Best Clubs around the world aim to win the toughest competitions, seeking greater visibility and financial success. For players, it’s about securing a place in football history. Winning top trophies is key to being considered among the best.
Some clubs have excelled by dominating both their national leagues and European tournaments. Their hard work and perseverance have made their victories truly rewarding. Despite fierce competition, the most successful clubs shine by winning the Champions League and their domestic leagues, often celebrated with chants of “Champions again.”
Greatest Club Teams Ever
| Rank | Team | Season | Honours | Manager | Top Goalscorer | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcelona | 2008-2009 | La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey | Pep Guardiola | Samuel Eto’o | 30 |
| 2 | Ajax | 1971-1972 | Eredivisie, European Cup, KNVB Cup | Stefan Kovacs | Johan Cruyff | 33 |
| 3 | Real Madrid | 1956-1957 | La Liga, European Cup | Jose Villalonga | Alfredo Di Stefano | 31 |
| 4 | Real Madrid | 2016-2017 | La Liga, Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup | Zinedine Zidane | Cristiano Ronaldo | 25 |
| 5 | Manchester United | 1998-1999 | Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League | Sir Alex Ferguson | Dwight Yorke | 29 |
| 6 | Manchester City | 2022-2023 | Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League | Pep Guardiola | Erling Haaland | 52 |
| 7 | Inter Milan | 1964-1965 | Serie A, European Cup, Intercontinental Cup | Helenio Herrera | Mazzola | 21 |
| 8 | Liverpool | 1976-1977 | First Division, Charity Shield, European Cup | Bob Paisley | Kevin Keegan | 20 |
| 9 | Benfica | 1960-1961 | Primeira Divisao, European Cup | Bela Guttmann | José Aguas | 43 |
| 10 | Bayern Munich | 2012-2013 | Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League | Jupp Heynckes | Mario Mandzukic | 24 |
10. Bayern Munich – 2012-2013
Bayern Munich had an incredible season, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and the Champions League. They defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Champions League final, showcasing their strength and depth. Arjen Robben scored the winning goal in the final.
- Honours: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League
- Manager: Jupp Heynckes
- Top Goalscorer: Mario Mandzukic (24)
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9. Benfica – 1960-1961
Benfica had an outstanding season, winning the league with 46 points and defeating Barcelona 3-2 in the European Cup final. José Aguas was their top scorer with 43 goals.
- Honours: Primeira Divisao, European Cup
- Manager: Bela Guttmann
- Top Goalscorer: José Aguas (43)
8. Liverpool – 1976-1977
Liverpool won the English First Division and the European Cup. They narrowly missed a third major trophy but secured their first European Cup by beating Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1. Kevin Keegan was their top scorer.
- Honours: First Division, Charity Shield, European Cup
- Manager: Bob Paisley
- Top Goalscorer: Kevin Keegan (20)
7. Inter Milan – 1964-1965
Inter Milan won Serie A and the European Cup this season. Their defensive style, though not the most attractive, was effective as they beat Benfica 1-0 in the European Cup final.
- Honours: Serie A, European Cup, Intercontinental Cup
- Manager: Helenio Herrera
- Top Goalscorer: Mazzola (21)
6. Manchester City – 2022-2023
Manchester City won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League this season. Erling Haaland played a key role and was the top scorer.
- Honours: Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League
- Manager: Pep Guardiola
- Top Goalscorer: Erling Haaland (52)
5. Manchester United – 1998-1999
Manchester United, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. They completed a remarkable comeback in the Champions League final with two late goals.
- Honours: Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League
- Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
- Top Goalscorer: Dwight Yorke (29)
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4. Real Madrid – 2016-2017
Real Madrid dominated with an impressive attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale. They won La Liga, the Champions League, and other titles.
- Honours: La Liga, Super Cup, Club World Cup, Champions League
- Manager: Zinedine Zidane
- Top Goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (25)
3. Real Madrid – 1956-1957
Real Madrid made history by winning both La Liga and the European Cup in the same season, with Alfredo Di Stefano scoring the decisive goal in the final.
- Honours: La Liga, European Cup
- Manager: Jose Villalonga
- Top Goalscorer: Alfredo Di Stefano (31)
2. Ajax – 1971-1972
Ajax was famous for their “Total Football” style, winning the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and the European Cup. Johan Cruyff was their top scorer.
- Honours: Eredivisie, European Cup, KNVB Cup
- Manager: Stefan Kovacs
- Top Goalscorer: Johan Cruyff (33)
1. Barcelona – 2008-2009
Barcelona’s 2008/2009 team is considered the greatest of all time. Managed by Pep Guardiola, they won La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. Their “tiki-taka” style, led by Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, was spectacular.
- Honours: La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey
- Manager: Pep Guardiola
- Top Goalscorer: Samuel Eto’o (30)
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