Triumphs Across Continents: Every European Treble Winner in Football History

In modern European football, securing a single major trophy in a season is often considered a significant achievement, given the fierce competition among numerous top teams. However, capturing a treble—winning the domestic league, the primary domestic cup, and the Champions League (formerly the European Cup)—is a rare feat, accomplished by only a select few elite clubs in the sport's history.

To put it in perspective, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and AC Milan have collectively lifted Europe’s most prestigious club trophy 28 times, yet none of these storied teams have ever managed to complete the fabled treble.

Over the seven decades since the European Cup was established, only eight clubs have reached such extraordinary heights. Here’s a closer look at this exclusive group that has claimed the ultimate prize in club football.

1. Celtic – 1966/67

Scottish League, Scottish Cup and European Cup

Not only did Celtic achieve the European treble, but they also completed a domestic clean sweep, becoming the first team ever to win the quintuple. Alongside the Scottish League and Scottish Cup, they added the Scottish League Cup and the Glasgow Cup to their haul. During the 1966/67 season, the Bhoys netted an astonishing 196 goals across all major competitions, setting a world record. This legendary team, now famously known as the 'Lisbon Lions' after their European Cup triumph in the Portuguese capital, secured a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the final.

In front of 48,500 spectators, Celtic showcased their greatness with defender Tommy Gemmell and forward Stevie Chalmers scoring in the second half to complete a comeback victory against the Nerazzurri. Under the guidance of the iconic manager Jock Stein, Celtic not only dominated that season but also set the benchmark for all future great club sides.

2. Ajax – 1971/72

Eredivisie, KNVB Cup and European Cup

Any team featuring Johan Cruyff was always destined for greatness, and the Dutch legend proved this by leading Ajax to an extraordinary treble triumph in the 1971/72 season. Despite the departure of the iconic Rinus Michels the previous summer, Cruyff rose to the challenge, solidifying his legacy as one of football's all-time greats by virtually carrying the team to glory.

Ajax's dominance that season was nearly unparalleled, losing just one match across all domestic and European competitions. Their superiority was further highlighted by a staggering 12-1 victory over Vitesse, a record that stood as the Eredivisie's biggest win for 48 years until Ajax surpassed it with a 13-0 demolition of VVV-Venlo in 2020.

3. PSV Eindhoven – 1987/88

Eredivisie, KNVB Cup and European Cup

Another Dutch side that achieved the treble, PSV Eindhoven matched the feat of their arch-rivals Ajax by winning the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and European Cup in the 1987/88 season. This PSV team, anchored defensively by Netherlands legend Ronald Koeman—who would later shine for Barcelona—showed remarkable resilience and depth.

Despite selling international superstar Ruud Gullit to Milan in a then-record £6 million deal, PSV managed to have a historic season. Their treble hopes were ultimately realized in dramatic fashion, as they edged out Portuguese giants Benfica 6-5 on penalties in the European Cup final, securing their place in football history.

4. Manchester United – 1998/99

Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League

Manchester United solidified their status as the most dominant force in British football when they clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season in 1999. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United narrowly edged out Arsenal in both domestic competitions but faced a daunting challenge in the Champions League final when Bayern Munich took an early lead.

However, late goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ignited a stunning comeback, sealing a 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou. The fact that no other English team replicated this treble for over two decades underscores the magnitude of United's incredible achievement in 1999.

• Como vs Inter Milan Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips 05/23/2025
• Inter Milan vs Lazio Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips 05/18/2025

5. Barcelona – 2008/09 & 2014/15

La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League

Barcelona, one of the most iconic clubs in football history, achieved the rare feat of winning the treble twice within a decade, solidifying their place among the sport's elite. Both triumphs were orchestrated by the brilliance of Lionel Messi, who was pivotal in their success. The first treble came during the 2008/09 season under Pep Guardiola, with Messi supported by a formidable front line featuring Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry.

Barcelona's second treble in the 2014/15 season saw Messi leading a new attacking trio alongside Luis Suárez and Neymar, under the management of Luis Enrique. This formidable trio powered Barcelona to victory in the Champions League final against Juventus in Berlin, just a week after they triumphed over Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey, marking another historic season for the Catalan giants.

6. Inter Milan – 2009/10

Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League

José Mourinho's Inter Milan shocked the football world by capturing the Champions League in the 2009/10 season, completing an incredible treble. The team, composed of experienced pros and battle-hardened veterans, was spearheaded by the deadly strike partnership of Diego Milito and Samuel Eto'o. Behind them, midfield maestros Wesley Sneijder and Esteban Cambiasso provided the perfect blend of creativity and tenacity, driving the team forward with energy and intelligence.

Mourinho, who had faced some criticism after his turbulent departure from Chelsea, was determined to restore his reputation, and he did so in spectacular fashion by leading Inter to the first treble in Italian football history. Their Champions League triumph came against Bayern Munich, while they also edged out fierce rivals Milan and Roma to secure the Serie A title. The season was marked by consistency, discipline, and the trademark resilience of a classic Mourinho team, cementing Inter's place in football history.

7. Bayern Munich – 2012/13 & 2019/20

Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League

Bayern Munich's unprecedented dominance in German football was finally halted by Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, ending an 11-year reign that began with a treble-winning season. Over more than a decade, Bayern maintained a firm grip on domestic competitions, even achieving a second treble in 2020.

Their initial triumph came in the 2012/13 season, when they secured three major trophies, including a dramatic Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium. They also edged out their rivals for the Bundesliga title that same year. Seven years later, a Bayern team full of speed and strength once again made history by repeating their treble success in the 2019/20 season, solidifying their legacy as one of Europe's most dominant clubs.

8. Manchester City – 2022/23

Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League

The most recent team to achieve European football's ultimate feat, Pep Guardiola's formidable Manchester City side dominated both domestically and on the continent, securing an extraordinary season for the blue half of Manchester in 2022/23. While City had already claimed the Premier League and FA Cup multiple times in their recent history, the elusive Champions League title had remained just out of reach since the club's financial transformation in the late 2000s. However, Guardiola's team finally broke that curse by defeating Inter Milan in the final, with Rodri's decisive goal sealing the victory. This triumph cemented Manchester City's place in football history as the latest club to complete the prestigious continental treble.