Since the professionalisation of football in the late nineteenth century, participating teams have competed with one another for silverware, prestige, and bragging rights. As is the case in any sport, some teams have enjoyed far greater success than others.
A small handful of clubs have managed to establish temporary or sustained periods of dominance, whether that be within the domestic, continental, or international sphere. These dynasties have helped to shape the modern game, as football fans become used to witnessing a familiar group of teams win major honours on a consistent basis. This process has created an organic hierarchy in football, whereby the underdog repeatedly attempts to knock the all-conquering champion off their perch. Sometimes David beats Goliath, but the serial winner usually prevails.
Throughout the beautiful game’s long and rich history, the epicentres of the footballing world have been exclusively based in Europe and South America. Having embraced football as a cultural phenomenon and championed the popularisation of the sport, these continents continue to produce the best players, coaches, and teams on the planet.
We take on the unenviable task of ranking the greatest football teams of all time. There are plenty of candidates to consider, but who manages to secure a place in our top ten list?
Explanation of ranking criteria
The best way to rank any cross-section of sports teams is to try to eliminate any element of subjectivity. We can accurately measure success by comparing the achievements of each potential candidate, reviewing the size and scope of their respective trophy cabinets. The best teams will ultimately win the most trophies, as this is a natural by-product of their superiority on the pitch.
However, it’s impossible to quantify every aspect of this debate. In addition to regularly securing silverware, the greatest teams typically have a material impact on the way football is played, analysed, and understood. This might be the consequence of an innovative playing style or tactical system, such as the ‘total football’ philosophy espoused by former Ajax manager Rinus Michels. The cultural and political ideologies of a club may also influence the way football is perceived in a local or wider geographical area, which is arguably just as important as performing well for ninety minutes on the pitch each week.
These elements are notoriously difficult to measure, as there is no way of calculating the extent to which a team or coach has inspired a generation or captured the hearts and minds of the footballing community. Nevertheless, they do still help us in our efforts to gauge whether one team is ‘better’ than another. If an increasing number of rivals adopt the methodologies of a team’s revolutionary coach, or we can physically see the societal significance of a football club through people’s actions and emotions, it enables us to draw some distinguishing lines between our prospective candidates.
Furthermore, not all triumphs are considered equal. It’s usually far more difficult to acquire a continental trophy than a domestic one, whilst winning a league title is usually prioritised over success in a national cup competition (although this wasn’t always the case). Indeed, the status and profile of any tournament is dependent on a range of factors, such as:
- The standard of football in the country in which it is being played
- The volume and quality of participants
- Whether it is classed as a primary, secondary, or tertiary continental club competition – think Champions League (1st), Europa League (2nd), Conference League (3rd)
- It’s geographical coverage – is it being played at a domestic, continental, or international level? (N.B. Given the streamlined nature of international tournaments and the apathy shown towards them by some (mainly European clubs), continental competitions are widely regarded as more important. However, this perception may soon begin to change following this summer’s introduction of a newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup.)
Last but not least, we must also account for consistency and longevity. Sustaining a high level of success over an extended timeframe is clearly preferential to winning at sporadic intervals, as it demonstrates how well a football club is run. The best teams invest in modern training facilities, develop new coaching techniques, establish a productive talent pipeline, and adopt an effective player recruitment model, enabling them to continually increase their trophy haul.
We’ve applied the aforementioned ranking criteria to compile our top ten list, taking all of these elements into consideration. So, who makes the cut?
The top 10 football teams of all time
10. Flamengo
The richest, most commercially active, and best-supported team in one of the world’s footballing hotbeds, Flamengo are arguably Brazil’s biggest club. One of only two Brazilian teams (the other being Sao Paulo) to have never been relegated from the country’s top tier, Flamengo have attained seven Serie A titles and a vast array of other domestic honours.
Several greats of the game have worn the famous scarlet and black jersey, having been attracted to the club’s rich heritage, adoring fanbase, and the opportunity of performing regularly in the iconic Maracanã Stadium. Legendary midfielder Zico spent the bulk of his highly decorated career with Flamengo, lifting four league championships with his boyhood club before spending his twilight years in Japan. Six months after registering five goals during Brazil’s victorious 1994 World Cup campaign, Romario commenced the first of two spells with the Rubro-Negro, while Samba showboater Ronaldinho represented the Rio de Janeiro outfit after leaving Italian giants AC Milan in January 2011.
Flamengo assume a respected position in both continental and international spheres, having claimed three Copa Libertadores crowns and a solitary Intercontinental Cup triumph. Although success has somewhat slowed in recent years, the club won their third Copa do Brasil in five years at the beginning of 2025.
