The 11 Most Successful English Football Clubs: A Glance at Historic Achievements

The Premier League, renowned for its rich history and prominence in world football, consists of 20 teams, including esteemed clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool. A frequently asked question among football enthusiasts is, "Which English club holds the title of the most successful?"

In this article, we will provide a ranking of the 11 most successful English clubs based on the number of major trophies they have won throughout their history. Stay tuned to discover who claims the top spot.

11. Nottingham Forest (11 Trophies)

The first team on our list is Nottingham Forest, a Midlands club. Despite their recent return to the English top flight in 2022, the club boasts an illustrious history, having won 11 major trophies.

Nottingham Forest experienced a remarkable era of success under the management of renowned English manager Brian Clough in the late 1970s. During that period, the club achieved significant triumphs, including back-to-back victories in the European Cup, one league title, the UEFA Super Cup, two League Cups, and the English Super Cup.

Forest’s Last Trophy Win

Nottingham Forest's last trophy victory occurred during the 1989/90 season when they emerged as champions of the English League Cup. Their triumph came after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Oldham Athletic. Since then, fans of Nottingham Forest, affectionately known as the "Tricky Trees," have patiently awaited another trophy win. It has now been 33 long years since their last triumph, making the anticipation for the club's next trophy success even greater.

10. Wolverhampton Wanderers (13 Trophies)

Ranked as the 10th most successful English club based on major trophy wins, Wolverhampton Wanderers, hailing from the West Midlands, has secured a total of 13 trophies, two more than Nottingham Forest.

While Wolves have not experienced European success, they were crowned English champions three times during the 1950s, showcasing their dominance during that era. Additionally, they clinched the FA Cup and the English Supercup twice in the same decade.

Wolverhampton Wanderers achieved promotion from the second tier of English football at the end of the 2017/18 season. This accomplishment was aided by strategic signings such as Rúben Neves, Diogo Jota, and Léo Bonatini, facilitated by their collaboration with renowned football super agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Cristiano Ronaldo. Since their promotion, Wolves have maintained their position in the Premier League, showcasing their competitiveness and resilience.

Wolves Last Trophy Win

Wolverhampton Wanderers' most recent trophy victory took place during the 1979/80 season when they emerged as champions of the English League Cup. Their triumph came after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Since then, Wolves have endured a lengthy wait of 43 years for their next trophy win.

9. Newcastle United (14 Trophies)

Newcastle United, a club with a rich history in the English top flight, has recently gained significant attention due to its acquisition by the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) during the 2021/22 season, making them the owners with the highest wealth in world football.

While Newcastle United has experienced limited European success, their notable achievement came in the 1968/69 season when they emerged as victors of the Inter-cities Fairs Cup. Now, with their qualification for the Champions League in the 2023/24 season, the club has an opportunity to further build on their European legacy.

In terms of domestic success, Newcastle has had greater fortunes. They have been crowned English champions four times and have won the FA Cup an impressive six times. Given their history and recent ownership change, there is a sense of optimism that it won't be long before the Magpies add another trophy to their collection. The future looks promising for Newcastle United as they strive to bring more silverware to their passionate fans.

Newcastle Last Trophy Win

Apart from their English second-tier title in the 2016/17 season, Newcastle United's last major trophy win occurred during the 1968/69 season. This means that the club has endured a prolonged wait of 54 years for another significant trophy victory. The long-standing drought has only increased the anticipation and hope among Newcastle United fans for a change in their fortunes.

8. Aston Villa (22 Trophies)

Aston Villa, donning their iconic claret and blue football kit, holds the distinction of being the second club on our list of the most successful English clubs to have won a European Cup. They achieved this feat during the 1981/82 season. Aston Villa has a storied history in English football, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Prior to 1900, Aston Villa had already secured eight major trophies, including five English titles and three FA Cups, showcasing their dominance during that era. Although the club experienced fluctuations in success over the years, their recent achievements indicate a potential upturn in fortunes. Aston Villa's qualification for the Europa League ahead of the 2023/24 season signifies a positive trajectory for the club.

