The Top 100 Football Clubs in the World – Ranked by Opta

Football is a constantly evolving sport, and the global club landscape reflects both tradition and modern dominance. From historic European giants to ambitious challengers from across the globe, this ranking of the top 100 clubs in August 2025 highlights the balance of heritage, talent, and current form. Starting from the bottom, we work our way up to the very best.

100. Seattle Sounders

The Seattle Sounders continue to lead Major League Soccer in global recognition. Their fanbase and consistent competitiveness in the MLS keep them inside the top 100.

99. Getafe

The Spanish side has carved out a reputation for resilience in La Liga. Despite not being title contenders, their disciplined style makes them difficult opponents.

98. Anderlecht

Belgium’s most successful club remains relevant with their player development pipeline. Though their dominance has waned, they still nurture talent that shapes European football.

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97. Espanyol

Espanyol maintain a steady presence in La Liga, often overshadowed by city rivals Barcelona. Yet their passionate fan base and strong performances keep them in the European conversation.

96. Sheffield United

The Blades remain a proud Premier League name despite recent ups and downs. Their grit and fight ensure they can challenge higher-ranked opponents on their day.

95. Orlando City

Orlando City have emerged as one of MLS’s strongest teams, aided by high-profile signings and attacking flair. They represent the growing power of American football on the global stage.

94. Columbus Crew

One of the founding MLS clubs, the Columbus Crew boast deep history in American football. Their recent resurgence keeps them competitive among international peers.

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93. AZ Alkmaar

AZ continue to punch above their weight in Dutch football with strong tactical foundations. Their academy and sharp attacking style make them an exciting side.

92. Alavés

The Spanish side continues to surprise with consistent performances in La Liga. Their stability allows them to hold their place among Europe’s top 100.

91. Botafogo

Brazilian club Botafogo has seen a revival in recent years with ambitious investment. Their attacking philosophy keeps them entertaining and competitive.

90. Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg remain steady representatives of German football, known for their organization and discipline. They continue to challenge in the Bundesliga mid-table and beyond.

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89. Toluca

Toluca is one of Mexico’s traditional powerhouses, with a decorated domestic history. Their consistency ensures they remain on the global radar.

88. Genoa

Italy’s oldest football club is experiencing a strong modern spell. Their defensive identity and passionate fans keep them relevant in Serie A.

87. Inter Miami

Boosted by global superstar arrivals, Inter Miami have quickly climbed the footballing ranks. Their project is still young, but their ambition is undeniable.

86. Dinamo Zagreb

Dinamo remain Croatia’s top club, renowned for producing elite players who shine across Europe. Their strong European presence cements their reputation.

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85. Como

Como are steadily rising in Italian football thanks to new investment. Their progress shows how quickly ambitious clubs can climb the rankings.

84. Toulouse

Toulouse represent the competitive depth of French football. Their recent improvements showcase their ability to punch above expectations.

83. Torino

Often overshadowed by Juventus, Torino remain a respected Serie A club. Their fighting spirit and history make them a notable presence.

82. Celta de Vigo

Celta have slipped down the rankings after recent struggles. Still, their attacking philosophy and passionate supporters keep them relevant.

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81. Bodø/Glimt

The Norwegian champions are one of Europe’s most exciting rising clubs. Their attacking style has brought them success and global recognition.

80. Valencia

Despite internal challenges, Valencia’s history and tradition keep them among Europe’s elite. Their academy continues to produce top-level players.

79. Al Hilal

Al Hilal are the dominant force in Saudi football with major international signings. Their ambition has made them a global talking point.

78. Genk

Belgium’s Genk remain a talent factory, producing stars who shine abroad. Their consistency at home keeps them inside the top 100.

77. Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)

The Serbian giants carry immense history and fan passion. Their dominance domestically ensures they remain respected across Europe.

76. Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen continue to rebuild their Bundesliga presence. Their loyal fans and tradition keep them in Europe’s conversation.

75. Ajax

Ajax remain one of the great names of European football, with a history of developing world-class players. Though their recent results have been inconsistent, their academy keeps them among the best.

74. Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano have grown into one of La Liga’s most spirited sides. Their aggressive, pressing style and community-driven identity make them unique in Spain’s top flight.

73. River Plate

River Plate are Argentina’s most successful club, with international pedigree. Their constant production of South American talent keeps them globally relevant.

72. Rennes

Rennes continue to shine in Ligue 1 with exciting young talent. Their reputation as a club for player development makes them a consistent European competitor.

71. Brest

Brest’s rise in French football has been remarkable. They are proof that smart recruitment and teamwork can overcome budget gaps.

70. Freiburg

Freiburg remain a model Bundesliga club with tactical discipline and effective scouting. Their steady progression keeps them competitive in Germany.

