Most Trophies Won by A Football Club

by Luke Andrews, 12 April 2023

Winning a trophy is the ultimate aim for every club at the beginning of the season. The ‘big’ clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City target the Champions League, while teams that haven’t qualified for the premier cup competitions, contend for domestic honours. This article focuses on the serial winners, the teams with the most trophies won by a football club. So join us as we reveal the most successful football teams ever.

Football betting fans tend to be knowledgeable when it comes to the success of teams, especially ones they support. Ask a Leicester City fan to name their most extraordinary moment in life, and we’d wager they would mention winning the Premier League in 2016. Likewise, ask the same question to a Wigan fan and watch as they beam with delight as they talk you through their historic FA Cup final win over Manchester City in 2013.

However, for some teams, the expectation is for them to win every game. As a result, these clubs are expected to win three, four or even five trophies each year. Even losing in one final and winning three other titles is deemed a failure. These are the football clubs that are the focus of this article, the super-elite with the most trophies won by a football club.

Most Trophies Won by A Football Club – The Top Five

In this section, we’ll answer the question, “who has the most trophies in football?”. We will present the five teams globally who have the most silverware to their name.

Al Ahly – 118 Trophies

Let’s be honest unless you are a fan of football trivia, are Egyptian, or went on holiday to the country, you probably don’t know much about Al Ahly, the trophy kings.

Referred to as the “century’s club,” Al Ahly was established in Cairo back in 1907. To date, they have secured 42 Egyptian Premier League titles, with seven consecutive wins from the 1993-94 season to 1999-2000. Additionally, the club has claimed 37 national cups and 12 national super cups.

Great Clubs Have Great Fans 😍🦅 pic.twitter.com/sU49vBCFfV

— Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) April 12, 2023

Not only are Al Ahly dominant domestically, as shown in the table below, but they also have dominated the CAF Champions League, winning the title eight times since the turn of the century.

The team showcases a diverse blend of talent, featuring players spanning various generations, from the budding prodigy born in 2004 (Rafaat Khalil Right Winger) to the seasoned veteran hailing from 1988 (captain Mohamed El Shenawy Goal Keeper).

Unlike in England, Spain and Germany, where players can command transfer fees in excess of £100m, the Egyptian club has enjoyed success on a budget. The player with the highest valuation in the team is Aliou Dieng, who has a modest value of €4.00m (£3.5m).

You can learn more about Al Ahly by watching a documentary on the club’s website (English subtitles).

Rangers – 117 Trophies

Two of the five teams that have won the most trophies in football are British, but neither plies their trade in England, but rather hail from the same city, Glasgow.

Rangers top the Scottish League champions list with 55 titles (a world record for domestic league wins), 34 Scottish Cup victories, 27 League Cups and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. Their trophy count currently stands at 117, just three ahead of their nearest rivals, Celtic.

This table lists popular football clubs in Scotland and their respective achievements, including league titles, Scottish Cup (SC), Scottish League Cup (LC), UEFA Champions League (UCL), Cup Winners’ Cup (CWC), UEFA Super Cup (USC), total titles, and the last trophy they won.

Club Nacional de Football – 115 Trophies

Hailing from Montevideo, Club Nacional de Football (often referred to simply as Nacional) stands as a distinguished Uruguayan professional sports organisation, embracing a variety of disciplines, such as football, basketball, futsal, tennis, cycling, volleyball, and even chess! Established on May 14, 1899, Nacional emerged from the unification of the Uruguay Athletic Club and Montevideo Fútbol Club. While football remains its central focus, the club’s involvement in numerous sports activities underscores its commitment to fostering a versatile athletic community.

Nacional’s domestic achievements are impressive, boasting 49 Primera División championships, with the most recent title claimed in the 2022 season. The club has also secured victory in the Copa de Competencia eight times and the Copa de Honor seven times, among other prestigious domestic cup accomplishments.

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Nacional’s prowess is evident on the international stage, with 22 titles recognised by FIFA and CONMEBOL, including a trio of Copa Libertadores championships. In this tournament, Nacional ranks as the second-best club ever, amassing 618 points. Furthermore, the club’s success extends to three Copa Intercontinental wins, crowning Nacional as the second three-time world champion in 1988.

Nacional remains the sole Uruguayan team to have captured the Copa Interamericana twice and the Recopa Sudamericana, with the inaugural victory occurring in 1989.

Nacional’s exceptional performance in jointly organised Argentine and Uruguayan competitions is also noteworthy, having won four Copa de Honor Cousenier titles, three Copa Aldao championships, two Tie Cups, and one Copa Escobar-Gerona.

Celtic – 114 Trophies

As anyone who has even the slightest interest in football betting will know, the battle in Scottish football is usually between just two teams, Rangers and their city rivals, Celtic. And although Rangers currently have the bragging rights of having the football team with most trophies, Celtic are currently in the driving seat in the league and could overtake their rivals within a season or two.

