Highlights

• We've listed the 25 most decorated clubs in football history based on the number of trophies and honours won.
• Manchester United only rank 15th despite being the most successful club in English football.
• All of these clubs are not just numbers, but the heartbeats of their communities, reflecting the cultures and dreams of millions and taking centre stage on the grand theatre of football.

We all know football is more than just a sport. It's the last-minute drama, the agony of a missed penalty, and the sheer joy of a match-winning goal. It's a universal rhythm, a dance that brings billions together, blurring lines of race, religion, and nationality. A simple game, yes, but its reach? Anything but simple.

Whether it's the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga or Serie A, the realm of football is equally vast and rich, and at its core are the football clubs - the lifeblood of this beautiful game. From the local parks to the grandest of stadiums, they carry the dreams and ambitions of their fans. But there's a unique breed of clubs that stand head and shoulders above the rest - the giants who've consistently made history. It's not just about the number of shiny trophies on their display but the legacy, the legends, and the legion of fans that have been part of every heart-stopping moment.

So, what springs to mind when we discuss the most successful clubs in world football? It's the tales of iconic goals, the legendary players who donned the jersey, and the fan chants that still echo in rival stadiums. But most importantly, trophies. The levels of success that the clubs featured in this list are what we will be judging them on.

As we deep dive into the stories of these footballing powerhouses, it's essential to understand that every title, every cup, every league win has a backdrop. Stories of grit, magic moments, unforgettable comebacks, and yes, heartbreaks too. Every piece of silverware is a chapter in the illustrious book of their history.

Prepare, dear GIVEMESPORT readers, for an exhilarating journey. A journey through football's hall of fame, where tales of dramatic finals, footballing dynasties, and players who've become larger than life await.

The 25 most decorated football clubs

While trophies do stand testament to a club's success, it's the culture, the traditions, and the die-hard fans that truly capture its essence. As we profile these titans, we're not just tallying their victories but celebrating the undying spirit that's made them legendary. Because remember, in football, the journey is just as important, if not more, than the destination. Let the games begin...

23 CSKA Sofia (Bulgaria)

Number of trophies won: 49

Bulgarian powerhouse CSKA Sofia are first up on our list and are probably not the first club you would think of when it comes to success in football. Nevertheless, they have won an astonishing 49 trophies in their history - a legacy that few can rival in Eastern Europe.

Established in 1948, they have maintained a firm grip on domestic football in their nation, which has undoubtedly impressed fans and foes alike. Their fierce rivalries and iconic moments against the likes of Levski Sofia have left an indelible mark on the football world, known as "The Eternal Derby of Bulgaria."

22 Grasshopper Zurich (Switzerland)

Number of trophies won: 49

Next up, and a club that some readers will perhaps be more familiar with, Grasshopper Club Zurich - Switzerland's most successful club. With their footballing legacy spanning over a century, they've firmly established their position as a household name as far as sides in Europe are concerned, having played against big sides such as Liverpool and Manchester United on their Champions League journey. The club's dedication to excellence and determination has made them a dominant force in the Alpine nation.

Like FCSB, Grasshopper have also won 49 trophies in their elusive history and continue, to this day, to push the boundaries as far as competing at the highest level is concerned. Whether they will be a force to be reckoned with in the future, remains to be seen.

21 Zamalek (Egypt)

Number of trophies won: 53

Zamalek are certainly not a football team that rolls across the tongue as easily as some of the top sides in Europe do, but this team has, over the years, taken a firm grip of domestic football in Egypt and have dominated the scene since the club was established in 1911.

They are not only a cornerstone of Egyptian football, but also for Africa as a whole. Their 53-trophy haul has been a testament to their resilience and consistency. The iconic Cairo derby between them and Al Ahly is a spectacle, a footballing carnival that never ceases to amaze. It has been branded in the past as "the world's most violent derby."

