Shocking Champions and Dominant Dynasties: The Last 5 Years of Europe’s Top Leagues
Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph and Sporting CP’s resurgence in Portugal have been among the biggest surprises in European football over the past five years. While some leagues continue to be dominated by familiar giants, others have seen unexpected champions emerge, breaking long-standing streaks and defying expectations.
We have taken a closer look at the winners of Europe’s top leagues over the last five seasons, highlighting their achievements and the shifting dynamics in each competition.
Liga Portugal
Liga Portugal is dominated by FC Porto, Benfica, and Sporting CP, producing top talents for Europe’s biggest clubs. Despite its smaller market, the league remains fiercely competitive.
2019/20: FC Porto
FC Porto secured the title with a strong defensive setup and clinical finishing. They outpaced Benfica in a tight title race.
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2020/21: Sporting CP
Sporting CP ended a 19-year title drought with a well-organized squad. Rúben Amorim’s tactical brilliance guided them to glory.
2021/22: FC Porto
Porto reclaimed the title with an efficient, attacking style. They dominated the league and finished ahead of Sporting CP.
2022/23: Benfica
Benfica returned to the top, driven by a balanced squad and attacking firepower. Their consistency proved decisive in the title race.
2023/24: Sporting CP
Sporting CP lifted the trophy again, showing tactical discipline and resilience. Their defense played a key role in their success.
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Serie A
Serie A is known for its tactical battles and historic clubs like Juventus, Milan, and Inter. Italian football continues to blend experience with emerging talent.
2019/20: Juventus
Juventus secured their ninth consecutive title, led by Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring exploits. Maurizio Sarri’s side dominated Italy once again.
2020/21: Inter
Inter ended Juventus’ dominance with a title-winning campaign under Antonio Conte. A strong defense and lethal attack secured the Scudetto.
2021/22: AC Milan
AC Milan returned to the top after 11 years, with a young, energetic squad. Stefano Pioli’s side played aggressive, high-pressing football.
2022/23: Napoli
Napoli stormed to the title with an attacking masterclass. Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were instrumental in their success.
2023/24: Inter
Inter reclaimed the title with a solid all-round team. Their consistency and defensive discipline helped them outlast their rivals.
LaLiga
LaLiga is home to football giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, known for its technical play and star-studded squads. Atlético Madrid remains a strong competitor.
2019/20: Real Madrid
Real Madrid won the league with a rock-solid defense. Zinedine Zidane’s tactical setup proved crucial in their success.
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2020/21: Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid claimed the title with a resilient squad. Diego Simeone’s defensive tactics and counter-attacks secured the championship.
2021/22: Real Madrid
Real Madrid lifted the trophy again, spearheaded by Karim Benzema’s goals. Their midfield dominance helped them control the league.
2022/23: FC Barcelona
Barcelona returned to the top with a young, revitalized team. Xavi’s influence and defensive improvements were key to their success.
2023/24: Real Madrid
Real Madrid clinched another title, showing consistency and attacking brilliance. Their squad depth proved decisive in a long season.
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Ligue 1
Ligue 1 is dominated by Paris Saint-Germain, with occasional challenges from Monaco, Lille, and Marseille. The league continues to develop top young talent.
2019/20: Paris Saint-Germain
PSG comfortably won the title with Neymar and Mbappé leading the attack. Their superiority in France remained unquestioned.
2020/21: Lille
Lille shocked PSG to win the title with a disciplined defense. Burak Yılmaz and Jonathan David played crucial roles in their success.
2021/22: Paris Saint-Germain
PSG reclaimed the trophy with a star-studded squad. Messi’s arrival strengthened an already dominant team.
2022/23: Paris Saint-Germain
PSG continued their dominance with another title. Kylian Mbappé was the driving force behind their attacking power.
2023/24: Paris Saint-Germain
PSG once again finished top, overpowering their competition. Their squad depth and attacking firepower made the difference.
Bundesliga
Bundesliga is known for its high-scoring matches and Bayern München’s dominance. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig provide strong competition.
2019/20: Bayern München
Bayern München dominated the league, led by Robert Lewandowski’s goals. Hansi Flick’s side played attacking, pressing football.
2020/21: Bayern München
Bayern continued their streak with another title. Their experience and squad depth proved too strong for challengers.
2021/22: Bayern München
Bayern once again won the league, displaying attacking brilliance. Lewandowski’s record-breaking season was the highlight.
2022/23: Bayern München
Bayern edged past Borussia Dortmund in a dramatic season finale. Their consistency helped them secure another championship.
2023/24: Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen broke Bayern’s streak with a historic title win. Their attacking play and defensive stability made the difference.
Premier League
The Premier League is the most competitive league in Europe, featuring clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Its fast-paced, physical style makes it thrilling to watch.
2019/20: Liverpool
Liverpool ended their 30-year title drought with a dominant campaign. Jürgen Klopp’s high-pressing football overwhelmed opponents.
2020/21: Manchester City
Manchester City reclaimed the title, showing tactical mastery under Pep Guardiola. Their control of possession was unmatched.
2021/22: Manchester City
City edged out Liverpool in a dramatic title race. Their squad depth and Guardiola’s tactics proved decisive.
2022/23: Manchester City
Manchester City won again, with Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits defining their season. They dominated both domestically and in Europe.
2023/24: Manchester City
City secured another title, continuing their dominance under Guardiola. Their tactical flexibility and experience kept them ahead.