Impressively, Aston Villa has clinched six different types of major trophies, a notable achievement for a club outside the so-called "big six" in English football. With a total of 22 major honours in their illustrious history, Aston Villa claims the eighth spot on the list of the most successful English teams of all time. Their rich collection of trophies further solidifies their status as a respected and accomplished club in English football.

Aston Villa Last Trophy Win

Aston Villa's most recent major trophy victory occurred during the 1995/96 season when they emerged as champions of the English League Cup. Their triumph came after a convincing 3-0 victory over Leeds United. Since then, Aston Villa has endured a wait of 17 years for another major trophy.

7. Everton (24 Trophies)

Everton, the blue half of Merseyside, claims the seventh spot on our list of the most successful English teams. The club has secured an impressive total of 24 major trophies, all achieved domestically. This includes nine English titles, five FA Cups, and nine English Supercups.

However, in recent years, Everton has faced challenges and struggled to maintain their previous levels of success. The club narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League on two occasions, specifically during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. Despite these difficulties, Everton holds a remarkable distinction as one of only six clubs to have never been relegated from England's top flight.

Everton Last Trophy Win

Apologies for the confusion in my previous response. You are correct. Everton's last major trophy victory came during the 1995/96 season when they emerged as champions of the English Supercup, defeating Blackburn Rovers with a 1-0 scoreline. Since then, Everton has endured a 17-year wait for another major trophy.

6. Tottenham Hotspur (24 Trophies)

Tottenham Hotspur, one of the "big six" sides in English football, has amassed an impressive 24 major trophies throughout their history. Their collection includes a combination of domestic and European honors.

The club has been crowned English champions on two occasions and has lifted the UEFA Cup, now known as the UEFA Europa League, twice as well. However, their most successful competition has been the FA Cup, with Tottenham winning the prestigious tournament eight times. Their most recent FA Cup triumph came in the 1990/91 season.

Tottenham Hotspur faced a significant change when their talisman striker, Harry Kane, departed for Bayern Munich in search of his first trophy win. As a result, the club's prospects for immediate success may appear uncertain. However, the arrival of Australian manager Ange Postecoglou has brought a new attacking style of play to the team, which has shown promising results. Spurs fans can remain hopeful for a change in fortunes under his leadership.

While Tottenham's recent trophy drought may have been prolonged, the club's rich history and current managerial approach offer a glimmer of optimism for the future. The fans eagerly anticipate the chance to celebrate another significant trophy triumph in the near future.

Tottenham Last Trophy Win

You are correct, and I apologize for the oversight in my previous response. Tottenham Hotspur's most recent major trophy win occurred during the 2007/08 season when they emerged as champions of the League Cup. They achieved this victory after defeating London rivals Chelsea with a 2-1 scoreline. Since then, Tottenham has endured a 15-year wait for another major trophy. The length of this drought, combined with the club's status as one of the "big six" sides, can understandably be disappointing for the fans who have high expectations.

5. Chelsea (32 Trophies)

Chelsea Football Club, ranked fifth in terms of the most successful English clubs, boasts an impressive tally of 32 major trophies and has clinched nine different types of major titles. Among their notable achievements are two UEFA Champions League victories, six English titles, and eight FA Cup triumphs.

Chelsea fans have become accustomed to success, and while their club's ranking may not meet their high expectations, it is still an impressive feat. Over the years, Chelsea has attracted world-class players and has been managed by elite-level managers, further enhancing their reputation.

Since Todd Boehly's takeover of the club in May 2022, Chelsea has undergone a transition phase. The club has made significant investments, with reported spending exceeding £900 million. They have prioritized signing up-and-coming talents such as Enzo Fernández, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and more.

The success of this strategy and its potential to guide Chelsea back to further glory remains to be seen. The club's fans eagerly await the outcome, expecting that these investments will contribute to future achievements on the pitch.

Chelsea Last Trophy Win

Chelsea Football Club's most recent major trophy victories occurred in the 2020/21 season when they triumphed in both the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. This means that Chelsea fans have had a relatively short wait of only two years for their next major trophy win.

4. Manchester City (33 Trophies)

Manchester City is undoubtedly a successful football club, having secured an impressive total of 33 major trophies throughout their history. Notably, 21 of these trophies have been won after the turn of the century, highlighting their recent period of dominance.

