Europe's Elite: Ranking the Top 10 Clubs with the Most Trophies

European football stands as the pinnacle of club competition, encompassing a vast continent and predominantly dominated by six nations. Within these countries, clubs engage in fierce battles, vying for both local and European glory each season. Amidst the vast array of teams, only a select few have risen above the rest, solidifying their status as true European giants.

The true measure of greatness for clubs lies in their ability to conquer the UEFA Champions League, the ultimate prize in European club football. While many clubs have tasted success in this prestigious competition, only a handful have managed to achieve this feat multiple times. Here, we present ten of the most successful clubs in European football history, based on their tally of major trophies won.

10. AC Milan - 49 trophies

AC Milan has indeed established a legendary reputation for their success in European competitions. The club's illustrious history includes an impressive seven triumphs in the prestigious UEFA Champions League, formerly known as the European Cup. This remarkable achievement firmly places AC Milan among the most successful clubs in the entire history of the competition.

AC Milan's consistent presence in continental competitions has further cemented their status as a European football powerhouse. The club's dedication to excellence and their ability to perform on the grandest stage has earned them a place in the hearts of football fans worldwide.

AC Milan's trophy list:

• x19 Scudetti
• x5 Coppe Italia
• x7 Supercoppe Italiane
• x7 Champions League
• x5 Supercoppe Europee
• x2 Coppe delle Coppe
• x3 Coppe Intercontinentali
• x1 FIFA Club World Cup

9. Manchester United - 66 trophies

The giants of the Premier League, propelled by their former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, have redefined success in recent decades. Manchester United stands as one of the most successful clubs in English football, boasting an impressive collection of 68 trophies. Among their accolades, they have secured 20 top-flight titles, including 13 in the Premier League era. In addition, Manchester United has triumphed in 12 FA Cups, five League Cups, and a record 21 Charity/Community Shields.

The club's European achievements further solidify their status as a football powerhouse. With three European Cups/Champions League titles to their name, along with victories in the Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Super Cup, Manchester United has showcased their prowess on the continental stage. Notably, they are the only English club to have achieved a treble of the Champions League, domestic league title, and main domestic cup. Furthermore, Manchester United holds the distinction of being the sole English club to have won global titles. They claimed the Intercontinental Cup in 1999 and secured the Club World Cup in 2008, adding to their illustrious trophy cabinet.

Manchester United's trophy list:

• 2X Champions League Winner
• 1X European Champion Clubs' Cup Winner
• 1X FIFA Club World Cup Winner
• 20X English Champion
• 1X UEFA Supercup Winner
• 1X Europa League Winner
• 1X Cup Winners Cup Winner
• 12X FA Cup Winner
• 6X English League Cup Winner
• 21X English Supercup Winner
• 1X Intercontinental Cup Winner
• 2X English 2nd Tier Champion

8. Liverpool - 66 trophies

Liverpool, the arch-rivals of Manchester United, have also earned a spot on this list of successful English clubs. The Reds have amassed an impressive total of 69 trophies throughout their history. Notably, Liverpool is the most successful English club in European football, having secured the prestigious European Cup/Champions League on six occasions.

In addition to their European triumphs, Liverpool has claimed three UEFA Cups and four UEFA Super Cups, further enhancing their reputation on the continental stage. Domestically, the Reds have clinched 19 top-flight English titles, eight FA Cups, a record nine League Cups, and 15 Charity/Community Shields.

The 2019/20 season marked a historic moment for Liverpool as they finally secured the Premier League title after a 30-year wait, adding another significant achievement to their trophy cabinet. Furthermore, the Reds triumphed in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019, showcasing their global prowess.

Liverpool's trophy list:

• 2X Champions League Winner
• 4X European Champion Clubs' Cup Winner
• 1X FIFA Club World Cup Winner
• 19X English Champion
• 4X UEFA Supercup Winner
• 3X UEFA Cup Winner
• 8X FA Cup Winner
• 9X English League Cup Winner
• 16X English Supercup Winner
• 4X English 2nd Tier Champion

7. Juventus - 70 trophies

Juventus, based in Turin, stands as the most successful Italian football club in the history of the sport. The club has amassed an impressive collection of 70 trophies, solidifying their dominance both domestically and in European competitions.

Juventus' domestic success is highlighted by their remarkable 36 Serie A titles, a record-breaking achievement within Italian football. Additionally, they have claimed 14 Italian Cups and 9 Italian Super Cups, further cementing their dominance in Italian football.

