The 30 Best Football Teams in the World Right Now, Ranked by Opta
Opta has released its latest global Power Rankings, evaluating over 2.5 million matches to determine the strongest football clubs on the planet. Factoring in league strength, international competition, and overall team performance, this list gives us a definitive look at who’s dominating world football in 2025. Starting from 30th, here’s the full countdown.
#30 AC Milan – Rating: 89.6
Massimiliano Allegri’s return has breathed life into AC Milan, though they’re still a long way from their historic peak. A promising start to the season hints at a potential climb, but they remain just inside the top 30.
#29 Fulham – Rating: 89.7
Perennial Premier League mid-tablers Fulham continue to surprise, thanks to steady performances and a developing squad. While not title contenders, they’ve earned their spot with consistent top-flight form.
#28 Everton – Rating: 89.8
With a fresh start at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and Jack Grealish joining the ranks, Everton are rebuilding. David Moyes’ return has helped them bounce back from difficult years and re-enter the elite list.
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#27 Juventus – Rating: 89.8
Juve are still in transition and have yet to regain their former dominance in Serie A or Europe. Their placement reflects potential more than recent success.
#26 Manchester United – Rating: 89.9
A dismal 2024/25 season saw United knocked out of the Europa League final by Spurs and dumped from the EFL Cup by Grimsby. Their poor form drags them down to a lowly 26th.
#25 Club Brugge – Rating: 90.0
Belgium’s strongest side in recent seasons, Club Brugge have maintained a high domestic standard. Their European results have been mixed, but they remain a respected club across the continent.
#24 Bayer Leverkusen – Rating: 90.2
Once one of Europe’s most exciting sides under Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen have slumped since sacking Erik ten Hag. They’re clinging to a top-25 spot as they attempt to rebuild.
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#23 Sporting CP – Rating: 90.4
Despite losing their manager to United, Sporting CP went on to win the Primeira Liga under Rui Borges. With Viktor Gyokeres gone, though, they may struggle to stay this high.
#22 AS Roma – Rating: 90.4
Roma have started the season well under fresh leadership but haven't cracked the top 20. Still, they remain a competitive side with upward momentum.
#21 Atletico Madrid – Rating: 91.5
Diego Simeone’s men are showing signs of decline, dropping just outside the top 20. Though still dangerous, they now trail clubs like Bournemouth in the rankings.
#20 Atalanta – Rating: 90.5
Unbeaten in Serie A so far, Atalanta were humbled 4-0 in the Champions League by the reigning champions. Their form is mixed, but they're still a formidable Italian side.
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#19 Benfica – Rating: 90.6
Jose Mourinho has taken charge at Portugal’s biggest club, who narrowly missed out on the title last term. Expectations are rising as they push to become European contenders again.
#18 Union Saint-Gilloise – Rating: 90.7
Belgium’s underdog heroes continue to punch above their weight. With tactical sharpness and grit, they’ve climbed into the global top 20.
#17 Bournemouth – Rating: 91.2
Once relegation battlers, Bournemouth have evolved under Andoni Iraola into a serious Premier League force. A ninth-place finish last season has earned them international recognition.
#16 Borussia Dortmund – Rating: 91.4
Unbeaten in their first five Bundesliga matches, Dortmund are showing early promise. With Jobe Bellingham in midfield, hopes are high for a deeper European run this time.
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#15 Brighton & Hove Albion – Rating: 91.5
Fabian Hurzeler’s youth and fearless style have kept Brighton competing near the top. They narrowly missed out on European qualification, but the project remains on track.
#14 Tottenham Hotspur – Rating: 91.5
Spurs ended their trophy drought by beating Man United in the Europa League final. With Thomas Frank now at the helm, they’ve made a strong start to the new campaign.
#13 Napoli – Rating: 91.6
Led by Antonio Conte and bolstered by Scott McTominay, Napoli stormed to the Serie A title. The addition of Kevin De Bruyne could make them even more dangerous.
#12 Aston Villa – Rating: 92.5
Unai Emery’s men have gone from mid-table hopefuls to European regulars. Though they just missed the top 10, Villa are a serious force under the experienced Spaniard.
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#11 Inter Milan – Rating: 93.0
Two consecutive Champions League final defeats and losing their domestic crown to Napoli have stalled Inter’s rise. Still, they remain among Europe’s best.
#10 Newcastle United – Rating: 93.1
A Carabao Cup win over Liverpool ended decades of heartbreak for Newcastle. Their fifth-place Premier League finish secures Champions League football and a place among the global elite.
#9 Crystal Palace – Rating: 93.5
FA Cup glory and an 18-match unbeaten run have made Oliver Glasner’s side one of the surprise packages in Europe. They even handed Liverpool their first defeat of the league season.
#8 Chelsea – Rating: 94.2
Enzo Maresca has finally brought direction to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea winning the Conference League and the reimagined Club World Cup. They’re back on the rise.
#7 Real Madrid – Rating: 94.6
Despite having stars like Bellingham and Mbappe, Real Madrid struggled to click last season. With inconsistent form under Xabi Alonso, they remain contenders but not dominators.
#6 Bayern Munich – Rating: 96.1
Vincent Kompany has restored order in Bavaria, with Harry Kane smashing records and the team reclaiming the Bundesliga. They look like Germany’s top dogs once again.
#5 Manchester City – Rating: 96.7
No trophies for the first time since 2016, and a worrying seven-game winless run. Guardiola’s City are still elite but vulnerable for the first time in years.
#4 Barcelona – Rating: 97.6
Hansi Flick has turned around Barca’s fortunes, with limited resources and immense youth talent. Lamine Yamal is becoming the face of the club’s revival.
#3 Paris Saint-Germain – Rating: 98.3
A historic treble, including their first Champions League, puts PSG among the all-time greats. Even without Mbappe, they’re a frightening proposition under Luis Enrique.
#2 Arsenal – Rating: 98.7
Arteta’s side fell just short of silverware but showed the consistency and tactical discipline of a world-class team. Their time may yet come, but they’re already second-best.
#1 Liverpool – Rating: 100.0
With a perfect rating, Liverpool have reclaimed their place at the pinnacle of football. Arne Slot’s smooth takeover from Klopp has delivered instant results, making them the best team on the planet today.