Since the World Cup break, both teams have won each league game against the other ten teams in the top division. Celtic defeated their rivals by a score of 4-0 in the season’s first Old Firm match, but a late goal from Kyogo Furuhashi was necessary to salvage a 2-2 draw at Ibrox in January. Celtic also triumphed in February, against their rivals in the League Cup final which was held at Hampden Park. Kyogo scored twice to help them maintain the cup.

Celtic could also overtake Rangers in the head-to-head records soon.

Atletico Penarol – 108 Trophies

Club Atlético Peñarol, based in Montevideo, Uruguay, holds the distinction of being the second most successful club in Uruguay and the fifth most successful football club in the world in terms of trophies won. The club has secured an impressive 51 Primera División titles, asserting its dominance in domestic competition.

In 2009, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) recognised Peñarol’s remarkable achievements by naming the club “South American Club of the Century,” awarding 531 points based on their victories in quarterfinals or higher in international competitions.

Peñarol’s trophy cabinet also includes the Supercopa Uruguaya (2 times), Intercontinental Cup (3 times), Copa Libertadores (5 times), Intercontinental Champions’ Supercup (1 time), Copa de Honor Cousenier (3 times), and Tie Cup (1 time).

Former Manchester United and Inter Milan star Diego Forlan played for Atlético Peñarol and briefly coached the team in 2020.

Diego Forlan is still repping Manchester United.

Once a red, always a red ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vYdeFaZjaw

— UtdChronicle (@UtdChronicle) March 4, 2023

With its prestigious standing and rich history, Club Atlético Peñarol continues to be a dominant force in the world of football.

Who Has Most Trophies In English Football?

In the same way that Rangers and Celtic top the trophy count north of the border, two teams dominate the most trophies won by a football club in England list, Liverpool and Manchester United. With United winning the Carabao Cup this season, they are just a trophy behind Liverpool and are still in with a chance of two further trophies this season (Europa and FA Cup).

Liverpool – 68 trophies – Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Reds dominated the English and European football landscapes. Under the masterful guidance of renowned managers Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, and Joe Fagan, they clinched four European Cups within a remarkable seven-year span. Adding to their impressive record, they also captured ten top-flight titles over 14 years, commencing with their triumphant 1976 campaign.

Moving forward to the present, Jürgen Klopp’s Reds have maintained their success. The charismatic manager led the team to yet another Champions League victory and ended a 30-year-long drought by securing the club’s inaugural Premier League title.

Manchester United – 67 trophies – The majority of the Red Devils’ triumphs can be attributed to the extensive reigns of two exceptional managers: Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby. During Ferguson’s 26-year tenure, he secured 13 league titles and two Champions League trophies, adding to Busby’s European Cup victory in 1968. After Ferguson’s departure, Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal contributed to the club’s silverware collection.

Newly-appointed manager Erik ten Hag has already made a mark, winning the Carabao Cup in his debut season and bringing United’s overall trophy count to just one short of Liverpool’s.

Arsenal – 48 trophies – Arsenal’s success can be attributed to managers like Arsène Wenger, George Graham, and Herbert Chapman. Wenger led the Gunners to multiple FA Cups, making them the competition’s most successful team, while also claiming three league titles during his tenure.

Chelsea – 34 trophies – Much of Chelsea’s trophy haul came during Roman Abramovich’s ownership, with more than 20 pieces of silverware won during that period. Their league titles and Champions League successes occurred under the guidance of managers like José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.

Manchester City – 29 trophies – Manchester City’s fortunes changed following their Abu Dhabi takeover, and Pep Guardiola transformed them into one of English football’s finest teams. The club has won eight league titles, six FA Cups, and eight League Cups. They are currently in the hunt for the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup and seem set to overtake Chelsea within a year or two.

Tottenham Hotspur – 26 trophies

Bill Nicholson’s 16-year tenure remains Tottenham’s most successful period, with a mix of domestic and European triumphs. Their last league title came in 1962, and their most recent trophy was the 2008 League Cup. However, Tottenham has experienced several near misses in their pursuit of silverware, apart from their league titles and 14 cup victories. The team has faced recent setbacks in the EFL Cup final, losing thrice since lifting the trophy in 2008. The most recent loss was in the 2021 final against Manchester City, with a 1-0 defeat due to a goal by Aymeric Laporte. They also suffered defeats in the 2015 and 2009 finals.

In the FA Cup, Tottenham has had an impressive record in finals, with only one loss in 1987 and eight victories out of the nine times they reached the final.

Notably, Spurs also fell short in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool, losing 2-0 in their first-ever appearance at that stage of the competition.

Aston Villa – 25 trophies – Aston Villa, one of only five teams from England to win the European Cup (1982), enjoyed much of their success in the late 1800s. Their last league title was in 1981, and their most recent silverware came from the 1996 League Cup.

