10 Biggest Football Clubs in London (Ranked)

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is as famous for its football culture as it is for its political and royal significance in Westminster. Few cities boast as many professional football clubs as London, with 17 teams spanning from the National League to the Premier League and Champions League.

From the north to the south, and the east to the west, the rivalries are fierce. The North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham is one of the most intense fixtures in world football, while Millwall vs. West Ham often requires a heavy police presence due to its fiery nature.

However, the debate over which London club is the biggest is endless, with fans fiercely contesting bragging rights. The argument often hinges on several factors, especially when teams are competing in the Premier League.

Ranking Factors:

• The size of the fanbase
• The number of major trophies won
• Recent league performances
• Stadium capacity
• Overall standing in English football

10. Queens Park Rangers

Queens Park Rangers were once a Premier League side fighting to stay afloat, particularly during their days with the iconic Adel Taarabt, a player forever remembered by fans. However, they now find themselves in the Championship, battling to maintain their place in the second tier of English football. With a smaller fanbase than many of their London rivals, QPR has only ever won one major trophy — the League Cup in 1967. Their home, Loftus Road, has a modest capacity of less than 20,000, underscoring their challenges when compared to other top-flight clubs. Nevertheless, despite their current struggles, QPR remains larger than many other teams in London, particularly those playing in League Two and below.

9. Brentford

Brentford have become one of the most uplifting stories in English football. Once languishing in the lower tiers of the EFL, they now thrive in the Premier League, consistently challenging some of the league's biggest teams. This success can be attributed to a clever and sustainable model, particularly spearheaded by sporting director Phil Giles. The club has focused on developing young talent, selling players for a profit, and maintaining financial stability. While Brentford have yet to win a major trophy, their continued overachievement suggests that might soon change if they keep defying the odds.

8. Fulham

Fulham's 2010 Europa League final appearance, despite ending in defeat, highlighted their place among London's more prominent clubs. Based at the iconic Craven Cottage, they are always a team expected to put up a strong fight. However, their position on this list is hindered by their relatively limited fan support. Often associated with an affluent crowd—reflected in high ticket prices—the atmosphere at Craven Cottage is not as vibrant as that of some of their London rivals. The club’s only major trophy came in the form of the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2002, though its status as a major European trophy is open to debate.

7. Charlton Athletic

In the early 2000s, Charlton Athletic enjoyed a seven-year stint in the Premier League, competing among England's top clubs. However, their fortunes changed dramatically after relegation in 2007, and since then, they’ve bounced between the Championship and League One. Regarded as a "fallen giant," Charlton is often seen as too big for the level they currently occupy. Their home, The Valley, with a capacity of 27,111, is an impressive stadium that should be hosting some of London's biggest matches. The club's only major trophy came in 1947, when they won the FA Cup, and given their current position in League One, adding to that tally seems unlikely in the near future.

6. Millwall

Millwall is known for having one of the most intimidating fan bases in London—and indeed, England. The club has a long history marked by danger and violence, epitomized by their home ground, 'The Den.' Located in the heart of South London, the stadium holds a capacity of 20,146. Millwall’s rivalries with Crystal Palace and Charlton are intense, and their clashes with West Ham, though rare, often turn chaotic and pose challenges for law enforcement. The club, driven by their passionate supporters, is eager to return to the Premier League, even though they’ve never won a major trophy, unlike their fierce East London rivals.

5. Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace narrowly avoided administration just a few years before their promotion to the Premier League, which perfectly captures their tumultuous journey to top-flight stability. Once in the Premier League, the South London club has found a comfortable spot in mid-table year after year. Their passionate fan base, exemplified by the Holmesdale Ultras, makes Selhurst Park a daunting venue for visiting teams, particularly under the lights. With intense rivalries against other South London clubs, Crystal Palace are a team determined to earn their place among the capital’s biggest. Although they've never won a major trophy, their heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Manchester United in the 2016 FA Cup final serves as a reminder of their struggles on the grand stage.

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4. West Ham United

In June 2023, West Ham capped off a remarkable journey by winning the Conference League 2-1 against Fiorentina in Prague. Jarrod Bowen's dramatic late goal sparked wild celebrations, as the Hammers fans proudly sang "Champions of Europe." This victory solidified their place as one of London's premier clubs, currently ranked fourth, and well ahead of other Premier League teams. With a stadium that holds over 60,000, they consistently fill it week in and week out. Their European success has helped expand their global fanbase, further cementing their stature. In addition to the Conference League, West Ham has claimed the FA Cup three times, with their most recent triumph in 1980, further underscoring their importance in London's football landscape.

3. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham have not won a major trophy since 2008, when they lifted the Carling Cup after a penalty shootout victory over bitter rivals Chelsea. However, they still boast 26 major trophies in their history, including the Community Shield and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, placing them ahead of many London clubs in terms of silverware. Despite the ongoing jokes about their lack of recent success, Tottenham's stature remains significant. The opening of their new stadium in 2019 expanded their global fanbase, with tourists flocking to visit every week. A memorable run to the Champions League final in 2019 further raised their profile on the world stage. Nonetheless, they still trail their bitter rivals Arsenal on this list.

2. Arsenal

Arsenal and Tottenham share one of the most intense rivalries in football, with the North London Derby regarded as one of the fiercest in the world, especially in England. Twice a season, passions run high both on and off the pitch. While the rivalry is fierce, Arsenal hold the upper hand, boasting 48 major trophies in their history. Although they have yet to achieve significant European success, their domestic dominance is undeniable. Notably, they went unbeaten in the 2003-04 season, and their frequent FA Cup victories further cement their reputation. This success has helped Arsenal cultivate a massive global fanbase, with supporters found in nearly every country. Despite their immense stature, however, they still fall short of being the biggest club in London.

1. Chelsea

It's always a tough call to separate Arsenal and Chelsea at the top, as both are undeniably among the biggest clubs in the country, with Tottenham occasionally entering the conversation. However, Chelsea edges ahead due to their remarkable European success. They have won the UEFA Champions League twice, first in 2012 against Bayern Munich and again in 2021 against Manchester City, solidifying their status as one of Europe's elite clubs—something Arsenal has yet to achieve on the European stage. While Chelsea hasn't won the Premier League since 2015, their massive fanbase, both locally and globally, keeps them among the world's top teams. Despite some struggles since Todd Boehly's ownership, few clubs are as large or influential as Chelsea.