69. Real Sociedad

La Real consistently impress with attacking football and academy development. They have become a staple in Spain’s European qualification spots.

68. København

The Danish giants dominate domestically and maintain a strong European presence. Their consistency ensures they remain Scandinavia’s leading club.

67. Sunderland

Sunderland have made an incredible return to prominence. Their revival has brought back memories of their proud English football tradition.

66. Lens

RC Lens continue to excite in Ligue 1 with passionate fans and attacking football. Their resurgence in recent years has restored their status in French football.

65. Pafos

Cypriot club Pafos are rising quickly on the European scene. Strong investment and surprising results have pushed them into the top 100.

64. Nice

OGC Nice are among France’s ambitious clubs with major investment backing them. Their potential makes them dangerous to Ligue 1’s established powers.

63. Osasuna

Osasuna remain one of La Liga’s most disciplined and organized clubs. Their ability to grind out results has kept them competitive.

62. Palmeiras

The Brazilian giants Palmeiras continue to dominate in South America. Their balance of youth and experience makes them one of the most respected clubs globally.

61. Mainz 05

Mainz are another Bundesliga side punching above their weight. Their tactical identity and resilience have earned them recognition.

60. Sporting Braga

Braga’s consistency in Portugal has made them a serious force. They are strong challengers behind Benfica, Sporting, and Porto.

59. Burnley

Burnley are adapting to a more modern, possession-based style of football. Their ability to evolve has helped them keep a place in the top 100.

58. Slavia Praha

Slavia Praha remain the Czech Republic’s strongest club. Their European competitiveness keeps them in international discussions.

57. Celtic

Celtic continue to dominate Scottish football but have slipped in Europe. Still, their rich history and passionate fanbase ensure global recognition.

56. Strasbourg

Strasbourg’s strong form in France has pushed them upward. Their rise shows the competitive depth of Ligue 1.

55. Olympiakos Piraeus

Olympiakos remain the dominant force in Greek football. Their European experience and consistent domestic success keep them inside the global top 100.

54. Fenerbahçe

The Turkish giants continue to challenge for titles and boast one of the most passionate fan bases in world football. Their ambitious signings help them stay competitive internationally.

53. Leeds United

Leeds have fought their way back into recognition with energetic football. Their history and fan loyalty keep them a respected name in English football.

52. Flamengo

Flamengo stand tall as one of South America’s most powerful clubs. Their passionate supporters and trophy record make them a global name.

51. Real Betis

Betis combine style and substance in La Liga. Their attacking play and consistent European qualifications give them solid recognition.

50. RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig are among Germany’s modern football projects, built on smart recruitment. Their fast rise has made them a Bundesliga powerhouse.

49. Porto

FC Porto remain one of Portugal’s most iconic clubs, with multiple European trophies to their name. Their ability to sell and rebuild makes them a model of sustainability.

48. Stuttgart

Stuttgart have rebuilt themselves into a strong Bundesliga side. Their emphasis on young players and energetic football has paid off.

47. Feyenoord

The Rotterdam giants are enjoying a resurgence with a competitive squad. Their European pedigree and passionate support ensure they stay relevant.

46. Fiorentina

Fiorentina continue to represent Florence proudly in Serie A. Their technical, attacking identity makes them entertaining and competitive.

45. Olympique Marseille

Marseille remain one of France’s biggest clubs with a proud European history. Their fiery atmosphere at the Vélodrome makes them a feared opponent.

44. Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht have become one of Germany’s most consistent European performers. Their attacking style and loyal support keep them climbing the ranks.

43. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves have established themselves as a solid Premier League outfit. Their ability to compete with bigger clubs makes them a dangerous side.

42. Bologna

Bologna’s steady progress has been one of Serie A’s pleasant surprises. Their tactical balance and resilience keep them competitive.

41. West Ham United

West Ham’s European success in recent years has elevated their reputation. Their strong squad depth ensures they are not just a domestic force but also a continental challenger.

40. Galatasaray

Galatasaray remain Turkey’s most iconic club, with an immense history and global fanbase. Their regular participation in European competitions ensures they remain highly regarded.

39. Lazio

Lazio continue to fight near the top of Serie A. Their tactical strength and key players make them a steady force in Italian football.

38. Olympique Lyonnais

Lyon are famous for their academy and history of success in France. Even through transition, they maintain their place among Europe’s respected clubs.

37. Athletic Club

Athletic Club’s unique philosophy of only fielding Basque players makes them one of football’s most remarkable teams. Despite this restriction, they remain highly competitive in Spain.

36. Monaco

Monaco are known for their scouting and player development, consistently producing stars who shine across Europe. Their attacking football makes them a Ligue 1 contender.

35. Lille

Lille’s recent title win cemented their place among France’s elite. Their strong tactical play keeps them competitive against bigger budgets.

