Throughout football history, certain teams have set the standard for excellence, dominating their eras with incredible talent, teamwork, and tactical brilliance. The best football squads of all time are remembered for their trophies and how they redefined the sport. These legendary teams combine world-class players, visionary coaches, and an unmatched winning mentality to achieve greatness on the biggest stages. Win Betting Tips will present the top 8 best football squads of all time in this article.
Top 8 best football squads of all time
Below are the top 8 best football squads of all time that we have compiled:
8. Liverpool (1976/1977)
A decade and a half after Benfica’s dominance in Europe, Liverpool rose to claim their place among the elite. Having already established themselves as a powerhouse in English football, they clinched the First Division title for the second consecutive season, finishing just one point ahead of Manchester City.
Their domestic campaign, however, had a bitter ending when they lost to arch-rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final. This defeat denied them the chance to become the first English club to win three major trophies in a single season. Yet, any disappointment quickly faded when they achieved the most significant milestone in their history: winning the European Cup for the first time.
In the final, Liverpool defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1 in Rome, securing their place among football’s greatest clubs. Kevin Keegan, who played a crucial role in the triumph, soon left for Hamburg in a British record transfer deal, marking the end of an era but also the beginning of Liverpool’s sustained European dominance.
7. Inter Milan (1964/1965)
Inter Milan stands as one of the best football squads of all time, and their 1964/65 season remains a testament to their dominance. With a squad filled with Italian legends, they won Serie A with 54 points, finishing three points ahead of fierce rivals AC Milan.
Though they suffered a setback by losing the Coppa Italia final, that disappointment was overshadowed by their success on the biggest stage: the European Cup. Exactly one year after their previous triumph, Inter retained their continental title by defeating Benfica 1-0 at San Siro, thanks to a decisive goal from Jair.
Their success was built upon Helenio Herrera’s "catenaccio" system— a defensive, disciplined tactical approach that, while not the most aesthetically pleasing, proved to be highly effective. Herrera’s strategies cemented Inter Milan as a dominant force in both Italian and European football, securing their place in history.
6. Manchester City (2022/2023)
For years, Manchester City was known as the "noisy neighbors," often dismissed by their rivals, Manchester United, for their lack of success despite their ambitions. However, with Middle Eastern investment and the managerial brilliance of Pep Guardiola, City finally reached the pinnacle of European football in 2023, completing a historic treble.
The Citizens clinched the Premier League title after an intense battle with Arsenal, secured the FA Cup by defeating their bitter rivals Manchester United—thanks to a stunning strike from Ilkay Gündogan—and capped off the season with their first-ever Champions League triumph, edging past Inter Milan 1-0. Their remarkable achievement mirrored Manchester United’s famous treble in 1999, further solidifying their place among football’s elite. Central to their dominance was Erling Haaland, whose 52 goals made him a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or.
5. Manchester United (1998/1999)
No list of legendary football squads would be complete without at least one iteration of Manchester United. Under the guidance of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils orchestrated one of the most iconic seasons in football history, completing an unprecedented treble in 1999.
United narrowly edged out Arsenal to win the Premier League by a single point before securing the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle. However, their most dramatic triumph came in the Champions League final, where two stoppage-time goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær completed a stunning comeback against Bayern Munich, sealing a 2-1 victory.
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While Dwight Yorke finished as the team's top scorer with 29 goals, David Beckham was just as instrumental in United’s success. His performances earned him the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award, and he finished runner-up to Rivaldo for both the 1999 Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year.
4. Real Madrid (2016/2017)
Real Madrid has long been synonymous with footballing excellence, and their 2016/17 squad, led by Zinedine Zidane, was no exception. With one of the greatest attacking trios in history—Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale—Los Blancos dominated both Spanish and European football.
They secured the La Liga title, finishing three points ahead of fierce rivals Barcelona. Madrid also won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, earning their spots by winning the previous season’s Champions League. However, their crowning achievement came in Europe's biggest competition, where they dismantled Juventus 4-1 in the final, showcasing their dominance on the grandest stage.
3. Real Madrid (1956/1957)
Achievements are always most memorable when they happen for the first time. In 1957, Real Madrid made history by securing both La Liga and the European Cup in the same season for the first time. While they had previously won both competitions individually, this marked the club’s first-ever double, a feat that further cemented their dominance in European football.
During their domestic campaign, Madrid finished five points ahead of Sevilla, with much of their success owed to Alfredo Di Stefano, one of the greatest strikers in football history. His goal-scoring prowess played a crucial role in securing the league title.
In the European Cup final, Real Madrid faced Benfica and secured a 1-0 victory, with Di Stefano scoring the only goal of the match. This win solidified his legendary status and showcased Madrid’s growing supremacy in European football. Even more impressively, they repeated the same La Liga-European Cup double the following season, part of their remarkable run of winning five consecutive European Cups.
2. Ajax (1971/1972)
The total football philosophy, one of the most revolutionary tactical approaches in the sport, was perfected by Ajax in the early 1970s. This innovative system allowed outfield players to seamlessly switch positions throughout a match, creating a fluid, attacking style of play that overwhelmed opponents.
During the 1971/72 season, Ajax dominated Dutch football, comfortably winning the Eredivisie title while also securing the KNVB Cup with a convincing victory over ADO Den Haag.
Their brilliance extended to the European Cup final, where they defeated Inter Milan 2-0, thanks to two goals from the legendary Johan Cruyff, widely regarded as one of the greatest Dutch footballers of all time. This triumph marked Ajax’s second consecutive European Cup victory, and they would go on to win it again the following season, further proving the effectiveness of their total football philosophy, which Cruyff himself helped develop.
1. Barcelona (2008/2009)
The Barcelona squad of the 2008/09 season is widely regarded as the greatest club team of all time. Under the management of Pep Guardiola, the team revolutionized football with their signature "tiki-taka" style—an intricate passing game that prioritized possession, movement, and quick transitions.
With Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta at the heart of the team, Barcelona dominated both domestic and international football. Their ability to control matches with fluid passing and exceptional technical ability made them nearly unstoppable.
One of their defining moments came in the Champions League final, where they defeated Manchester United 2-0 in a performance that showcased their sheer superiority. This victory completed their historic treble, as they also secured La Liga and the Copa del Rey in the same season.
Elegant. World-class. In a league of their own. There are not enough words to describe the beauty of this Barcelona team, whose legacy remains unmatched in modern football.
Final thought
The best football squads of all time are not just about winning trophies but about leaving a lasting impact on the game, inspiring future generations, and setting new standards of greatness. From Manchester United’s iconic treble-winning squad of 1999 to Real Madrid’s dominance in the Champions League and Manchester City’s historic 2023 season, these teams have redefined excellence.
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