In European competitions, the Old Lady has left an indelible mark by securing a complete set of honors. Juventus has triumphed twice in the prestigious European Cup, now known as the UEFA Champions League, adding to their rich history. Furthermore, they have clinched three UEFA Cups, one Cup Winners' Cup, and two UEFA Super Cups, showcasing their prowess on the continental stage.

Juventus' achievements extend beyond Europe, as they have been crowned world champions on two occasions. They secured the Intercontinental Cup in 1985 and 1996, solidifying their status as a global powerhouse in football.

Juventus' trophy list:

• 36X Italian Champion
• 1X Champions League Winner
• 1X European Champion Clubs' Cup Winner
• 2X UEFA Supercup Winner
• 3X UEFA Cup Winner
• 1X Cup Winners Cup Winner
• 14X Italian Cup Winner
• 9X Italian Super Cup Winner
• 1X Italian Serie B Champion
• 2X Intercontinental Cup Winner

6. AFC Ajax - 76 trophies

The distinguished Dutch club, AFC Ajax, proudly represents the Netherlands on this list. Renowned for their rich history and success, Ajax holds an esteemed position among European football clubs. Their achievements include an impressive tally of 36 Eredivisie titles, making them the club with the second-highest number of domestic league titles on this list. Additionally, Ajax has triumphed in the Dutch Cup 20 times, further solidifying their dominance in Dutch football.

Ajax's European endeavors have also left an indelible mark. They have secured an impressive four UEFA Champions League titles, showcasing their prowess on the continental stage. Furthermore, Ajax has claimed one UEFA Cup, adding to their European success.

Under the managerial guidance of Frank de Boer, Ajax achieved a remarkable feat by winning the domestic title for four consecutive years from 2011 to 2014, highlighting their consistent excellence in the Eredivisie.

While their last triumph in the UEFA Champions League dates back to the 1994/95 season, Ajax's legacy and impact on European football remain significant. They continue to be revered as a symbol of Dutch footballing excellence and innovation.

Ajax's trophy list:

• 1X Champions League Winner
• 3X European Champion Clubs' Cup Winner
• 3X UEFA Supercup Winner
• 1X UEFA Cup Winner
• 1X Cup Winners Cup Winner
• 36X Dutch Champion
• 20X Dutch Cup Winner
• 9X Dutch Super Cup Winner
• 1X Intertoto-Cup Winner
• 2X Intercontinental Cup Winner

5. FC Bayern Munich - 80 trophies

FC Bayern Munich, the powerhouse of German football, holds numerous records and boasts an impressive trophy cabinet.

With a remarkable total of 81 trophies, Bayern Munich reigns as the kings of German football. Their dominance in the Bundesliga is unparalleled, as they have clinched the league title a record 32 times. Additionally, Bayern has lifted the German Cup on an impressive 20 occasions.

In addition to their domestic achievements, Bayern Munich has excelled on the European stage. They have triumphed in the prestigious European Cup/Champions League six times, including an impressive three consecutive victories in the mid-1970s. Moreover, Bayern has achieved success in every major European competition, securing a Cup Winners' Cup, a UEFA Cup, and two UEFA Super Cup titles.

The club's global success is equally notable. Bayern Munich has triumphed in the Intercontinental Cup twice and has secured two Club World Cup titles. Notably, they are the only German club to have achieved the treble by winning the league title, domestic cup, and the Champions League in a single season.

Bayern Munich's trophy list:

• 3X Champions League Winner
• 3X European Champion Clubs' Cup Winner
• 2X FIFA Club World Cup Winner
• 33X German Champion
• 2X UEFA Supercup Winner
• 1X UEFA Cup Winner
• 1X Cup Winners Cup Winner
• 20X German Cup Winner
• 10X German Super Cup Winner
• 2X Intercontinental Cup Winner
• 6X League Cup Winner

4. FC Porto - 81 Trophies

orto, one of the prominent "Big Three" teams in Portugal, stands alongside their Lisbon-based rivals, Benfica and Sporting CP. The club has secured an impressive tally of 71 official trophies, making them the second most decorated team in Portugal.

The majority of Porto's successes have been achieved in domestic competitions, where they have claimed an impressive 30 league titles. Notably, between 1994-95 and 1998-99, Porto achieved an extraordinary feat of winning five consecutive league titles, setting a Portuguese football record.