The club has triumphed in seven different types of major honors, showcasing their versatility and ability to compete on various fronts. In the most recent season, Manchester City achieved a significant milestone by clinching the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy. They achieved this feat by defeating Inter Milan with a 1-0 victory in the final.

Under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's success has been remarkable. During the 2022/23 season, the team accomplished the impressive treble, securing victories in the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup. Guardiola's tactical acumen and the club's talented squad, including players like Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Touré, and David Silva, have contributed to their continued success.

Manchester City has been crowned English champions on nine occasions, won the FA Cup seven times, and lifted the League Cup on eight occasions. With their strong squad, talented players, and visionary manager, Manchester City shows no signs of slowing down and will likely remain a formidable force in English and European football in the foreseeable future.

Manchester City Last Trophy Win

During the 2023/24 season, Manchester City added to their collection of major trophies by winning the UEFA Super Cup. This triumph occurred after their debut victory in the UEFA Champions League during the 2022/23 season.

3. Arsenal (48 Trophies)

Arsenal, the red half of north London, holds the third position in our ranking of the most successful football clubs in England. "The Gunners" have an impressive tally of 48 major titles, with the majority of their success coming from domestic competitions. Their sole European title was secured during the 1969/70 season when they emerged victorious in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. Arsenal is one of only three English clubs to have won this competition, alongside Leeds United and Newcastle.

The club has been crowned English champions on 13 occasions, and their unbeaten run during the 2003/04 season earned them the nickname "The Invincibles." In addition to these league titles, Arsenal has lifted the FA Cup on fourteen different occasions and the English Super Cup seventeen times.

Under the leadership of Spanish manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has experienced a resurgence. The team achieved a second-place finish in the Premier League during the 2022/23 season, signaling a positive trajectory. Building upon this form, Arsenal aims to secure more trophies in the future, with the Premier League being their primary target.

Arsenal Last Trophy Win

Arsenal's most recent major trophy win occurred in August 2023 when they triumphed over Manchester City in the Community Shield. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but Arsenal emerged victorious with a 4-1 penalty shootout win, snatching the trophy from the treble-winning team.

2. Liverpool (66 Trophies)

Liverpool Football Club, the second most successful English club of all time, boasts an astonishing tally of 66 major trophies throughout its history. On the domestic stage, they have excelled with an impressive haul of nineteen English titles, sixteen English Supercups, eight FA Cups, nine League Cups, and much more.

In terms of European success, Liverpool stands as the most successful English club, having won a remarkable 13 major trophies. Their most recent triumph in Europe came in the 2019/20 season when they secured the UEFA Supercup by defeating fellow English side Chelsea in a thrilling encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw and was decided by a penalty shootout.

Liverpool experienced a prolonged period without winning an English title, enduring a 30-year drought until they were crowned champions in the 2019/20 season. Their title-winning campaign was truly outstanding, amassing an impressive 99 points from 38 matches and losing only three games throughout the season.

Liverpool Last Trophy Win

Liverpool's most recent major title win occurred in 2022 when they triumphed over Manchester City with a 3-1 victory in the Community Shield final.

1. Manchester United (67 Trophies)

Manchester United stands as the most successful English club in terms of major titles won. The red half of Manchester has an impressive record of 20 English titles, making them the most decorated club in English football history. They are also one of only two clubs to have achieved the treble, consisting of the English title, FA Cup, and League Cup.

Manchester United has secured a record number of English Supercups, with 21 honours to their name. Additionally, during the 1999/00 season, they emerged victorious in the Intercontinental Cup. This prestigious competition involved the clash between the winner of the UEFA Champions League and the winner of the Copa Libertadores. Manchester United holds the distinction of being the only English club to have won this title before it was abolished in 2004.

Throughout their history, Manchester United has been home to a multitude of elite footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, George Best, David Beckham, and Paul Scholes, among many others. Under the stewardship of manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the club enjoyed an incredible era of success. However, in recent years, Manchester United has faced a drought in terms of winning the English title, with their last triumph occurring a decade ago.

By the club's high standards, this lack of success in the league is deemed unacceptable. Nonetheless, Manchester United remains determined to change their fortunes and return to their winning ways. With a rich history and a strong squad, the club continues to strive for success and aims to regain their status as champions in the near future.