10 Greatest Attacking Teams in Football History [Ranked]

Certain periods in football have the power to revolutionize the sport. Often, it only takes one player, tactic, or mindset to usher in a new era. These transformative moments are remembered by fans and continue to inspire coaches and players, sparking future innovations in the game.

A prime example of this is how some teams are forever etched in history for their attacking brilliance. The way these teams advanced the ball and created opportunities has profoundly shaped the beautiful game, elevating it to new heights.

With this in mind, Betimate has compiled a list of the greatest attacking football teams in history. Teams are ranked based on their goal-scoring ability, entertainment value, and the achievements they earned during their prime.

10. Manchester City 2017/18

Goals scored: 106

In Pep Guardiola's second season in England, the Spanish manager had Manchester City playing a stunning brand of football. After a somewhat underwhelming debut season, Guardiola bounced back from a fourth-place finish, guiding his team to the Premier League title. The key to City's success was their attacking prowess. Strikers like Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, and Gabriel Jesus regularly found the back of the net, while creative contributions from Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, and Bernardo Silva played a vital role in fueling Guardiola’s relentless attacking style.

9. Liverpool 2013/14

League goals scored: 101

The Liverpool team of the 2013/14 season may not have the immediate star power of more recent squads, but the partnership between Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge was one of the most prolific in Premier League history. While Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho provided valuable support, it was the attacking duo that truly stole the spotlight. Under Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool narrowly missed out on the league title by just two points, with Suarez and Sturridge finishing top of the Golden Boot race, scoring 31 and 22 goals respectively. Not only were they highly efficient, but the pair also produced a stunning array of goals, often combining in brilliant and breathtaking fashion.

8. Newcastle United 1993/94

Goals scored: 82

Kevin Keegan faced a challenging task in the 1993/94 season as he sought to build on a successful promotion to the Premier League. However, Keegan not only met expectations but exceeded them. Remarkably, his Newcastle United side finished third in the league, an achievement almost unheard of for a newly promoted team. Their impressive league position was matched by their attacking prowess, as Newcastle finished as the Premier League's top scorers that season with 82 goals. A dynamic partnership between the young Andy Cole and the experienced Peter Beardsley led the charge, with the duo scoring 55 goals between them, accounting for over 67% of the team's total.

7. Brazil 2002

World Cup goals scored: 18

The first national team on our list is Brazil's World Cup-winning side of 2002. With a squad brimming with talent, it's no surprise they are considered one of the most potent attacking forces in football history. Key players like Ronaldo Nazário, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho all scored during the tournament in Japan and South Korea. Despite playing just seven matches, the dazzling Brazil side found the back of the net 18 times. Ronaldo, with his remarkable eight goals, claimed the Golden Boot, while his teammate Rivaldo finished joint-second in the scoring charts.

6. Barcelona 2011/12

League goals scored: 114

Pep Guardiola’s second inclusion on our list comes from his time at FC Barcelona. In what would be his final year with the club, Guardiola perfected an attacking style that tore through defenses across Europe. At the forefront of this unstoppable attack was none other than Lionel Messi. The 24-year-old was in the prime of his career in 2012, scoring a record 91 goals in a calendar year. While Barcelona didn't win La Liga that season, they were devastating in attack, scoring 114 goals in the league. Although Messi grabbed most of the headlines, key contributions from Alexis Sanchez, Pedro, Xavi, and Iniesta were also crucial to the team’s remarkable offensive displays.

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5. Ajax 1994/95

League goals scored: 106

One of the youngest and most exhilarating teams on this list is the Ajax side of 1994/95. They conquered both the Champions League and the Eredivisie, showcasing a brand of football that was a delight for fans. The squad boasted players like Edwin van der Sar, Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids, and Frank Rijkaard, among others. However, it was their attacking prowess that truly earned them a place here. Despite their youth, Marc Overmars (22), Nwankwo Kanu (18), Patrick Kluivert (18), and Jari Litmanen (24) were at their attacking best, wreaking havoc on opposition defenses. Under the guidance of Louis van Gaal, Ajax were undoubtedly one of the most exciting teams of the 1990s.

4. Brazil 1970

World Cup goals scored: 19

Brazil's third World Cup triumph, earning them a second mention on this list, is an undeniable highlight. With iconic players like Pele, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto, the entire team was a joy to watch from start to finish. Throughout the tournament, Brazil scored 19 goals in six matches, demonstrating their attacking dominance. Their most memorable performance came in the final, where goals from Pele, Gerson, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto sealed their victory in stunning fashion, as they demolished Italy 4-1. This remarkable World Cup campaign remains etched in football history as an unforgettable display of attacking brilliance.

3. Real Madrid 2011/12

League goals scored: 121

The 2011/12 La Liga season was a football spectacle that fans will never forget. While the aforementioned FC Barcelona side was a joy to watch, it was Real Madrid who took things to another level when it mattered most. Finishing nine points ahead of their El Clásico rivals, Madrid's success was driven by their exceptional attacking depth. Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain, and Karim Benzema formed a devastating trio, combining for an impressive 89 goals in La Liga. Supported by key players like Mesut Ozil, Marcelo, and Angel Di Maria, Los Blancos always had a wealth of attacking options at their disposal.

2. Chelsea 2009/10

League goals scored: 103

Carlo Ancelotti can be credited with masterminding one of the most potent attacking forces the Premier League has ever seen. The Italian manager had an array of attacking talent at his disposal in the 2009/10 Chelsea side, who were capable of both scoring and creating. Key names like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda, and Deco led the charge, while Joe Cole and Michael Ballack also played crucial roles in the team's forward play. Chelsea finished the Premier League campaign with a remarkable 103 goals, boasting an impressive goal difference of +71.

1. Barcelona 2014/15

League goals scored: 110

The title of the best attacking team in football history goes to FC Barcelona. In the 2014/15 season, the iconic attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar (MSN) were unstoppable. Together, they combined for an astounding 186 goals and assists across all competitions, an exceptional feat. Each player contributed both as a scorer and a provider, leaving defenses around the world helpless. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, Barcelona's attacking prowess went beyond just numbers. The 2014/15 squad completed a historic treble, winning the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and La Liga title, cementing their place as one of the greatest attacking forces in football history.