20 Deportivo Colo-Colo (Chile)

Number of trophies won: 55

A club that's more known for its iconic badge on games such as EA Sports FC 24, Deportivo Colo-Colo are known as the dominant force in Chilean football with 55 trophies in their cabinet so far. Armed with a decorated history which dates back to as early as 1925, the club’s influence transcends football, often intertwining with the socio-political fabric of Chile.

They've produced legendary players such as Arturo Vidal and Claudio Bravo - who have gone on to achieve hugely in Europe and unforgettable moments, forever etched in football folklore. There are only a handful of South American clubs that feature higher on this list.

19 Club Olimpia (Paraguay) & Boca Juniors (Argentina)

Number of trophies won: 56

Two South American clubs are level with 56 trophies in their respective cabinets, Club Olimpia are by far the biggest club in Paraguay and, at the time of writing, boast a record 46 domestic titles to their name. They are the only club from the nation to capture a CONMEBOL title, which includes three Copa Libertadores crowns - the most prestigious competition in South American football. It's a tournament that has been dominated by Brazilian sides over the years, but this hasn't stopped Club Olimpia from succeeding, having also finished as runners-up on four occasions. Their footballing legacy on the continent is undeniable and sometimes gets overlooked by the side we are about to talk about now.

Boca Juniors, meanwhile, are one of the most famous clubs in the world and arguably have a global reach that matches or exceeds some of the top sides in Europe. Their famous blue and yellow strips are synonymous throughout the world of football, especially for the performances of Diego Maradona - easily one of the greatest players of all time. Joint with Club Olimpia with 56 major honours, the Argentine giants continue to stamp their authority on the game as a whole.

18 FCSB (Romania)

Number of trophies won: 58

FCSB might not mean a lot to some, but if you say Steaua Bucharest, then things start to make a lot more sense. FCSB's 58 trophies firmly entrench them as Romania's best club by far. The club isn't even 100 years old yet but has achieved more in Europe than other clubs in neighbouring countries could ever dream of. Steaua's European Cup win in 1986, otherwise known as the 'Miracle of 86,' is something that the club is incredibly proud of, and rightly so. They went on to produce one of the longest unbeaten streaks that's ever been seen for the next three years.

This club is the shining example of a true underdog. Even though they are the best team in their country by quite some distance, they are still considered as minnows to the rest of Europe. That being said, with a European Cup to their name, their supporters would argue otherwise.

17 Anderlecht (Belgium)

Number of trophies won: 60

Next up are the Belgian giants Anderlecht, who have remained competitive for as long as many of us can remember. It seemed like every year that they would face Manchester United in the Champions League, and there's a good reason for that: their domestic success.

With 60 trophies to their name since their founding in 1908, this showcases how consistent they have been over the years in the Belgian Pro League and other cup competitions. When football fans think of purple and white colours, the first club that comes to their head is Anderlecht.

16 Galatasaray (Turkey)

Number of trophies won: 62

Meanwhile, Galatasaray stand as a symbol of Turkish footballing might. The cauldron of noise that is generated at their Turk Telekom Arena makes it a venue most European adversaries dread, a tale that has lived since the early 1990s when Manchester United visited for the first time - with the famous tifo that stated, "Welcome to Hell."

Because of the help from their supporters, and the valiant efforts on the pitch in the club's famous red and yellow colours, they have clinched 62 trophies and will continue to etch unforgettable memories into the history of Galatasaray.

15 Liverpool (England)

Number of trophies won: 63

A club that needs no introduction. Liverpool Football Club is a footballing household name around the world. Anfield roars with the Reds' anthem of "You'll Never Walk Alone". Adopted courtesy of Gerry and the Pacemakers back in the 1960s, it's a song that transcends boundaries and unites football lovers across the globe.

With 63 trophies, Liverpool's legacy speaks of European nights, iconic comebacks, and legendary figures like Bill Shankly and Kenny Dalglish. Having won their first league title in 30 years in 2020, their story is far from finished. The latest trophy in the Reds' collection was the Carabao Cup that Jurgen Klopp's side lifted in February 2024 after an extra-time win against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.

