Ranking the 12 Oldest Football Clubs in the World

The roots of football can be traced back to the mid-19th century, with the formation of the Football Association in 1863. Even before the FA's establishment, several clubs across England were already playing the sport, and they have continued to do so until the present day. In 1871, the first-ever FA Cup was held, and some of the teams that participated in that tournament still actively compete in football in 2023. However, it took thirteen years for a modern-day team to emerge as champions of the FA Cup, with Blackburn Rovers lifting the trophy in 1884.

Blackburn Rovers was one of the twelve founding members of the Football League when it was established in 1888, forming the professional football pyramid that exists in the country today. Interestingly, only two of those original twelve teams are included in the list of the twelve oldest football clubs in the world. While football originated in the United Kingdom, it is noteworthy that only nine of the clubs on this list are based in England, with two from Scotland and one from Wales also making the cut.

The evaluation criteria used to determine the clubs mentioned below are solely based on their foundation year. This criterion helps establish the age of each club, which is an important factor in understanding their history and legacy in the world of football. It is important to note that this list does not include football clubs that have since liquidated or dissolved. For example, Crystal Palace FC, founded in 1861, was dissolved in 1876 and is not identical to the club we know today.

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12. Maidenhead United

Maidenhead United, established in 1870, finished in 20th place in the National League during the 2022/23 season. Their home ground, York Road, was opened a year after the club's formation and is widely recognized as the oldest ground used exclusively for football in the world.

The Magpies were one of the teams that took part in the inaugural FA Cup and they continue to exist today. They reached the second round of the competition, where they were defeated by Crystal Palace. The modern Crystal Palace football club claims a connection to the team that competed in that FA Cup, suggesting an official foundation date of 1861. However, this claim is disputed by historians, and as a result, Crystal Palace has not been included in this list.

11. Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock, established in 1869, is the second-oldest professional football club in Scotland. In the 2022/23 season, they finished 10th in the Scottish Premiership, making them the oldest club competing in the top flight as of 2023. Kilmarnock was one of the first clubs to join the Scottish Football Association when it was formed in 1873, showcasing their early involvement in the sport.

Since 1899, Kilmarnock has been playing their home matches at Rugby Park. Despite their long and illustrious history, they have only managed to clinch the top spot in the top flight on one occasion, which occurred in 1965. However, Kilmarnock has achieved success in other competitions, having collected several Scottish Cups and a Scottish League Cup in 2012, which have added to their trophy cabinet.

10. Sheffield Wednesday

The Wednesday football club was established in 1867 as a spin-off of the Wednesday Cricket Club in Sheffield. The cricket club derived its name from playing matches on Wednesday afternoons. The football club turned professional in 1887 and joined the Football League five years later. Soon after, in 1896, they achieved success by winning the FA Cup.

In 1929, the club officially added "city" to their name. By that point, they had already secured three league titles and two FA Cups. In the following years, known as the Owls, they went on to win another league title, another FA Cup, and a League Cup. As of 2023, they compete in the Championship after securing promotion in the summer.

9. Queen's Park

Queen's Park, established in 1867, holds the distinction of being the oldest football club in Scotland. They have a rich and proud history, often credited as pioneers of Scottish football. The club played a significant role in the formation of the Scottish Football Association and even provided the entire Scotland national team for the first-ever international football match against England in 1872.

Queen's Park was frequently invited to participate in the FA Cup and reached the final twice, finishing as runners-up on both occasions. They also enjoyed early dominance in the Scottish cups. However, despite their success in cup competitions, Queen's Park has never won the top flight in Scottish football.

Until 2019, Queen's Park remained the only amateur football club within the Scottish football league pyramid. However, following a vote by their fans, the club decided to transition to full-time professionalism. This change resulted in a rapid rise up the leagues, and in the 2022/23 season, they secured a third-place finish in the Scottish Championship.

8. Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest, founded in 1865, currently holds the distinction of being the oldest football club playing in the top flight of English football as of 2023. They secured promotion to the Premier League in the previous year. Nottingham Forest's journey began when they joined the Football League in 1892, four years after their initial application to become a founder member was rejected.

Throughout their history, the club has achieved notable success, including winning the FA Cup on two occasions in 1898 and 1959. However, it was during the 1970s, under the legendary management of Brian Clough, that Nottingham Forest experienced their greatest period of glory. In the 1977/78 season, they clinched both the league title and the League Cup. Their success continued with back-to-back victories in the European Cup, making them one of only two English clubs to achieve this feat.