9. Inter Milan
Having left the Milan Cricket and Football Club – who would later evolve into AC Milan – over a disagreement relating to the signing of foreign players, a small group of dissenting players formed Inter Milan. The two teams would subsequently develop a bitter rivalry, as they continued to battle for domestic supremacy - a scrap that is still ongoing.
Two years after their inception, Inter Milan won the first of a staggering 20 Serie A titles. Only Juventus have been crowned Italian champions on more occasions, although one of the Bianconeri’s many titles was re-allocated to Inter following the well-documented Calciopoli scandal. The Nerazzurri defeated two of Europe’s strongest-ever teams to clinch back-to-back European Cups in the early 1960s, dispatching early trailblazers Real Madrid – who boasted an attacking trio of Paco Gento, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Ferenc Puskás – in Vienna, before overcoming a Eusébio-inspired Benfica on home turf.
Despite their acrimonious relationship, Milan’s two biggest football clubs are both tenants of the city’s famous San Siro Stadium. Although still referred to by its former title, the San Siro was officially renamed the Giuseppe Meazza following the former striker’s death in 1980. Despite assuming the role of Inter’s all-time record goalscorer, Meazza enjoyed a brief spell with AC Milan towards the end of his glittering career.
8. Boca Juniors
Regarded as one of the most passionately supported football clubs on earth, Boca Juniors hail from the south-eastern suburbs of Buenos Aires. One half of the ‘Superclásico’ divide, ‘Los Xeneizes’ often clash with fierce adversaries River Plate in national finals and title-deciding league meetings, as both teams routinely attempt to become the dominant force in Argentinian football.
After providing a platform for Diego Maradona to showcase his unique footballing capabilities before sealing a move to Catalan heavyweights Barcelona, Boca has gained a reputation as a launchpad for players eager to make their mark in Europe. However, the club is far more than a mere distributor of talent, having earned plenty of continental silverware throughout their 120-year history.
Boca Juniors have progressed to the final of South America’s most prestigious club competition on more occasions than any other team, reaching the Copa Libertadores showpiece for a record-extending twelfth time in 2023. The 35-time Primera División champions have also twice won the Copa Sudamericana, and garnered respect internationally following positive results against UEFA-affiliated opposition. Boca lifted the Intercontinental Cup in 1977, 2000, and 2003, beating Borussia Mönchengladbach, Real Madrid, and AC Milan respectively to earn this trio of titles.
7. Juventus
The only club in Italy to be authorised to emblazon three golden stars on their jersey, Juventus have won an eye-watering 36 top-flight titles. The first of several golden periods came during the 1930s, as the Bianconeri romped to five Serie A crowns and provided nine members of Italy’s first-ever World Cup-winning squad.
A further stream of gifted players would come to represent the ‘Old Lady’ in future years, as the likes of three-time Ballon d’Or winner Michel Platini, Italian hero Roberto Baggio, majestic midfielder Zinedine Zidane, and goalkeeping greats Omar Sívori and Gianluigi Buffon helped the club evolve into a European superpower.
Despite suffering the debilitating impacts of the Heysel Stadium disaster and a title-stripping match-fixing scandal, Juventus have managed to acquire six pieces of continental silverware, emerging triumphant in three separate UEFA club competitions. The Turin-based outfit also claimed two Intercontinental Cups before the single-match tournament’s abolishment in 2004, beating Argentinian opposition on both occasions.
6. Liverpool
A club rooted in working-class culture and galvanised by a sense of community, local pride, and social injustice, Liverpool are one of football’s greatest institutions.
After splitting with fellow Liverpudlians Everton in 1892, the Reds gradually established themselves as one of England’s elite teams before the arrival of Bill Shankly pre-empted an unprecedented period of success. The venerated Scotsman lifted three league titles, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Cup before handing the baton over to fellow tactician Bob Paisley. A further barrage of silverware would soon find its way to Anfield, as Liverpool scooped nine domestic honours and four continental crowns during Paisely’s glittering era.
Although the disturbing events that took place at Heysel and Hillsborough threatened to derail their progress, Liverpool continued to preserve its status as a major continental competitor. A third UEFA Cup triumph came in 2001, before the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ propelled the Reds to Champions League glory four years later. The Merseysiders have finally grasped the initiative on the Premier League stage following two recent title-winning campaigns, while adding a sixth European Cup/Champions League and first Club World Cup to their already bustling trophy cabinet in 2019.
5. AC Milan
Having only achieved moderate success throughout the first 50 or so years of its existence, AC Milan cultivated its reputation as one of Europe’s most intimidating teams in the second half of the twentieth century.