14 Manchester United (England)

Number of trophies won: 66

If you say the 'Theatre of Dreams', Old Trafford, or the 'Busby Babes' to someone, there's only one club that comes to mind: Manchester United. Their 66 trophies paint a tale of legends, right from the 'Busby Babes' Munich air disaster in 1958 to the 'Class of 92'.

Icons like the late Sir Bobby Charlton who recently passed, Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney, to name a few, have donned the famous red jersey. While the club has struggled to hit the heights of the 1990s and 2000s in recent years, they remain the most successful club in England - and with three Champions League to their name, one of the best teams to have ever played in Europe, as well.

13 Juventus (Italy)

Number of trophies won: 67

Juventus are undoubtedly the most successful team to come out of Italy in the history of football. Otherwise known as 'La Vecchia Signora' (The Old Lady), from Dino Zoff to Alessandro Del Piero, this Turin giant has been home to some of the biggest footballing stars to ever be produced, who have helped craft moments that collectively tell the tale of their 67 trophies.

Not many clubs can boast about the fact that their club was formed by a group of grammar school students who turned into one of the biggest clubs in world football. A fascinating backstory with an equally exhilarating journey.

12 Ajax (Netherlands)

Number of trophies won: 73

Ajax are a wonderful football club and their story is represented in as much as one word: innovation. The birthplace of 'Total Football', their academy, De Toekomst, has been a conveyor belt of talent – from Johan Cruyff to Frenkie de Jong. Their 73 trophies, including their European exploits, mirror a philosophy that prioritises skill and vision.

While the Amsterdam-based outfit have found themselves struggling during the 2023-24 campaign, resulting in supporter unrest, the club have been massively successful in their 123-year history, winning four Champions League crowns, three of which were won in a row, as well as 36 Eredivisie crowns. Their record in Europe has only ever been replicated by Real Madrid, which showcases the sheer magnitude of their achievements. Expect plenty more from Ajax in the near future.

11 FC Porto (Portugal)

Number of trophies won: 77

From the banks of the Douro River, FC Porto has risen as Portugal's footballing beacon. The Estadio do Dragao has witnessed domestic dominance and iconic European nights. Their 77-trophy tally speaks of a club that merges tradition with modern ambition. This is the football club that gave us players such as Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and, of course, the cult hero Benni McCarthy. Not only that, but the Champions League win in 2004 saw the incredible rise of manager Jose Mourinho, who quickly made the jump to Chelsea and became the self-proclaimed "Special One."

While Porto haven't seen any success in Europe since, they have still managed to win 30 Primeira Liga titles, 19 Tacas de Portugal, two European Cups and two Europa Leagues during their 130-year history.

10 Olympiakos (Greece)

Number of trophies won: 79

Olympiakos, similar to Galatasaray, are known to have a hugely intimidating home atmosphere when visiting teams come to the Karaiskakis Stadium. Despite only holding 33,334 fans, it's a fortress for the home team.

There's no doubt that they have dominated Greek football since their inception in 1925. Olympiakos' phenomenal team spirit, from legendary figures to the current team, has helped the club propel them to 79 trophies. Their red and white stripes are more than just colours; they are the heartbeat of countless fans. Their rivalry with Panathinaikos is easily one of the most intense in Europe and holds the name as the 'Mother of all Battles' for good reason. This is one of the few fixtures that spreads not just to football, but basketball as well, where the hatred is just as intense.

9 Bayern Munich (Germany) & Al-Faisaly (Jordan)

Number of trophies won: 81

Bayern Munich, the Bavarian giants, have held the mantle of German football dominance for decades. From their Allianz Arena, a modern-day coliseum, they have showcased a brand of football that is both efficient and elegant, garnering numerous Bundesliga titles and impressive European conquests.

Bayern hold unfamiliar company on this list in the form of Al-Faisaly SC, the pride of Jordan, who stand tall in the Middle East. We guarantee that not everyone reading this article will have heard of this club, so let's break down why they are here. Their unparalleled dominance in their homeland has crafted tales of passion and prowess that resonate beyond their borders.

