Top 10 football clubs with most European trophies in history

Football fans across the globe are endlessly caught in debates about their team's dominance on the European stage. Whether it’s the Manchester derby spilling into European ambitions, El Clásico rivalries heating up Spanish streets, or London clubs battling for continental bragging rights—club supremacy is a conversation that never fades.

But amid all the passion and banter, one thing stands firm: statistics don't lie. While fans may argue over moments of brilliance or heartbreak, it’s the trophies, titles, and accolades that ultimately define greatness.

In this feature, we take a deep dive into the rich history of European football to uncover the most successful clubs the continent has ever seen. From record-breaking Champions League triumphs to consistent domestic and continental dominance, we’ll let the numbers do the talking and settle the debate—at least until the next season kicks off.

10. Chelsea (6 trophies)

Stamford Bridge is once again home to European glory, as Chelsea lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy in the 2024–25 season, ending nearly half a decade without continental silverware. The Blues staged a dramatic comeback in the final against Real Betis, further cementing their status as London's most successful club in European competitions — ahead of both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Chelsea have now claimed two UEFA Champions League titles, with their maiden triumph in the 2011–12 season etched into history. They edged out Bayern Munich 4–3 on penalties in a dramatic final, thanks in large part to Petr Čech’s heroic performance in goal. Their second UCL crown came under Thomas Tuchel, who guided them to victory in the 2020–21 campaign.

In addition to their Champions League success, Chelsea have also won two UEFA Europa League titles and two UEFA Conference League titles, showcasing their consistent strength on the European stage across multiple competitions.

9. Juventus (6 trophies)

The Italian side lifted their first European Cup in the 1984–85 season, thanks to a decisive penalty by Michel Platini in the final against Liverpool. A decade later, they claimed their second UEFA Champions League title in the 1995–96 season under manager Marcello Lippi, beating Ajax in a tense final.

They have also won the Europa League three times, all in the 20th century. Their most recent triumph came in 1993, when they dominated Borussia Dortmund with a convincing 6–1 victory in the final.

8. Inter Milan (6 trophies)

Inter Milan stand on the brink of European glory as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in this year’s UEFA Champions League final. The Nerazzurri have a golden opportunity to lift their fourth UCL crown and reaffirm their place among Europe’s elite.

The Italian giants made their mark on the continental stage with back-to-back titles in 1964 and 1965 under the legendary Helenio Herrera. Their most recent triumph came in 2010, when they defeated Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabéu under José Mourinho, completing a historic treble.

While Inter have won the Europa League three times, all of those victories came in the 20th century. Now, after more than 15 years without a major European trophy, the stage is set for them to end the drought and etch their name in history once again.

7. Ajax (6 trophies)

The most successful Dutch club in European football has claimed all of its continental trophies in the 20th century. With four UEFA Champions League titles to their name, their most recent triumph came in 1995, when they defeated AC Milan in the final held in Vienna—guided by the legendary Louis van Gaal.

Under Erik ten Hag, the club came agonizingly close to a return to the Champions League final in 2019. But their dream of ending a decades-long European drought was shattered by Lucas Moura’s dramatic hat-trick, which sealed a stunning comeback for Tottenham and denied the Dutch side a chance at continental glory in the 21st century.

6. Sevilla FC (7 trophies)

Sevilla may be the only club on this list without a single UEFA Champions League title, but they have built a remarkable legacy in the UEFA Europa League. The Spanish side is the most successful team in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy a record seven times.

Their dominance in the Europa League has been nothing short of extraordinary, highlighted by an unprecedented run of three consecutive titles. Sevilla's most recent triumph came in 2023, when they edged out AS Roma in a dramatic final. After a tense 1-1 draw, the match was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, which Sevilla won to claim yet another European crown.

5. Bayern Munich (8 trophies)

Bayern Munich, the most successful German club in European competition history, have claimed the UEFA Champions League title six times. Remarkably, three of those triumphs have come in the 21st century. Their most recent victory was in 2020, when Kingsley Coman's decisive goal secured a 1–0 win and crowned Hansi Flick’s side as champions of Europe.

Their only UEFA Europa League title came in 1996, when Otto Rehhagel’s side convincingly defeated Bordeaux 5–1 on aggregate in the final to claim the trophy.

4. Liverpool (9 trophies)

While clubs from Manchester and London often sing songs of past glory, it's Liverpool who stand tallest in European competition. Statistically, they are the most successful English club in Europe, boasting an impressive six UEFA Champions League titles. Their most recent triumph came in 2019, when Jürgen Klopp's side defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the final in Madrid.

Perhaps even more iconic was their 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul, where Liverpool mounted an unforgettable comeback against AC Milan. Trailing 3-0 at halftime, they clawed their way back to a 3-3 draw before winning on penalties. That legendary night has since become known as The Miracle of Istanbul—one of the greatest matches in football history.

3. AC Milan (9 trophies)

Italian clubs like Napoli, Juventus, and Inter often dominate the spotlight in European competitions today, but it is AC Milan that stands as the most successful Italian club on the continental stage. The Rossoneri have claimed the UEFA Champions League title seven times, with two of those victories coming in this century under the legendary leadership of Carlo Ancelotti—in 2003 and 2007.

The 2007 final, held in Athens, was a moment of redemption for AC Milan, as they avenged their heartbreaking loss to Liverpool in the dramatic 2005 final. Beyond their Champions League triumphs, AC Milan also enjoyed success in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, securing the trophy twice during their illustrious history.

2. FC Barcelona (12 trophies)

In Hansi Flick’s maiden season at the helm, FC Barcelona achieved a remarkable domestic treble, showcasing their dominance in Spanish football. The Catalans came agonizingly close to reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2025, only for their hopes to be shattered by a commanding performance from Inter Milan, who crushed their ambitions in the European competition.

As one of the most storied clubs in football history, Barcelona have lifted the Champions League trophy five times, with an impressive four of those triumphs coming in the 21st century. Their last UCL victory dates back to 2015, when they defeated Juventus in a memorable final.

Beyond their success in the Champions League, the Catalans also boast a rich heritage in European tournaments, holding the record as the most successful club in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, having lifted that trophy four times throughout their illustrious history.

1. Real Madrid (17 trophies)

Real Madrid stands as the most successful club in the history of European football, having won twice as many UEFA Champions League titles as AC Milan, the second most decorated club in the competition. From 1956 to 1960, the Los Blancos achieved an unprecedented feat by winning every single edition of the European Cup, cementing their legacy in football history.

But Real Madrid’s greatness is not just rooted in their illustrious past. Their dominance continues in the modern era, driven by a remarkable lineage of legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Luka Modrić, and many others. These iconic players have helped transform the club into an almost invincible force on the European stage. Their most recent Champions League triumph came in 2024, when they defeated Borussia Dortmund to add yet another glorious chapter to their storied legacy.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports