.

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33. Olympique Marseille

Marseille hold the distinction of being the only French club to have won the Champions League, triumphing in 1993. Their success remains a source of immense pride for the city.

32. Leeds United

Leeds may not have a Champions League title, but they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup twice. Their European glory came during the club’s dominant spell in the late 1960s and early 70s.

31. Dynamo Kyiv

Dynamo Kyiv won the Cup Winners' Cup twice, in 1975 and 1986. They are one of Eastern Europe’s most storied clubs and have produced countless legendary players.

30. Arsenal

Arsenal’s only European trophies came in the form of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1994 and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970. They have often come close in the Champions League but are still chasing that elusive crown.

29. Real Zaragoza

Real Zaragoza have two European trophies: the Cup Winners' Cup in 1995 and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1964. These triumphs remain the peak of the club’s history.

28. Borussia Mönchengladbach

Gladbach won the UEFA Cup twice, in 1975 and 1979, during their golden era. They also reached a European Cup final, cementing their status as a powerhouse in the 70s.

27. IFK Göteborg

The Swedish side claimed the UEFA Cup twice, in 1982 and 1987. They remain the most successful Scandinavian club in European competition.

26. Eintracht Frankfurt

Frankfurt have two UEFA Cup titles, including their dramatic triumph in 2022. Their passionate fan base has made their European runs unforgettable.

25. Hamburger SV

Hamburg’s crowning achievement came in 1983 when they won the European Cup. They also claimed the Cup Winners' Cup in 1977, making them one of Germany’s most successful clubs.

24. Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund won the Champions League in 1997 and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1966. Known for their yellow wall of fans, they remain a force in Europe.

23. Manchester City

City have recently entered Europe’s elite by winning the Champions League in 2023. They also lifted the Cup Winners' Cup in 1970, making for two continental triumphs.

22. Paris Saint-Germain

PSG’s only European successes are the Cup Winners' Cup in 1996 and multiple deep Champions League runs. They remain desperate to add the UCL to their collection again.

21. PSV Eindhoven

PSV won the European Cup in 1988 and the UEFA Cup in 1978. The Dutch club remains a consistent presence in Europe.

20. Benfica

Benfica were back-to-back European Cup winners in 1961 and 1962, during the era of Eusébio. They have since been runners-up several times but remain one of Portugal’s giants.

19. Nottingham Forest

Forest famously won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980 under Brian Clough. This remains one of the most incredible underdog stories in football history.

18. RSC Anderlecht

Anderlecht have three European trophies: two Cup Winners' Cups and a UEFA Cup. They are Belgium’s most successful club in Europe.

17. Parma

Parma’s golden era saw them win two UEFA Cups and a Cup Winners' Cup in the 1990s. Though no longer a European powerhouse, that period remains iconic.

16. Feyenoord

Feyenoord have three European trophies, including the European Cup in 1970. They are one of only three Dutch clubs to have been crowned European champions.

15. Valencia

Valencia have four European titles, including two Fairs Cups and a Cup Winners' Cup. They also reached back-to-back Champions League finals in the early 2000s.

14. Atlético Madrid

Atlético have won the Europa League three times and a Cup Winners' Cup. Despite losing three Champions League finals, they remain one of Spain’s most consistent European contenders.

13. Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs have three UEFA Cup wins and a Cup Winners' Cup, making them one of England’s most decorated clubs in Europe. Their attacking style has given them some memorable European nights.

12. FC Porto

Porto have won two Champions League titles and two UEFA Cups. Their famous 2004 triumph under José Mourinho remains a defining moment in modern football.

11. Manchester United

United have three Champions League titles, one UEFA Cup, and a Cup Winners' Cup. The club’s European history includes the emotional 1968 triumph and the dramatic 1999 treble.

10. Chelsea

Chelsea have a rare European treble: two Champions League titles, two Europa League titles, and two Cup Winners' Cups. They are one of the most successful English clubs on the continent.

9. Juventus

Juve have two Champions League titles, three UEFA Cups, and a Cup Winners' Cup. Despite multiple lost finals, their consistency in Europe is unmatched.

8. Inter Milan

Inter have three Champions League titles and three UEFA Cups. They remain one of Italy’s most storied and successful clubs internationally.

7. Ajax

Ajax boast four European Cups, a UEFA Cup, and a Cup Winners' Cup. Their golden era in the 70s saw them revolutionize football with "Total Football."

6. Sevilla

Sevilla are kings of the Europa League, winning the competition a record seven times. Their dominance in Europe’s second competition is unmatched.

5. Bayern Munich

Bayern have six Champions League titles, one UEFA Cup, and a Cup Winners' Cup. They are one of Europe’s most consistent powerhouses.

4. Liverpool

Liverpool have six European Cups and three UEFA Cups, making them England’s most successful club in Europe. Their dramatic Istanbul comeback in 2005 is legendary.

3. AC Milan

Milan have seven European Cups and two Cup Winners' Cups. They remain Italy’s most successful club in Europe and a symbol of continental glory.

2. FC Barcelona

Barcelona have five Champions League titles, four Cup Winners' Cups, and three Fairs Cups. Their tiki-taka era brought them unprecedented European dominance.

1. Real Madrid

Real Madrid stand alone at the top with a staggering 15 European Cups. They are the kings of Europe, with a legacy built on dominance, drama, and iconic players.