34. Villarreal

The “Yellow Submarine” continue to thrive as one of Spain’s strongest clubs outside the traditional giants. Their European success proves their quality.

33. Milan

AC Milan’s history and recent resurgence ensure their global relevance. As one of Europe’s great clubs, they always attract attention on the big stage.

32. Union Saint-Gilloise

Belgium’s rising club have impressed with their rapid rise. Their attacking football and strong performances keep pushing them upward.

31. Juventus

Juventus remain Italy’s most successful club, with a rich history of dominance. Despite ups and downs, their reputation remains among the very best.

30. Everton

Everton are a historic English club with one of the most passionate fanbases. Their tradition and stature keep them among the top 30.

29. Fulham

Fulham’s progress has made them a solid Premier League club. Their balance of youth and experience ensures they can surprise stronger opponents.

28. Manchester United

Manchester United’s legacy is unquestionable, but recent struggles have seen them slip down the list. Their global brand still makes them one of football’s most recognized names.

27. Roma

Roma’s passionate following and history in Serie A give them their status. Their attacking spirit ensures they stay competitive at the top level.

26. PSV Eindhoven

PSV remain a dominant force in Dutch football, consistently competing in Europe. Their history and youth development keep them among the elite.

25. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham are a Premier League powerhouse with a modern stadium and global fanbase. While trophies have been elusive, their squad quality is undeniable.

24. Brentford

Brentford’s rise is one of football’s most inspiring stories. Their smart data-driven approach has propelled them into Europe’s top 25.

23. Club Brugge

Club Brugge continue to dominate Belgian football and perform in Europe. Their consistency makes them one of the continent’s most reliable clubs.

22. Atalanta

Atalanta’s attacking football has made them one of Serie A’s most exciting teams. Their ability to compete with bigger clubs has transformed their reputation.

21. Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund remain one of Europe’s best clubs for developing talent. Their passionate supporters and attacking identity keep them inside the top 25.

20. Sporting CP

Sporting CP continue to shine as one of Portugal’s top clubs. Their academy has produced world-class players, and their competitiveness in Europe keeps them among the elite.

19. Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen have established themselves as one of Germany’s most consistent sides. Their attacking style and recent success in Europe confirm their strength.

18. Napoli

Napoli remain a force in Serie A, known for their passionate supporters and electric atmosphere. Their recent domestic triumphs have restored their reputation.

17. AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s rise into the top 20 is a remarkable story. Their smart management and fearless football have made them a surprise among Europe’s best.

16. Atlético de Madrid

Atlético continue to thrive as Spain’s third power behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. Their defensive solidity and big-match mentality make them a formidable side.

15. Nottingham Forest

Forest’s return to prominence is one of the great English football stories. With rich history and newfound competitiveness, they have climbed into the global top 20.

14. Benfica

Benfica remain a Portuguese giant with a proud European tradition. Their ability to combine history, fan passion, and modern development keeps them among the very best.

13. Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton’s innovative approach to recruitment and tactics has pushed them into Europe’s elite. They are one of the most exciting clubs to watch in the modern game.

12. Crystal Palace

Palace have stunned the footballing world by climbing this high in the rankings. Their vibrant squad and fearless approach make them one of the Premier League’s biggest success stories.

11. Internazionale

Inter remain one of Italy’s biggest clubs, with a balance of tradition and modern success. Their consistency in Serie A and Europe secures them just outside the top 10.

10. Aston Villa

Villa’s return to European prominence has been remarkable. With a powerful squad and strong leadership, they are now firmly in the top 10.

9. Bayern München

Bayern are the kings of German football, with unmatched domestic dominance. Their European pedigree ensures they remain one of the world’s most respected clubs.

8. Newcastle United

Newcastle’s resurgence has brought them back into Europe’s elite. With ambitious ownership and an improving squad, their rise looks set to continue.

7. Real Madrid

The most successful club in European history, Real Madrid remain football royalty. Even as others rise, their global prestige and trophy record keep them near the very top.

6. Chelsea

Chelsea’s investment and winning mentality keep them firmly in the top 10. Their recent rebuild shows they remain one of England’s giants.

5. Barcelona

Barcelona’s style and history make them one of football’s most iconic clubs. Though in transition, they remain at the very summit of global football.

4. Paris Saint-Germain

PSG continue to dominate French football with their star-studded squad. Their ambition in Europe secures them a spot among the very best.

3. Manchester City

City’s dominance in recent years has made them a powerhouse. Their tactical brilliance and squad depth ensure they are always title contenders.

2. Arsenal

Arsenal’s resurgence has brought them back to the very top of world football. Their blend of youth, tradition, and attacking football places them just short of first place.

1. Liverpool

Liverpool claim the number one spot as the world’s best club. Their balance of history, recent success, and passionate global following makes them the leading force in football today.