Arsenal beat Bayern to top spot: the world’s 10 best football teams, ranked
The latest global football power rankings reveal a dramatic reshuffle at the top, with Arsenal claiming the number one spot after an electric start to the season. From Newcastle's surprising entry to Bayern's return to dominance, here’s how the top 10 teams in world football currently stack up – counting down from 10 to 1.
10. Newcastle United – trophy joy and league struggles
Newcastle make a somewhat surprising appearance in the top 10, largely thanks to their Carabao Cup win over Liverpool – their first major silverware in 70 years. While last season’s fifth-place finish earned them a Champions League return, their current 13th-place standing in the Premier League leaves much to be desired.
9. Inter Milan – continental consistency, domestic decline
Inter Milan’s run to back-to-back Champions League finals is nothing short of impressive, even if both ended in defeat – most recently a crushing 5-0 loss to PSG. Domestically, they couldn’t retain their Serie A title, edged out by Napoli, but their continued presence in major finals earns them a place on this list.
8. Chelsea – silverware under new leadership
Chelsea’s revival under Enzo Maresca is gathering pace, with the Blues winning the Conference League and the revamped Club World Cup. Their qualification for the Champions League suggests things are moving in the right direction after years of inconsistency.
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7. Barcelona – title glory amid financial limits
Hansi Flick has revitalised Barcelona, guiding them to a La Liga title despite the club's ongoing financial constraints. Young sensation Lamine Yamal continues to shine, while veterans like Lewandowski and Raphinha played vital roles in a hugely impressive 2024/25 campaign.
6. Real Madrid – new stars, mixed results
Despite having a star-studded lineup including Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm last season and fell short in both La Liga and Europe. Under Xabi Alonso, however, they’ve started the 2025/26 season in dominant fashion, winning 13 of 15 games.
5. Paris Saint-Germain – treble-winning transformation
PSG may have lost Mbappé, but they gained their first Champions League title and a historic treble under Luis Enrique. Their fifth-place ranking reflects how quickly football evolves, but their 2024/25 campaign was nothing short of legendary.
4. Liverpool – back on top in England
Arne Slot has managed an almost seamless transition after Klopp, guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title with four games to spare. A recent losing streak dented their momentum, but big wins against Aston Villa and Real Madrid suggest they’re not done yet.
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3. Manchester City – off-color but still elite
Despite not winning a single trophy last season – a first since Guardiola's debut campaign – Manchester City remain one of the most dangerous sides in Europe. Their drop in form, including a rare seven-game winless run, hasn’t shaken their place near the top.
2. Bayern Munich – Kane leads the charge
Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich reclaimed the Bundesliga crown and have looked near unstoppable since. Harry Kane has broken records at a blistering pace, helping Bayern bounce back after falling short the season prior.
1. Arsenal – perfect start powers top ranking
After narrowly missing out on silverware in recent seasons, Arsenal are now top of the world with a flawless score of 100. Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t conceded in 12 hours of football and are showing the consistency and control of true champions.
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