After stopping an all-conquering Benfica outfit from securing a third consecutive European Cup in 1963, a steady stream of Serie A and Coppa Italia titles followed in the subsequent decades. Several players achieved legendary status during this celebrated chapter in the club’s history. The likes of defensive duo Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini – who later had their respective shirt numbers retired in honour of their services to the Rossoneri – became the sweethearts of the San Siro, while Ballon d’Or laureates Marco van Basten, George Weah, and Kaka all flourished in northern Lombardy.
Only Real Madrid’s freakish volume of continental silverware supersedes AC Milan’s equivalent trophy collection, but the Rossoneri have found themselves on the periphery of the European stage in recent seasons. The latest of their seven Champions League triumphs came following a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in 2007, avenging their gut-wrenching defeat to the same opponents two years earlier.
4. Manchester United
A club synonymous with success, free-flowing attacking football, and an unerring never-say-die attitude, the Manchester United brand is instantly recognizable to many across the world. The exploits of two Scottish managers have come to define United’s history, with each presiding over enduring empires that would at times seem impossible to overthrow.
Having assembled a team full of exuberant and gifted young players, Matt Busby was forced to rebuild from the rubble of the Munich air disaster which caused the tragic death of eight of his ‘Babes’ The acquisition of George Best, Dennis Law, and Bobby Charlton would facilitate a rapid resurgence, as Manchester United became the first English team to clinch the European Cup in 1968.
Almost two decades on from Busby’s retirement, Alex Ferguson would assume the Old Trafford hot seat. Following a slow start to his reign, the no-nonsense Glaswegian led the Red Devils to a remarkable twelve titles to create a long-lasting hegemony in the new Premier League era. Ferguson would also capture two Champions League crowns, as the ‘Class of 99’ alongside superstar recruits such as Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and Cristiano Ronaldo swept aside a string of world-class opponents.
Life has been a lot tougher following Ferguson's departure, but United can still dine out on past glories for some time to come.
3. Bayern Munich
Undoubtedly Germany’s biggest and most decorated club, Bayern Munich have ruled the roost on native soil for well over half a century. The imperious talents of three modern greats would kickstart their journey to success, as revered shot-stopper Sepp Maier, prolific striker Gerd Müller, and pioneering sweeper Franz Beckenbauer came to the fore in the late 1960s.
As well as effectively enhancing Germany’s reputation in the continental arena by earning ten major UEFA honours, Bayern Munich have witnessed its players form the backbone of many triumphant Die Mannschaft squads. Long-serving club representatives such as Lothar Matthäus, Oliver Kahn, and Bastian Schweinsteiger have all either won a World Cup or European Championship with their national side, in addition to racking up hundreds of appearances for the serial Bundesliga champions.
Nevertheless, many of Bayern’s most cherished alumni have forged their careers in recent times. Only the aforementioned Müller registered more goals for Die Roten than Polish marksman Robert Lewandowski, who found the net on 312 occasions during a trophy-laden spell in Bavaria. A different Müller – loyal servant Thomas – will leave in the summer after making a record 751 appearances for his boyhood club, but will always be given a hero's welcome at the Allianz Arena.
2. Barcelona
The residence of many of the world’s best players, a leading advocate of the ‘tika-taka’ philosophy, and a symbolic emblem of Catalan autonomy, Barcelona is a team steeped in culture and tradition. As a consequence, the motto ‘Més que un club’ (‘More than a club’) is regularly chanted by their legions of passionate supporters.
Barça’s capture of the inaugural La Liga championship was a sign of things to come, as a further 27 Spanish top-flight titles have been secured since that landmark triumph in 1929. An endless flow of stars have plied their trade at the Nou Camp in recent decades, illustrated by Johan Cruyff’s exploits in the late 70s, Maradona’s two-year stint in the early 80s, the 90’s dream team anchored by Brazilian pair Ronaldo and Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho’s reign at the turn of the century.
However, their period of dominance under the inspiring stewardship of Pep Guardiola has perhaps been the most illustrious in the club’s rich history, as Barcelona bore the fruits of investing heavily in youth development. La Masia graduates Xavi, Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, and the irrepressible Lionel Messi spearheaded the Blaugrana’s charge, re-paying their employers’ faith with a deluge of domestic and European silverware.
1. Real Madrid
Although most fans of the teams included in this esteemed list would be reluctant to admit it, Real Madrid are undeniably the world’s biggest and best club. Nothing underlines their unequivocal success more than the possession of fifteen Champions League titles, while a record-breaking haul of five Club World Cups further strengthens this notion.
From past icons like Paco Gento, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Emilio Butragueño through to the Galacticos era of Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo, and David Beckham, Real Madrid created a footballing dynasty capable of blasting any rival out of the water. It was then the turn of a batch of modern-day heroes – such as Messrs Ronaldo, Benzema, and Luka Modrić – to carry the torch, as the procession of continental and domestic crowns kept coming at an astonishing rate of knots. The first name on that shortlist of contemporary legends, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, recorded a logic-defying 450 goals in just 438 appearances for the club.