In 91 years of their existence as a football club, formerly known as Al-Ashbal Club, they have won 35 league titles and 21 Jordan FA Cups. The club is yet to have any success on the AFC stage, but they are agonisingly close to finally breaking this duck. Watch this space.

8 Benfica (Portugal)

Number of trophies won: 83

Up next, and jumping ahead of a few behemoth clubs, we have the soaring eagles of Portugal in Benfica, who have painted Portugal's football canvas with their artistry. With 83 trophies, the Estadio da Luz has reverberated with cheers, passion, and often, euphoria, easily one of the most impressive and aesthetically pleasing stadiums in world football.

The club has given birth to some absolute icons in the sport. Eusebio, winner of the 1965 Ballon d'Or, was representing Benfica when he achieved this phenomenal feat. Modern-day players such as Angel Di Maria, Darwin Nunez, David Luiz and Nemanja Matic are just a few names that have come and gone from the Portuguese outfit over the years. This proves that not only do Benfica have an eye for talent, but they can also propel players to stardom. A worthy and well-deserved entry on our list.

7 Barcelona (Spain)

Number of trophies won: 92

Barcelona isn’t just a club; it's a philosophy. Camp Nou has been the epicentre of 'tiki-taka' football - a style that’s poetic, mesmerising, and uniquely Barça. Their 92-trophy tally doesn't just recount victories but also moments that changed football. There is no denying that the club's most successful period was the late 2000s and into the 2010s, led by the genius Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player to ever kick a football. While some fans of Cristiano Ronaldo may disagree with the last sentence, there is no doubt that he is in the conversation.

Barcelona created an identity which left fans and rivals swooning for years and were the best team in the world for a long time during the mid-2010s - going through multiple transitional periods and still managing to churn out world-class squads. This period forever remains a shining example to players, fans and managers alike.

6 Real Madrid (Spain)

Number of trophies won: 96

The Galácticos of football, Real Madrid, narrowly pip their closest rivals in this list. The club has made the Santiago Bernabeu a theatre of dreams for fans and a place of nightmares for rivals. Madrid boast an astonishing 14 European Cups to their name, seven more than any other team has won in the competition's history (AC Milan with seven). There is nothing that screams success in Europe more than this infamous club that play in all-white.

If that wasn't enough of a satisfying sense of achievement to absorb, they have also picked up 35 La Liga titles and 20 Copas del Rey (the Spanish FA Cup). They are arguably the biggest club in world football with the widest global reach - they certainly have the trophy cabinet to go with that title. Los Blancos' most recent triumph came with a 4-1 thrashing of Barcelona in the 2024 Spanish Super Cup final.

5 Atletico Penarol (Uruguay)

Number of trophies won: 110

Just missing out on the top three is one of the ancient guardians of South American football: Atletico Penarol. What makes this club so special, and represents why they have been so successful over the years, is that they have never been relegated from the top division in Uruguay since being founded in 1891.

It is a testament to longevity and consistent excellence. With 110 trophies, they aren't just Uruguayan legends; they're South American folklore. This is despite the fact that loyalties in the country to either Penarol or Nacional are split down the middle and is an incredibly intense rivalry known as the Uruguayan 'Clasico.'

4 Celtic (Scotland)

Number of trophies won: 113

Up next we have the iconic Scottish club Celtic. This team isn’t just about football; it's an emotion, a tradition. Celtic Park, also known as Parkhead, and renowned for its raucous atmosphere, has seen 113 trophy lifts in the club's 136-year history. Because of the dominance of themselves and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, this has helped their trophy haul significantly build up during the 20th century. But for fans, the green and white hoops symbolise pride and deep-rooted club culture in a city that is deeply divided by green and blue.

Celtic were the first club in Great Britain to win the European Cup. The year was 1967 when the Hoops faced Inter, where a famous strike by Stevie Chalmers gave them the name of the 'Lisbon Lions.' This was the start of their success when the club would go on to win a staggering 53 league titles, a tally which is likely to grow in the short term.