Without a shadow of a doubt, the best football is played in Europe. The history, lore, and cultural ethos seen in the continent are like no other.
Europe is the very founding place that incepted this beautiful game, and it is also the home to all the best football clubs in the world.
Being the best here is equivalent to being the best in the world.
There are over 38 professional football leagues in Europe, representing more than 1000 clubs in 31 countries across Europe.
So, let’s try and figure out, which clubs from these leagues are the best in Europe when it comes to winning trophies.
A list of the most successful clubs across Europe!
SL Benfica (83 trophies)
SL Benfica, the most successful team in Portugal, is proudly ranked fifth in Europe as one of the most successful teams.
Benfica holds the record for the most Primeira Liga titles (37), the most Taca de Portugal titles (26), the most Taca da Liga titles (7), the most Supertaca Candido de Oliveira titles (8), the most Campeonato de Portugal titles (3), and the most European Cups (2).
Benfica had a golden era in the 1960s, winning back-to-back European Cups in 1961 and 1962. Throughout the 1960s, Benfica reached three more European Cup finals, all of which they lost.
Eusebio, the renowned Portuguese striker, played for Benfica during these years, hitting 317 goals in 301 games.
Eusebio is still the only player to win a Ballon d’Or while playing for a Portuguese club.
Barcelona (92 trophies)
Barcelona is a powerful force in Spain, competing with Spanish rivals Real Madrid, and they have enjoyed phases of success in European championships.
Barcelona has 26 La Liga titles, 31 Copa del Ray titles, 13 Supercopa de Espana titles, five European Cups/UEFA Champion Leagues, four UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.
Guardiola took over as manager in 2008, bringing with him his tika-taka style that would totally transform the game.
During Pep’s tenure, they became Europe’s dominant team. Barcelona won 14 trophies during his four-year tenure, including two UEFA Champions Leagues and two FIFA Club World Cups.
They have been going through some difficulties recently, but Xavi, who is in charge, is bringing about some significant adjustments.
Real Madrid (93 trophies)
Real Madrid, perhaps one of the most powerful clubs in the world, is unsurprising to find on this list.
They have a record 34 La Liga titles, 19 Copa del Rey titles, 11 Supercopa de Espana titles, a record 13 European Cup/UEFA Champion League titles, two UEFA Cup titles, four UEFA Super Cup titles, three Intercontinental Cups, and four FIFA Club World Cups.
Real Madrid ultimately reached La Decima in 2014, thanks to a front three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale. Their 10th Champions League title was made much sweeter by defeating Atletico Madrid in the final.
After eventually achieving ten Champions League trophies, Madrid went on to win three in a row from 2014 to 2018.
The 13 titles Madrid hold is the record for most Champions League titles.
Celtic (112 trophies)
Celtic has won the Scottish league title 51 times, most recently in the 2019/20 season, as well as the Scottish Cup 40 times and the Scottish League Cup 20 times.
They were the first Scottish team to win the European Cup in 1967. Celtic also reached the European Cup Final in 1970 and the UEFA Cup Final in 2003.
Rangers (120 trophies)
The other side of Glasgow and the other side of the dominance in Scottish football take the top spot of the most successful club in Europe.
Many people are surprised to learn that Rangers have dominated their domestic league for years, and with that comes a slew of championships.
Rangers have won the most league titles and trebles of any team in history, winning the league title 55 times, the Scottish Cup 33 times, and the Scottish League Cup 27 times, and earning the treble of all three in the same season seven times.
They are presently Europe’s and the world’s most successful football clubs, having won 120 titles in total.