7. Brigg Town

Brigg Town, established in 1864, is counted among the oldest football clubs in England. Despite their long history, they have not come close to reaching the higher levels of the Football League pyramid. In 1882, they reached the final of the inaugural Lincolnshire Senior Cup and later became founding members of the Lincolnshire League in 1948.

Brigg Town has achieved success in terms of league titles, winning eight in total. In 1976, they were elected to the English league system, and since then, they have secured two league titles and two FA Vase victories. In 2002, they reached the first round of the FA Cup, where they were defeated 4-1 by League One side Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.

As of the 2022/23 season, Brigg Town finished in ninth place in the Northern Counties East League Division One, which is at the tenth level in the English football pyramid.

6. Wrexham

Wrexham is a club and town renowned for its rich history, evident to those who have watched the Welcome to Wrexham documentary series. Established in 1864, Wrexham holds the distinction of being the oldest football club in Wales. Their home ground, the Racecourse Ground, is recognized as the world's oldest international football stadium.

Wrexham experienced success in the English Football League system, achieving promotion to the second tier in 1977. However, they were subsequently relegated in 1982. After spending thirteen years in the National League, the club garnered significant attention when it was purchased by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021. Under their ownership, Wrexham made a triumphant return to the Football League in 2023, winning the league title with a record-breaking point total of 111.

5. Stoke City

Stoke City claims a foundation date of 1863, which is reflected on their crest. However, there is no recorded evidence of the club playing a match until 1868. Initially known as the Stoke Ramblers, the club changed its name to Stoke in 1878. Subsequently, in 1925, the club became known as Stoke City when Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status.

As one of the founding members, Stoke City participated in the inaugural Football League season in 1888. However, they finished at the bottom of the table in the first two seasons and were not re-elected in 1890. Nevertheless, Stoke City swiftly regained their place in the Football League and have remained part of the professional football pyramid since 1919. In the 2022/23 season, they finished in 16th place in the Championship.

4. Notts County

Notts County, founded in 1862, holds the distinction of being the oldest professional football club in the world, predating the establishment of the Football Association itself. As one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888, Notts County has a significant place in football history. Their iconic black and white stripes became so renowned that Juventus adopted them in 1903.

Despite their early success and consistent presence in the English top flight in the first three decades, Notts County's highest-ever league finish was third place in the 1890/91 season. Their sole major honor to date is the FA Cup, which they won in 1894. Since 1926, the club has spent only four seasons in the top flight. However, in 2023, they achieved promotion back into the Football League pyramid after spending four years in non-league football for the first time in their history.

3. Hallam

Hallam, founded in 1860, has a significant place in football history. They played their first-ever match in the same year against Sheffield FC, which is recognized as the oldest fixture in world football. Their ground, Sandygate, which they have shared with Halland Cricket Club since their establishment, holds the distinction of being the oldest football stadium in the world. It opened in 1804 and has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for its historical significance.

Hallam's achievements include winning the oldest-ever football competition, the Youdan Cup, in 1867. The tournament was played under Sheffield Rules, and Hallam emerged victorious by defeating Norfolk in the final. However, despite their historic beginnings, their subsequent progress has been relatively modest. In the 2022/23 season, they finished in sixth place in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, which is part of the ninth tier of the English football pyramid.

2. Cray Wanderers

Cray Wanderers claim their formation as a football club can be traced back to 1860, when railway workers in the village of St Mary Cray in Bromley, London would engage in recreational football. They had a brief stint as a professional club from 1895 to 1907 before transitioning to a semi-professional status.

As of 2023, Cray Wanderers have never reached the Football League but currently compete in the Isthmian League Premier Division, which is one division below the National League South. They play their home matches at Bromley's Hayes Lane stadium. The team is managed by Neil Smith, who had a moderately successful playing career with clubs such as Fulham and Reading.

1. Sheffield FC

Sheffield FC, founded in October 1857, holds the distinction of being recognized by FIFA as the oldest football club in the world. Despite their name, the club currently plays their matches in Dronfield, Derbyshire, after relocating their grounds multiple times throughout their history.

Sheffield FC became members of the Football Association in 1863 but continued to play by Sheffield rules until 1878. Their matches against Hallam FC are famously known as the Rules Derby. The club's historical significance was acknowledged in 2004 when they were awarded the FIFA Order of Merit, alongside Real Madrid. In the 2022/23 season, Sheffield FC finished in ninth place in the Northern Premier League Division One East, which is at level 8 on the English football pyramid.

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