Manchester United, Nottingham Forrest, Liverpool, Celtic

The 20 Greatest British Football Clubs of All Time – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

July 30, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

British football is home to some of the most historic and passionate clubs in the world. From legendary domestic titles to unforgettable European triumphs, here’s our definitive ranking of the 20 biggest British clubs of all time.

20. Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers were a dominant force in English football's early years, winning league titles and FA Cups in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their most iconic modern moment came in 1995, when they lifted the Premier League title with Alan Shearer leading the charge. Since their relegation in 2012, they’ve struggled to return to the top flight.

19. Derby County

Derby’s golden era came in the 1970s with two top-flight championships under the guidance of Brian Clough and Dave Mackay. They’ve been out of the Premier League since 2008 and currently reside in the Championship. Despite recent struggles, their history secures them a place on this list.

18. Sheffield Wednesday

One of England’s founding football clubs, Sheffield Wednesday have four First Division titles and five domestic cups to their name. Their Premier League era ended in 2000, but their rich heritage and loyal fanbase keep them among the top historical sides.

17. Leicester City

Leicester shocked the world by winning the Premier League in 2015–16 against 5000/1 odds—a feat still regarded as one of sports’ greatest underdog stories. Add in an FA Cup win in 2021 and several League Cups, and Leicester have earned their modern-day elite status.

16. Nottingham Forest

Forest made history in the late 1970s by winning back-to-back European Cups under Brian Clough, despite having only one top-flight league title. Their unique European legacy sets them apart, making them one of the most iconic clubs in Britain.

15. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves were a powerhouse in the 1950s, winning three league titles and multiple cups. Although they went through decades of inconsistency, they’ve re-established themselves in the Premier League in recent years, backed by a passionate fanbase.

14. Sunderland

With six English league titles, most of them coming before World War II, Sunderland were once a dominant force. The club has faced tough times recently, including spells in League One, but their storied past and strong support earn them a spot on this list.

13. Newcastle United

Newcastle’s last league title came in 1927, but their historical success and massive fanbase are undeniable. Their 2025 Carabao Cup victory ended a 70-year trophy drought and symbolized a new era of ambition on Tyneside.

12. West Ham United

Known for their golden generation in the 1960s and producing England’s 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore, West Ham hold a special place in English football. Their 2023 UEFA Conference League title added a second European trophy to their cabinet.

11. Leeds United

Leeds were a powerhouse in the 60s and 70s under Don Revie, winning multiple titles and competing in Europe. Though they've spent recent years yo-yoing between divisions, their passionate support and historical success secure their high ranking.

10. Rangers

Rangers are the most successful domestic club in Scottish football history, with 55 league titles and 63 domestic cups. Their 2012 financial collapse was a setback, but they climbed back from the fourth tier to reclaim their place at the top.

9. Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs have a proud cup tradition, winning numerous FA Cups and European trophies, including two UEFA Cups. While league success has eluded them since the 1960s, they remain one of the most followed and competitive clubs in Britain.

8. Celtic

Celtic have won 54 Scottish league titles and were the first British club to win the European Cup in 1967. Their consistency at the top of Scottish football, including recent dominance, cements their legendary status.

7. Everton

With nine English league titles and a strong European past, Everton have one of the richest legacies in British football. Though they’ve struggled in recent years, their history and contributions to the game are impossible to ignore.

6. Aston Villa

Aston Villa boast seven league titles and are one of only a few British clubs to win the European Cup. A founding member of the Football League, Villa’s resurgence under Unai Emery has reignited hopes of returning to the top tier of English football.

5. Chelsea

Chelsea transformed into a global football powerhouse during the Roman Abramovich era, winning every major trophy including two Champions Leagues. With nine European trophies and six league titles, the Blues are now firmly among the elite.

4. Manchester City

City's modern dominance began after the 2008 takeover, winning multiple Premier Leagues, FA Cups, and a Champions League. Despite recent success, they also had notable achievements pre-2000s, making them a club with both old and new pedigree.

3. Arsenal

With 13 league titles and 14 FA Cups, Arsenal have been a cornerstone of English football. The Invincibles of 2003–04 remain iconic, and while they haven’t won a league title in over 20 years, their history and global appeal remain unmatched.

2. Liverpool

Liverpool FC — Photo: Milosz Kubiak / Shutterstock.com

Liverpool have the most European trophies of any British club, including six European Cups and three UEFA Cups. Add 19 league titles and numerous domestic cups, and it's clear the Reds are giants of both English and European football.

1. Manchester United

The most decorated club in England, Manchester United have 20 league titles and three Champions League trophies. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, they dominated English football for decades. Despite a post-Fergie slump, United's legacy still reigns supreme.