Since the 1992/93 season, the UEFA Champions League has been the pinnacle of European club football, featuring the best teams from across the continent. Some clubs have dominated the competition, accumulating the highest number of points over the years. Here’s a countdown of the clubs with the most points in the tournament’s modern era.
20. PSV – 161 Points
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PSV Eindhoven has been a consistent presence in European football, often reaching the group stage and knockout rounds. While they haven’t replicated their 1988 European Cup triumph, they remain a respected force. Their most memorable modern UCL run came in 2004/05, when they reached the semifinals.
19. Valencia – 161 Points
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Valencia twice came agonizingly close to Champions League glory, finishing as runners-up in both 2000 and 2001. Despite not lifting the trophy, their performances in the early 2000s cemented their reputation. Though their UCL presence has declined recently, they remain one of Spain’s historic clubs.
Benfica, one of Portugal’s most successful clubs, has a rich European pedigree dating back to their European Cup victories in the 1960s. While they haven’t won the Champions League in the modern era, they have consistently reached the knockout rounds. Their strong performances reflect their status as a powerhouse in Portuguese football.
Ajax is a club with a legendary history in European football, famously winning the Champions League in 1995. Their philosophy of developing young talent has kept them competitive, even against wealthier clubs. The Dutch side continues to be a dangerous opponent, as seen in their deep run to the semifinals in 2018/19.
16. Lyon – 209 Points
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Lyon dominated French football in the 2000s and regularly competed in the latter stages of the Champions League. Their best performance came in the 2009/10 season when they reached the semifinals. Despite financial constraints compared to Europe’s elite, they remain a competitive force in the tournament.
15. Atlético Madrid – 240 Points
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Under Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid has become a formidable Champions League competitor, reaching the final in 2014 and 2016. Though they fell short on both occasions against Real Madrid, their consistency at the top level is undeniable. Their aggressive playing style and strong defensive structure make them a dangerous team every season.
14. Manchester City – 273 Points
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Manchester City has rapidly risen to prominence in the Champions League over the last decade. Their defining moment came in 2023 when they won the competition for the first time. With Pep Guardiola at the helm, they have established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in European football.
Inter Milan’s crowning Champions League achievement came in 2010 under José Mourinho, completing a historic treble. Despite periods of inconsistency since then, they have returned as a major force in recent years. Their run to the final in 2023 showed they are once again among Europe’s elite.
12. Borussia Dortmund – 288 Points
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Borussia Dortmund won their only Champions League title in 1997 and have remained a consistent presence in the competition. Their attacking style and passionate fanbase make them one of Europe’s most exciting clubs. In 2013, they reached the final but fell short against Bayern Munich.
11. PSG – 284 Points
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Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as a Champions League powerhouse since their Qatari-backed takeover in 2011. Despite assembling star-studded squads, they have struggled to secure the trophy, with their best performance coming in 2020 when they finished as runners-up. They remain one of the favorites every season.
10. Liverpool – 327 Points
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Liverpool is one of the most successful clubs in Champions League history, having won the tournament twice in the modern era, in 2005 and 2019. Their dramatic comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 final remains one of the most iconic moments in football. Under Jürgen Klopp, they have re-established themselves as a European powerhouse.
Arsenal enjoyed a golden era in the Champions League during Arsène Wenger’s tenure, culminating in their 2006 final appearance. Despite never winning the competition, they consistently reached the knockout rounds for nearly two decades. Recent years have seen a decline, but they are now rebuilding under Mikel Arteta.
8. AC Milan – 348 Points
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AC Milan has won the Champions League five times in the modern era, most recently in 2007. Their legendary teams, featuring players like Maldini, Kaka, and Shevchenko, dominated European football. After years of rebuilding, Milan is once again striving to compete at the highest level.
7. FC Porto – 350 Points
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Porto’s greatest Champions League moment came in 2004 when José Mourinho led them to an unexpected title. Despite financial limitations compared to Europe’s biggest clubs, they remain competitive. Their ability to develop top talents and perform well in Europe is remarkable.
6. Chelsea FC – 374 Points
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Chelsea has won the Champions League twice, in 2012 and 2021, cementing their status among Europe’s elite. Their defensive masterclass against Bayern Munich in 2012 and tactical brilliance under Thomas Tuchel in 2021 showcased their adaptability. They continue to be a major force in the competition.
Juventus has been a dominant force in Italian football and regularly reached the latter stages of the Champions League. However, they have suffered heartbreak in multiple finals, losing in 1997, 1998, 2003, 2015, and 2017. Despite their struggles to win the trophy, their consistency in the competition is undeniable.
4. Manchester United – 445 Points
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Manchester United enjoyed their greatest Champions League success under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning in 1999 and 2008. The 1999 treble-winning season, capped by two last-minute goals against Bayern Munich in the final, remains legendary. While they have struggled in recent years, their history in the tournament is rich.
3. Barcelona – 597 Points
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Barcelona’s Champions League dominance peaked in the late 2000s and early 2010s, winning the trophy in 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015. Led by Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, they revolutionized football with their tiki-taka style. Their performances during this era remain some of the greatest in UCL history.
2. Bayern Munich – 602 Points
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Bayern Munich has been a dominant force in the Champions League, winning the competition in 2001, 2013, and 2020. Their ability to rebuild and remain competitive across decades is unmatched. With a blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent, they are always a title contender.
Real Madrid is the undisputed king of the Champions League, winning the tournament a record 14 times, including five titles in just nine years between 2014 and 2022. Their success is built on a winning mentality, legendary players, and a deep connection with the competition. No club has been more dominant in Europe’s biggest stage.