In terms of European success, Porto's most recent triumph in the UEFA Champions League came in the 2003/04 season. They clinched the prestigious title with a resounding 3-0 victory over Monaco in the final, etching their name in the history books.

Porto's trophy list:

• 1X Champions League Winner
• 1X European Champion Clubs' Cup Winner
• 1X UEFA Supercup Winner
• 1X UEFA Cup Winner
• 1X Europa League Winner
• 30X Portuguese Champion
• 19X Portuguese Cup Winner
• 1X Portuguese League Cup Winner
• 2X Intercontinental Cup Winner
• 24X Portuguese Supercup Winner

3. SL Benfica - 82 Trophies

SL Benfica, the most successful club in terms of domestic league titles in Portugal, has claimed an impressive 38 league championships. However, their recent European campaigns have not mirrored their domestic success. Benfica's triumphs in the European Cup occurred in the 1960/61 and 1961/62 seasons, and they have not replicated that level of success in European competitions in recent years.

Despite their European challenges, both Benfica and Porto have established themselves as top clubs in Europe renowned for their ability to discover and develop exceptional young South American talent. Their scouting systems in Latin American leagues are highly regarded and have proven to be unrivaled. These clubs excel domestically by leveraging the financial gains from selling highly talented footballers to larger European clubs.

Benfica's trophy list:

• 2x European Champion Clubs' Cup Winner
• 38x Portuguese Champion
• 26x Portuguese Cup Winner
• 7x Portuguese League Cup Winner
• 9x Portuguese Supercup Winner

2. Real Madrid - 98 Trophies

Real Madrid, the Spanish giants, have undoubtedly established themselves as the most successful club in the history of the European Cup/Champions League and have a total of 100 trophies to their name.

In the European Cup/Champions League, Real Madrid's dominance is unparalleled. They have triumphed in the tournament a record 14 times, with five consecutive victories in the early years and an additional eight in the Champions League era. Real Madrid's success in Europe also extends to the UEFA Cup, where they clinched back-to-back titles in the 1980s, as well as four UEFA Super Cups.

On the global stage, Real Madrid has excelled, winning the Intercontinental Cup three times and securing the Club World Cup a remarkable five times.

Within Spain, Real Madrid has been a dominant force, capturing a record 35 domestic titles. They have also lifted the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) on 20 occasions, the Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa de España) 12 times, and were victorious in the defunct Spanish League Cup on one occasion.

Real Madrid's trophy list:

• 8x Champions League Winner
• 6x European Champion Clubs' Cup Winner
• 5x FIFA Club World Cup Winner
• 35x Spanish Champion
• 5x UEFA Supercup Winner
• 2x UEFA Cup Winner
• 20x Spanish Cup Winner
• 13x Spanish Super Cup Winner
• 3x Intercontinental Cup Winner
• 1x Copa Eva Duarte Winner

1. FC Barcelona - 103 trophies

FC Barcelona, the second most recognizable football club in the world, holds an impressive tally of 92 trophies, positioning them as the third most successful club in the history of the sport.

Barcelona's remarkable trophy collection makes them the most successful club based on the number of titles won. They have achieved the treble, winning the league title, domestic cup, and Champions League, not once but twice in their history.

In European competitions, Barcelona has secured five European Cup/Champions League victories, demonstrating their prowess on the continental stage. Additionally, they have claimed four wins in the Cup Winners' Cup, three in the old Fairs Cup, and five UEFA Super Cup triumphs, solidifying their European dominance.

Within Spain, Barcelona's success is equally impressive. They have been crowned champions of La Liga on 27 occasions, showcasing their domestic dominance. Moreover, Barcelona has won the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) a record 31 times and the Spanish Super Cup on 14 occasions. They have also celebrated victory in the Spanish League Cup twice.

On the global stage, Barcelona has claimed the Club World Cup three times, further cementing their international success. In 2009, they made history by becoming the first club to win six trophies in a calendar year, a remarkable achievement.

Barcelona's trophy list:

• 4X Champions League Winner
• 1X European Champion Clubs' Cup Winner
• 3X FIFA Club World Cup Winner
• 27X Spanish Champion
• 5X UEFA Supercup Winner
• 4X Cup Winners Cup Winner
• 31X Spanish Cup Winner
• 14X Spanish Super Cup Winner
• 3X Inter-Cities Fairs Cup Winner
• 9X Copa Catalunya Winner
• 3X Copa Eva Duarte Winner