Everton – 24 trophies – Everton’s are fifth in the list of most trophies in England in football with 24 major honours. Their most successful period came during Howard Kendall’s tenure in the 1980s, when they challenged city rivals Liverpool and won two league titles, the FA Cup, and three Charity Shields. Joe Royle was the last manager to win a trophy for Everton, claiming the 1995 FA Cup and the Charity Shield shortly after.

The Role of Players in Achieving success

In the world of football, Brazilian full-back Dani Alves has etched his name in the record books, winning the most trophies in football, boasting an astonishing 43 titles, the most won by any player in the sport’s history.

Beginning his professional journey with his hometown club, Bahia, Alves quickly made a name for himself. He secured five trophies in six years with Sevilla before making a £23 million transfer to Spanish giants Barcelona.

During his tenure at Camp Nou, Alves amassed an impressive 23 titles, which included six La Liga championships and three UEFA Champions League trophies. His success continued with stints at Juventus (2016-17 – two titles), Paris Saint-Germain (2017-19 – six titles), and Sao Paulo (2019-21 – one trophy), before ultimately signing with Mexican side UNAM in 2022 after concluding his second spell with Barcelona.

The time when the Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol stopped Thiago Alcantara and Dani Alves’ dance celebration to show respect to the opposition as Barcelona beat Rayo Vallecano 7-0. pic.twitter.com/6uHCuV80zr

— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) April 11, 2023

On the international stage, Alves has clinched the Copa America and Confederation Cup twice, in addition to securing a gold medal in men’s football at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The FIFA World Cup remains the only elusive piece in his otherwise glittering trophy cabinet.

Lionel Messi, Alves’ former teammate, is considered the leading contender to surpass the Brazilian’s record and become the most trophied football player. The Argentine maestro currently boasts 42 career titles, the latest being the coveted FIFA World Cup. Messi accrued 35 titles with Barcelona (2004-2021) and five trophies on international duty, including the 2021 Copa America. Additionally, he claimed an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Upon joining Paris Saint Germain in 2021, Messi further padded his trophy cabinet with Ligue 1 (2021-22) and Trophee des Champions (2022) titles.

35 year old Lionel Messi this season:

46 games 35 goals 23 assists 26 MOTM Awards

And a World Cup title! pic.twitter.com/huM3RBCmM6

— Football & Witball ⚽🎩 (@FootballWitball) April 9, 2023

Egyptian midfielder Hossam Ashour holds a unique record, having secured 39 trophies (6 CAF Champions League, 1 CAF Confederation Cup, 5 CAF Super Cups, 13 Egyptian Premier League, 4 Egypt Cups, 10 Egyptian Super Cups) throughout his 17-year stint with Al Ahly (2003-2020). Ashour stands as the player with the most most football trophies earned while representing a single club.

Egyptian Player, Hossam Ashour holds the record for the Most Trophies Won at a Single Football Club.

He won 39 trophies with Al Ahly from 2003-2020.

He won 6 CAF Champions League, 1 CAF Confederation Cup, 5 CAF Super Cups, 13 Egyptian PL, 4 Egypt Cups, 10 Egyptian Super Cups. pic.twitter.com/P6dBCjxYwH

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) July 17, 2021

Joint fourth on the list, with 37 trophies each, are former Barcelona teammates Maxwell and Andres Iniesta. Iniesta, regarded as one of the most gifted midfielders of all time, is celebrated for scoring the decisive goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Spaniard claimed 32 titles with Barcelona before adding two more (Emperor’s Cup and Japanese Super Cup) with his current team, Vissel Kobe.

A Brit sneaks into fifth place.

As a football legend, Ryan Giggs’ career with Manchester United stands unparalleled in the annals of English football, boasting the most trophies in England football. His unwavering commitment to the club for 24 years, amassing 963 appearances and representing Wales with 64 caps, solidifies his status as a one-club icon.

Ryan’s trophy haul, totaling 34 major honors, cements his position as the most decorated player not only for Manchester United but in football history. His illustrious achievements encompass 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, four FA Cup triumphs, one UEFA Super Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, nine FA Community Shields, and three Football League Cups. These accomplishments place him among the football teams with most trophies, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

24 years ago today, Ryan Giggs threw #MUFC a Champions League lifeline with an injury time equaliser in the first leg of our semi-final.pic.twitter.com/xTR5d75xEI

— UnitedReds (@UnitedRedscom) April 7, 2023

In addition to his team successes, Ryan’s individual accolades include two PFA Player of the Year Awards.

His leadership qualities were further demonstrated as captain of the Great Britain team during the London 2012 Olympics.

Upon retirement, Ryan transitioned into coaching, initially serving as the assistant manager of Manchester United under renowned Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal in May 2014. Subsequently, he took on the role of Wales Team Manager in January 2018.