Football has a rich and storied history, and many clubs founded in the 19th century are still alive and kicking today. Based solely on founding year, here are the 15 oldest football clubs in the world—every one of them from the United Kingdom.
15. Reading – 1871
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Founded in 1871, Reading is one of the oldest football clubs still in existence. Despite financial struggles and on-field setbacks in recent years, the club remains a proud member of the English football system and once reached as high as 8th in the Premier League during the 2006/07 season.
14. Stranraer – 1870
Photo: Stranraerfc.org
Stranraer is the third-oldest football club in Scotland. Still active in Scottish League Two, they’ve played at Stair Park since 1907 and hold the record for the longest-running shirt sponsorship in British football with Stena Line.
Marlow holds the distinction of having applied for entry into the FA Cup every year since its inception. One of their players, Cuthbert Ottaway, even captained England in the first official international match in 1872.
Maidenhead United’s home ground, York Road, is recognized as the oldest continuously used football ground in the world. The club also competed in the very first FA Cup and continues to play in England’s National League.
11. Kilmarnock – 1869
Photo: Kilmarnockfc.co.uk
Kilmarnock is Scotland’s second-oldest club and currently plays in the top flight, the Scottish Premiership. Founded in 1869, the club won its only league title in 1965 and has collected multiple domestic cups.
10. Sheffield Wednesday – 1867
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Originally known as The Wednesday, this historic club turned professional in 1887. Sheffield Wednesday has a rich trophy cabinet, including multiple league titles and FA Cups, and currently competes in the EFL Championship.
9. Queen’s Park – 1867
Photo: queensparkfc.co.uk
The oldest football club in Scotland, Queen’s Park helped lay the foundation for the sport in the country. Famous for fielding the entire Scotland team in the first international match against England in 1872, the club only turned professional in 2019.
Forest is the oldest club currently playing in the English top flight. Though they began modestly, the club rose to global fame in the 1970s under Brian Clough, winning two consecutive European Cups in 1979 and 1980.
7. Brigg Town – 1864
Photo: Briggtownfccic.co.uk
Based in Lincolnshire, Brigg Town is one of England’s oldest clubs, though they’ve always played in the lower tiers. Their biggest success came with a victory in the FA Vase in 2003, and they remain active in the tenth tier of English football.
6. Wrexham – 1864
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The oldest football club in Wales, Wrexham has gained worldwide attention since being purchased by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. They play at the Racecourse Ground, the world’s oldest international stadium still in use.
5. Stoke City – 1863
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Stoke City claims its founding year as 1863, making it one of England’s earliest clubs. They were a founding member of the Football League and now compete in the Championship, having changed their name from Stoke Ramblers in 1878.
Notts County is officially recognized as the oldest professional football club in the world. Founded before the Football Association itself, their iconic black-and-white stripes were later adopted by Juventus.
3. Hallam – 1860
Photo: Hallamfc.co.uk
Founded in 1860, Hallam FC played their first match against Sheffield FC in what is recognized as the oldest fixture in football history. Their home ground, Sandygate, is also the world’s oldest football stadium still in operation.
2. Cray Wanderers – 1860
Photo: Cray-wanderes.com
Cray Wanderers were founded by railway workers in southeast London and continue to play at a semi-professional level. Though never part of the Football League, they’re one of the game’s most historic names, active since 1860.
1. Sheffield FC – 1857
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The oldest football club in the world, Sheffield FC was founded in 1857 and is officially recognized by FIFA for its pioneering role in the sport. Still playing today in Derbyshire, they were instrumental in developing early rules of the game and remain a symbol of football’s enduring heritage.