Despite winning everything football has to offer on multiple occasions, the Real Madrid juggernaut maintains an unquenchable thirst for further silverware. A fresh crop of young, determined, and supremely gifted players are now clad in the universally feared white jersey, ready to push Los Blancos to new heights in the coming years.
It’ll take something very special to supersede Real Madrid’s superlative achievements, although familiar foes Barcelona will never give up hope of achieving this objective…..
Honourable mentions
Creating a list of the ten best football teams in the world was always going to cause some selection headaches.
Whilst those included are undoubtedly deserving of their place, there are plenty of fantastic candidates who just missed the cut. This unfortunate group often assumes one of two distinctly different identities; a club with enormous inherited wealth (usually backed by the financial power of a state-funded enterprise) but hasn’t yet had the time to fully stamp their authority, or a fallen giant from a ‘periphery’ nation that has been unable to keep pace with participants in Europe’s (and to a lesser extent South America’s) strongest leagues.
In this section, we distribute some honourable mentions to those clinging onto the coattails of football’s elite few….
Ajax
The chief proponents of total football and a sanctuary for the tactically astute and technically proficient, Ajax have cultivated a compelling view of how the beautiful game should be played. The club’s steadfast belief in these guiding principles has brought plenty of on-field success, particularly during the early 70s when the Dutch giants triumphed in three consecutive European Cup finals.
A Cup Winners Cup and UEFA Cup followed in 1986 and 1992 respectively, before Patrick Kluivert’s late winner in Vienna gave the Amsterdam-based outfit a first continental piece of silverware in the Champions League era. The narrow victory over AC Milan in the Austrian capital ensured Ajax qualified for the 1995 Intercontinental Cup, which they duly won after overcoming reigning Copa Libertadores champions Grêmio in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.
Manchester City
Bankrolled by Sheikh Mansour’s seemingly bottomless pit of cash reserves, Manchester City have quickly developed into a European powerhouse. After steadily gaining ground on local rivals Manchester United following Abu Dhabi United Group’s takeover in September 2008, the Citizens’ appointment of Pep Guardiola completely shifted the power dynamics in England’s north-west, as the Red Devils’ noisy neighbours seized the initiative.
Having already claimed the Premier League title and FA Cup in the weeks leading up to the 2023 Champions League final, City delivered a historic continental treble by edging past Inter Milan in Istanbul.
Benfica
Benfica’s golden era commenced in the early 1960s, twice navigating beyond Spanish opposition to seal back-to-back European Cups. A year after beating Barcelona in the Swiss capital, the Eagles met Ferenc Puskás’ Real Madrid at Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium. Although the Hungarian hero netted a first-half hat-trick, Benfica would emerge triumphant in a memorable eight-goal thriller.
Continental success has been in short supply since then, but the scale of their native supremacy cannot be understated. No Portuguese club has won the Primeira Liga titles (38), Taça de Portugal (26), or Taça da Liga (8) on more occasions than Benfica, who have earned the right to compete in the keenly anticipated 2025 Club World Cup.
Now, let’s spare a thought for a couple of teams no longer in their heyday….
Celtic
One of just seven clubs in world football to have attained over 100 major honours, Celtic have achieved a remarkable eight trebles throughout their trophy-laden past. In 1967, the Hoops became the first British team to win the European Cup, with each member of Jock Stein’s Lisbon Lions born within a 30-mile radius of Glasgow.
Galatasaray
Although eternally competing for domestic bragging rights amongst the company of cross-city adversaries Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray’s capture of the 2000 UEFA Cup distinguishes them from their Turkish compatriots. A few months after securing their maiden European trophy, Brazilian forward Mário Jardel fired a ‘golden’ goal beyond Real Madrid ‘keeper Iker Casillas to hand Galatasaray an unlikely UEFA Super Cup triumph.
What does the future hold?
As unprecedented financial sums continue to be disproportionately funnelled towards those competing at the summit of the so-called strongest leagues, the chasm between the world’s best teams and everyone else is likely to grow. The likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, and AC Milan reap the benefits of lucrative broadcasting contracts, private investments, and immense merchandising revenues, enabling them to lure the most talented players, create state-of-the-art training facilities, and improve their internal infrastructure. Nevertheless, a football club’s ability to engage, empower, and influence is clearly something that cannot be purchased.
Backed by the deep pockets of Middle-Eastern state actors, expect teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, and Newcastle United to continue to threaten the established status quo.
Our top ten list of the planet’s best football teams may therefore look a little different in a few years’ time…..