The 100 Best Clubs in Europe – Ranked From lowest to Highest
Each year, UEFA updates its coefficient rankings—a points-based system that reflects club performance in European competitions over a five-year period. This ranking helps determine seeding in tournaments like the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. More importantly, it offers a snapshot of which clubs consistently perform on the continent’s biggest stages.
In this feature, we count down the 100 best clubs in Europe based on their latest UEFA coefficient scores. From rising teams making historic breakthroughs to legendary giants cementing their dominance, this list celebrates the depth and diversity of European football. We start at number 100 and climb all the way to the top—Real Madrid, the undisputed benchmark of continental success.
100. Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia)
One of Slovenia’s leading clubs, Olimpija Ljubljana has made consistent appearances in European qualifiers. Though rarely reaching the group stage, their domestic strength keeps them in UEFA’s top 100.
99. Shamrock Rovers (Ireland)
The most successful club in Irish football, Shamrock Rovers have impressed with recent runs in European competitions. Their growing experience in UEFA tournaments has lifted their coefficient ranking.
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98. Maccabi Haifa (Israel)
A powerhouse in Israeli football, Maccabi Haifa regularly competes in the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers. Their recent campaigns have added valuable points to their UEFA total.
97. Vitória SC (Portugal)
Based in Guimarães, Vitória SC has a passionate fanbase and a solid European pedigree. They frequently reach the group stages of the Conference or Europa League, keeping them on the continental radar.
96. Granada (Spain)
Granada made a strong Europa League debut in 2020–21, reaching the quarterfinals. Though they’ve fluctuated in La Liga, their brief but impactful European spell still resonates in the rankings.
95. Osasuna (Spain)
Osasuna has limited European history but made a return to the continental scene recently. Their consistent La Liga presence and solid performances have helped improve their UEFA standing.
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94. Girona (Spain)
A recent rise in Spanish football, Girona’s high league finishes have opened the door to European qualification. Their growing ambitions are reflected in their first-ever coefficient points.
93. Lech Poznań (Poland)
Lech Poznań is a staple of Polish football and often battles through early qualifying rounds in Europe. Their Conference League performances have been crucial to maintaining a top 100 spot.
92. CFR Cluj (Romania)
A dominant force in Romanian football, CFR Cluj has become a regular fixture in the Europa and Conference Leagues. Their steady accumulation of points keeps them competitive in the UEFA rankings.
91. Hoffenheim (Germany)
Though not a traditional giant, Hoffenheim has had notable spells in the Bundesliga and brief but respectable outings in the Europa League. Their presence in Europe adds depth to Germany’s representation.
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90. Lugano (Switzerland)
Lugano’s recent rise in the Swiss Super League has propelled them into European qualifiers. Their appearances in the Conference League have begun to earn them valuable UEFA points.
89. Bologna (Italy)
Back in European competition after a long hiatus, Bologna is reemerging with strong Serie A form. Their return to Europe reflects a club on the rise, now contributing to Italy’s UEFA tally.
88. Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova)
Sheriff made headlines with their stunning Champions League win over Real Madrid in 2021. They dominate domestically and often punch above their weight in Europe.
87. Nice (France)
OGC Nice has built a competitive squad and reached the latter stages of the Conference League. Their attacking style and UEFA success underline France’s depth beyond the top tier.
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86. Royal Antwerp (Belgium)
Antwerp has returned to prominence both domestically and in Europe. Their recent qualification for the Champions League group stage gave a huge boost to their coefficient points.
85. Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)
Partizan is a historic club with deep European tradition. Regular Europa League and Conference League campaigns keep them in UEFA’s elite circle.
84. FCSB (Romania)
Formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, FCSB is one of Eastern Europe’s most storied clubs. Though not as dominant today, their regular continental appearances secure a top 100 place.
83. Union Berlin (Germany)
Union Berlin’s recent Bundesliga success led to their first-ever Champions League appearance. They’ve become a symbol of underdog resilience and smart team-building.
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82. İstanbul Başakşehir (Turkey)
Backed by strong investment, Başakşehir has established itself as a European regular. Highlights include reaching the Europa League knockouts and winning the Turkish league in 2020.
81. Sturm Graz (Austria)
Sturm Graz is Austria’s second-biggest club after Salzburg. Their consistent presence in European competitions has earned them a solid position in UEFA’s rankings.
80. Leicester City (England)
Though now outside the Premier League, Leicester City’s incredible 2016 title win and subsequent European adventures continue to impact their UEFA coefficient. Their quarterfinal run in the Europa League stands out.
