When ranking the best football leagues in the world, several factors are considered. Most top leagues are in Europe and South America. While South America produces many talented young players, Europe is the main destination for those seeking wealth and fame. Comparing these leagues can be challenging.
Rankings consider international and continental successes, with Ballon d’Or winners used as a strength measure. Records from the English First Division are excluded, as the Premier League (EPL) started in 1992. We focuses on data from this era, counting only titles won since then. We analyzed major trophies won by clubs in both continents to determine the best league. Here’s what we found:
Best Football Leagues in the World
| Rank | League | Country | Continental Trophies** | Ballon d’Or Winners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Liga | Spain | 20-14-12 (46) | 24 |
| 2 | Serie A | Italy | 12-10-9 (31) | 18 |
| 3 | Premier League | England | 7-4-5 (16) | 2 |
| 4 | Bundesliga | Germany | 8-7-5 (20) | 7 |
| 5 | Primera Division | Argentina | 25-9-9 (43) | 0 |
| 6 | Brasileirão | Brazil | 23-5-10 (38) | 8* |
| 7 | Eredivisie | Netherlands | 6-4-3 (13) | 2 |
| 8 | Primeira Liga | Portugal | 4-2-2 (8) | 1 |
| 9 | Ligue 1 | France | 1-0-0 (1) | 2 |
| 10 | MLS | USA | 1 (1) | 1 |
10. Major League Soccer (MLS) – United States (Founded 1996)
Major League Soccer has been viewed as a place for European players to end their careers. However, with Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami, the league has gained new recognition. His arrival drew worldwide attention and boosted TV revenues. Messi helped Inter Miami win its first Leagues Cup title, giving the team a chance to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup.
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9. Ligue 1 – France (Founded 1930, Renamed 2002)
Jean-Pierre Papin (Marseille, 1991) and Messi are the only players from Ligue 1 to win the Ballon d’Or. Messi received the 2021 award while at Paris Saint-Germain, but mainly for his performances at Barcelona and the 2021 Copa América. He won again in 2023, leading Argentina to World Cup victory.
Marseille is the only Ligue 1 club to have won the Champions League but was stripped of its league title due to a match-fixing scandal.
8. Primeira Liga – Portugal (Founded 1934, Renamed 1999)
Portugal’s Primeira Liga is known for developing many skilled players. It competes with Spain for top talent. Several former Primeira Liga stars now play in the Premier League. The league has won four Champions League and two UEFA Cup titles, along with two Intercontinental Cup victories.
7. Eredivisie – Netherlands (Founded 1956)
The Netherlands is famous for producing talented footballers and its unique playing style known as “Total Football.” The Eredivisie has six European Cup/Champions League titles, four UEFA Cups, and three Intercontinental Cups. Johan Cruyff won two of his three Ballon d’Or awards while playing in the Eredivisie.
6. Brasileirão – Brazil (Founded 1937)
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A is the most-watched league in South America. Brazilian clubs have won twenty-three Copa Libertadores titles, ranking second after Argentina. The league has also produced five CONMEBOL Sudamericana champions and has won ten Intercontinental Cup/FIFA Club World Cup titles.
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5. Primera División – Argentina (Founded 1891)
Argentina’s Primera División was the first league created outside the UK. It has won the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores a record twenty-five times and has the most Copa Sudamericana champions (9). However, it has not won any FIFA Club World Cups since 2000.
4. Bundesliga – Germany (Founded 1963/64)
The Bundesliga is known for its success in European football, having produced several dominant teams. German clubs have won eight Champions League titles and five Intercontinental Cups/Club World Cups. Despite having more trophies overall, the Bundesliga is ranked lower than the Premier League.
3. Premier League – England (Founded 1992/93)
The English Premier League is the most-watched and exciting league in the world. It has fifteen Champions League titles, second only to Spain. However, only Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea have won more titles in the Premier League era. The EPL has six Ballon d’Or winners.
2. Serie A – Italy (Founded 1898/99, Revised 1929)
Serie A was once the top league in the world from the mid-1980s to the late 2000s, producing eighteen Ballon d’Or winners. Italian clubs have claimed twelve Champions League titles, making Serie A the third most successful league after La Liga and the Premier League.
1. La Liga – Spain (Since 1929)
La Liga remains the best football league globally. Spanish teams have won all twenty-seven major finals they have played since 2001. Spain’s national team has also achieved remarkable success in international tournaments. La Liga has the most Champions League titles, UEFA Cup titles, and Intercontinental/Club World Cup trophies in Europe, significantly ahead of Serie A.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have produced a combined twenty-four Ballon d’Or winners, making La Liga unmatched in football success and history.
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