Fans Rank the 20 Greatest Football Teams in History

Football fans have cast their votes to determine which teams stand as the greatest in football history. From legendary club dynasties to iconic national squads, these teams left a mark not only on the pitch but also in football culture.

Teams Ranked 20 to 11

Just outside the top ten are some remarkable squads. The France team that dominated European internationals from 1982 to 1986, led by Michel Platini, sits at 20th. West Germany’s team from 1972-1974 with stars like Gerd Muller and Johan Cruyff’s Ajax of the early 70s follow closely behind. Bayern Munich’s trio of European Cup wins in the 1970s is next, then Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough, another back-to-back European Cup winner. The 1993-1994 Barcelona team, Brazil's magical 1982 World Cup side, Manchester City's record-breaking 2017-2018 squad under Pep Guardiola, and France’s golden era around 1998-2000 round out this group.

• 20: France (1982-1986)
• 19: West Germany (1972-1974)
• 18: Ajax (1971-1973)
• 17: Bayern Munich (1973-1976)
• 16: Nottingham Forest (1978-1980)
• 15: AC Milan (1988-1990)
• 14: Barcelona (1993-1994)
• 13: Brazil (1982)
• 12: Manchester City (2017-2018)
• 11: France (1998-2000)

Real Madrid's Mid-80s Glory

Ranked tenth is Real Madrid during 1984-1990. Led by the famed 'La Quinta del Buitre' group featuring Emilio Butragueno and Michel, they dazzled Spanish football with attacking flair. Under Luis Molowny and Leo Beenhakker, they won five straight La Liga titles, two UEFA Cups, a Copa del Rey, and three Spanish Super Cups. This period showed a Madrid team close to its roots but still dominating domestically and in Europe.

• Honours: La Liga (5), Copa del Rey (1), Copa de la Liga, Supercopa de España (3), UEFA Cup (2)

Manchester United's Resilience (1966-1968)

Ninth place goes to Manchester United, who rebounded from the 1958 Munich Air Disaster to become the first English club to lift the European Cup in 1968. Managed by Sir Matt Busby, their squad blended youth and experience with legends like George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, and Nobby Stiles. Best, Law, and Charlton remain the only trio to win Ballon d'Or awards simultaneously while playing for the same club.

• Honours: First Division, FA Charity Shield, European Cup

Manchester City's Historic Treble (2022-2023)

Manchester City ranks eighth after their landmark 2022-23 season. They became just the second English team to win the treble, securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and their first Champions League trophy. Erling Haaland scored a record 52 goals, supported by Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri. Their triumph ended City’s long quest for European glory and placed them among football’s elite.

• Honours: Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League

Arsenal’s Unbeaten Invincibles (2003-2004)

Seventh is Arsenal’s undefeated Premier League season dubbed 'The Invincibles.' Under Arsene Wenger, this team introduced modern European tactics into England. With Thierry Henry leading as top scorer and key figures like Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, and Sol Campbell, their 49-match unbeaten run remains legendary. Still, only winning the league during that period kept them from ranking higher.

• Honours: Premier League

Spain's International Dominance (2008-2012)

Spain’s national team from 2008 to 2012 earned sixth place. Adopting tiki-taka, they won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012 consecutively. Their midfield included Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Busquets, and Alonso, supported by defenders Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, and Carles Puyol. Their style overwhelmed opponents globally. The current Spain team continues this legacy with recent wins at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.

• Honours: European Championship (2), World Cup (1)

Real Madrid’s Early European Era (1955-1960)

At number five is Real Madrid’s golden age from 1955 to 1960 when they won the first five European Cups ever held, a record still unmatched. Led by Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Paco Gento, Raymond Kopa, and Jose Santamaria, their 7-3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 final remains a historic masterpiece. This era established Madrid as a European powerhouse and began their global dominance.

• Honours: La Liga (3), European Cup (5), Intercontinental Cup

Liverpool’s Dominant Run (1975-1984)

Liverpool ranks fourth for their spell between 1975 and 1984. Managed by Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan, they won seven First Division titles, three European Cups, one UEFA Cup, and four League Cups. Players like Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Kevin Keegan, Ian Rush, Alan Hansen, and Ray Clemence made this team legendary. Their consistency and quiet authority set a high bar in football.

• Honours: First Division (7), European Cup (3), UEFA Cup, League Cup (4), Charity Shield (5), Super Cup

Brazil’s Iconic 1970 World Cup Team

Third place belongs to Brazil’s 1970 World Cup squad, often considered the best national team ever. Winning all six matches in Mexico, they defeated Italy 4-1 in the final. Pele, Jairzinho, Tostao, Rivelino, and Carlos Alberto dazzled with attacking flair and technical skill. Pele became the first player to win three World Cups, while Carlos Alberto’s final goal is among football’s most famous moments.

• Honours: World Cup

Barcelona’s Tiki-Taka Revolution (2008-2012)

Second place is held by Barcelona from 2008 to 2012. Under Pep Guardiola, they introduced tiki-taka football combining pressing, quick passing, and positional play. Winning three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, two Copa del Rey trophies, and two FIFA Club World Cups, the team featured Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta. Their 2011 Champions League final performance against Manchester United is still praised as one of football’s finest displays.

• Honours: La Liga (3), Copa del Rey (2), Supercopa de España (3), Champions League (2), Super Cup (2), Club World Cup (2)

Manchester United’s Treble Triumph (1998-1999)

The top spot goes to Manchester United’s 1998-99 team. While Manchester City’s treble was incredible, United’s success came amid tougher competition across England and Europe. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side overcame Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Bayern Munich in a thrilling European Cup campaign. Their dramatic comebacks in the final cemented their place in history and earned them fans’ vote as the greatest team ever.

• Honours: Premier League, FA Cup, European Cup