79. Newcastle United (England)
With fresh investment and a return to the Champions League, Newcastle is quickly rising in European relevance. Their recent group stage appearances mark a new chapter for the historic club.
78. Brighton & Hove Albion (England)
Brighton’s European debut in the Europa League showcased their high-tempo style on a new stage. Their performances have earned both respect and crucial UEFA points.
77. Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine)
A storied club in Eastern Europe, Dynamo Kyiv has a long history of European competition. Although recent political instability has posed challenges, the club remains a recognized continental name.
76. Ludogorets (Bulgaria)
Ludogorets has dominated Bulgarian football for over a decade and consistently features in UEFA group stages. Their reputation as a tough opponent in qualifiers is well established.
75. Athletic Club (Spain)
Renowned for their Basque-only policy, Athletic Club is one of Spain’s most traditional institutions. Occasional European appearances have helped them maintain a solid UEFA presence.
74. SC Freiburg (Germany)
Freiburg’s smart management and consistent Bundesliga finishes have led to multiple European campaigns. They are one of Germany’s most stable emerging clubs on the international stage.
73. LASK (Austria)
LASK has become a regular competitor in the Europa and Conference Leagues. Their modernized stadium and strong home form have supported their coefficient climb.
72. Anderlecht (Belgium)
Belgium’s most successful club historically, Anderlecht has struggled in recent years but remains a European fixture. They aim to return to their former continental glory.
71. Sparta Praha (Czech Republic)
A consistent force in Czech football, Sparta Praha frequently participates in UEFA competitions. Their historical depth and competitive edge keep them within the top 100.
70. Legia Warszawa (Poland)
Legia is Poland’s most prominent club and a regular in European qualifiers. Their passionate fanbase and big-game mentality help maintain their spot in UEFA’s rankings.
69. Qarabağ (Azerbaijan)
Qarabağ has been a revelation from the Caucasus region, often reaching the group stage of UEFA competitions. Their strategic discipline has yielded a stable position in Europe.
68. Rapid Wien (Austria)
One of Austria’s most historic clubs, Rapid Wien continues to be a strong UEFA participant. Though overshadowed by Salzburg, they still earn crucial coefficient points.
67. FC Midtjylland (Denmark)
Known for their data-driven strategy, FC Midtjylland has performed well in both Europa and Conference Leagues. Their model is admired across European football.
66. FC Basel (Switzerland)
A former Champions League regular, Basel has slipped slightly but remains a competitive European club. Their past quarterfinal appearances keep them in strong standing.
65. Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia)
Slovan dominates Slovakian football and consistently features in European qualifiers. They often reach the group stage in the Conference League.
64. Molde (Norway)
Molde has emerged as a consistent performer in UEFA’s lower-tier competitions. Their domestic dominance feeds directly into European campaigns.
63. Djurgården (Sweden)
Djurgården has represented Sweden admirably in recent Conference League seasons. Their UEFA ranking reflects steady progress on the international stage.
62. Young Boys (Switzerland)
Young Boys regularly feature in the Champions League or Europa League group stages. Their attacking style and home fortress in Bern make them a tricky opponent.
61. Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium)
Union SG has become a sensation in Belgian football after their recent revival. Their deep Europa League runs have quickly pushed them up the UEFA rankings.
60. Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
A consistent force in Israeli football, Maccabi Tel Aviv frequently reaches the group stages of UEFA competitions. Their strong European experience keeps them among the continent’s top 60.
59. Celtic (Scotland)
One of the most famous names in British football, Celtic’s European history includes a European Cup win in 1967. They remain a regular in Champions League and Europa League group stages.
58. Galatasaray (Turkey)
Galatasaray has a storied European legacy, including a UEFA Cup triumph in 2000. Their return to form in recent years has boosted their coefficient and status.
57. Ferencváros (Hungary)
Ferencváros dominates Hungarian football and has reestablished itself on the European stage. Their recent Europa League and Conference League campaigns show growing consistency.
56. Viktoria Plzeň (Czech Republic)
This Czech side has quietly built a solid European reputation. Regular appearances in UEFA competitions have secured them a spot in the top 60.
55. Rennes (France)
Rennes has developed a reputation for dynamic attacking play in both domestic and European competitions. Their youth academy and UEFA success have raised their continental profile.
54. Monaco (France)
Monaco reached the Champions League semifinals in 2017 and have since remained a strong contender in Europe. Their performances in the Europa League add valuable ranking points.
53. Gent (Belgium)
Gent is a steady UEFA competitor, often qualifying for group stage football. Their run to the Europa League round of 16 in 2020 remains a highlight.
52. PAOK (Greece)
PAOK has been one of Greece’s most competitive clubs in recent UEFA seasons. Their physical style and strong home atmosphere make them a tough opponent in qualifiers and beyond.
51. Lyon (France)
Lyon has a rich European history, including regular Champions League appearances in the 2000s. Though now less consistent, their coefficient reflects past success and recent efforts.
50. Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
Also known as Red Star Belgrade, they won the European Cup in 1991 and continue to make noise in Europe. Champions League qualifications have kept their UEFA rank high
49. FC Copenhagen (Denmark)
FCK is Denmark’s flagship club in Europe. Their frequent group stage appearances and deep runs in the Europa League make them a consistent presence in UEFA’s top tiers.
48. Braga (Portugal)
SC Braga has become a UEFA staple, regularly reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League. Their consistency and strong domestic form bolster their ranking.
47. Fenerbahçe (Turkey)
A traditional Turkish powerhouse, Fenerbahçe consistently competes in UEFA tournaments. Their passionate fans and solid squad have helped them earn strong coefficient points.
46. Aston Villa (England)
Back in European football after a long absence, Villa made a major splash in the UEFA Conference League. Their rich history is now being matched by current success.
45. Marseille (France)
The only French club to win the Champions League, Marseille continues to compete across UEFA competitions. Their strong showings in recent seasons have kept them in the upper ranks.
44. RB Salzburg (Austria)
Austria’s top club has built a reputation for talent development and strong European campaigns. Champions League group stage appearances are now a regular achievement.
43. Bodø/Glimt (Norway)
This Norwegian club surprised many with a deep run in the Europa Conference League. Their attacking philosophy and giant-killing feats have captured international attention.
42. Slavia Praha (Czech Republic)
Slavia has become a regular in UEFA competition group stages. Their disciplined style and tactical awareness make them a formidable opponent in Europe.
41. Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Despite the challenges posed by war, Shakhtar continues to compete at a high level. Their Champions League pedigree and development of talent keep them firmly in Europe’s elite.
40. Real Betis (Spain)
Real Betis has emerged as a consistent Europa League contender in recent seasons. Their attractive style of play and passionate fanbase have helped them gain important UEFA points.
39. AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)
AZ has been one of the Netherlands’ most successful clubs outside the traditional top three. Their deep Conference League run in 2023 showcased their strength on the European stage.
38. GNK Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Dinamo Zagreb dominates Croatian football and frequently qualifies for UEFA competitions. Their youth development and regular group stage appearances ensure a high coefficient.
37. Olympiacos (Greece)
Olympiacos is a Greek giant with decades of European experience. They often reach the knockout rounds in the Europa League and remain a force in UEFA rankings.
36. Sevilla (Spain)
Sevilla is synonymous with Europa League success, having won the competition a record seven times. Their consistency in knockout football is unmatched in UEFA history.
35. Sporting CP (Portugal)
Sporting regularly qualifies for the Champions League and Europa League, showcasing homegrown talent and international flair. They are a staple of Portuguese excellence.
34. Napoli (Italy)
Napoli has become a mainstay in the Champions League and Serie A’s upper tier. Their exciting, attacking brand of football continues to win both matches and UEFA points.
33. Fiorentina (Italy)
Fiorentina made a return to prominence with consecutive UEFA Conference League finals. Their resurgence reflects the strength of Serie A’s mid-tier clubs.
32. Real Sociedad (Spain)
Real Sociedad blends academy talent with international quality and has performed well in recent UEFA campaigns. Their stability and tactical identity make them tough opponents.
31. Lille (France)
The 2021 Ligue 1 champions remain competitive in Europe, with solid runs in both the Champions League and Europa League. Their strong defense and work ethic define their style.
30. Ajax (Netherlands)
A legendary club, Ajax consistently brings youth talent to the forefront. Their Champions League semifinal appearance in 2019 remains a recent high point in European memory.
29. West Ham United (England)
West Ham’s victory in the UEFA Conference League and strong Europa League campaigns have revitalized their international profile. They’re no longer just a domestic contender.
28. PSV (Netherlands)
PSV is a consistent presence in European football and regularly challenges for group stage qualification. Their attacking tradition continues to serve them well in UEFA competitions.
27. Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Spurs have a Champions League final appearance on their recent résumé and regularly feature in top-tier European competition. Their potent attack and ambition keep them relevant.
26. Feyenoord (Netherlands)
Feyenoord, one of the Netherlands’ historic big three, has returned to strong European form. A recent run to the Europa League final boosted both prestige and coefficient points.
25. Rangers (Scotland)
Rangers reached the Europa League final in 2022 and consistently compete at a high level. Their UEFA success is helping raise the profile of Scottish football.
24. Club Brugge (Belgium)
Club Brugge dominates domestically and has transitioned that into steady European performances. Their run to the Champions League knockouts in 2022–23 was historic.
23. Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)
The 2022 Europa League champions continue to shine in continental football. Their passionate support and effective style make them a challenging UEFA opponent.
22. Juventus (Italy)
Despite recent struggles and off-field issues, Juventus remains a European heavyweight. Their rich history and Champions League pedigree keep them inside UEFA’s top 25.
21. Lazio (Italy)
Lazio has returned to consistent European competition through steady Serie A finishes. Their strong defensive structure and experience give them a high UEFA ranking.
20. RB Leipzig (Germany)
RB Leipzig has quickly established itself as a European contender with strong showings in the Champions League and Europa League. Their tactical versatility and talented squad continue to earn UEFA points.
19. AC Milan (Italy)
A seven-time European champion, AC Milan has recently reestablished itself among Europe’s elite. Their semifinal run in the 2022–23 Champions League marked a powerful return to form.
18. FC Porto (Portugal)
Porto is Portugal’s most consistent European performer, with regular appearances in the Champions League knockouts. Their tactical discipline and strong home record keep them near the top.
17. Villarreal (Spain)
The 2021 Europa League winners stunned Europe by reaching the 2022 Champions League semifinals. Villarreal’s consistent continental presence highlights Spain’s depth.
16. Atalanta (Italy)
Known for their high-octane attack, Atalanta has become a fixture in UEFA competitions. Their 2024 Europa League triumph was a historic milestone for the club.
15. Benfica (Portugal)
A club with rich European tradition, Benfica continues to reach the latter stages of the Champions League. Their academy talent and tactical identity ensure continued success.
14. Atlético Madrid (Spain)
Under Diego Simeone, Atlético has reached multiple Champions League finals. Their defensive strength and big-match mentality have kept them among UEFA’s elite.
13. Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
Leverkusen had a historic 2023–24 season, going unbeaten domestically and reaching the Europa League final. Their modern, attacking style is reflected in their high coefficient.
12. Arsenal (England)
Arsenal’s return to Champions League football has been strong and steady. Their youthful core and attacking quality have rejuvenated their European ambitions.
11. Manchester United (England)
Despite mixed results in recent years, Manchester United’s rich UEFA legacy and frequent deep runs in Europa League and Champions League keep them ranked near the top.
10. FC Barcelona (Spain)
Barcelona remains one of Europe’s most famous clubs. Though their recent form has fluctuated, they continue to gather UEFA points through Champions League qualifications.
9. AS Roma (Italy)
Roma won the inaugural UEFA Conference League and reached the Europa League final the following season. José Mourinho’s tenure brought back continental relevance.
8. Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Dortmund is known for its passionate fanbase and electric atmosphere. Their 2024 Champions League final appearance reaffirmed their place among the continent’s best.
7. Chelsea (England)
Chelsea won the Champions League in 2021 and consistently reach the knockout stages. Their deep, talented squads and European pedigree keep them inside UEFA’s top 10.
6. Inter Milan (Italy)
Inter has reached two European finals since 2020, including the Champions League final in 2023. Their consistency at the top level makes them Italy’s most reliable UEFA performer recently.
5. Paris Saint-Germain (France)
PSG’s star-studded squads have regularly reached the latter stages of the Champions League. Their 2020 final appearance and quarterfinal runs keep them among Europe’s elite.
4. Liverpool (England)
Liverpool has made three Champions League finals since 2018, winning in 2019. Their rich continental history and aggressive playing style earn them consistent success in Europe.
3. Bayern Munich (Germany)
Bayern is a UEFA powerhouse with consistent deep runs and a 2020 Champions League title. Their dominance in Germany translates to top-tier European performance year after year.
2. Manchester City (England)
City lifted the Champions League trophy in 2023 and remains one of the most complete teams in world football. Their tactical precision and depth place them at the top of UEFA’s rankings.
1. Real Madrid (Spain)
The undisputed kings of Europe, Real Madrid has won 15 Champions League titles, including recent triumphs in 2022 and 2024. Their legacy, talent, and clutch mentality make them the benchmark for UEFA excellence.
