With outstanding achievements and immense influence, the greatest clubs of England symbolize the spirit of resilience and the fervent passion for the sport of football. Their journey of resplendent success evokes profound emotions in the hearts of millions of fans. Not only do these clubs dominate football domestically, but they also resonate on the European stage. Join Wintips as we delve into the top 10 most successful English clubs in history.
Top 10 most successful English clubs all of time
1. Liverpool (46 major and minor titles)
The Reds hold the record for the most major trophies won by an English club in football history, with a three-trophy lead over their arch-rivals. Their recent Carabao Cup final victory against Chelsea in February 2024 further solidified their position at the summit. Jurgen Klopp's tenure as manager has been instrumental in Liverpool's ascent, with triumphs in the Premier League, Champions League, and both domestic cup competitions under his guidance at Anfield.
Liverpool's dominance transcended both English and European football, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. While their trophy haul slowed during the Premier League era, a memorable treble in 2001 - consisting of the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup - underscored their enduring legacy at the pinnacle of English football.
2. Manchester United (43 major and minor titles) - Most successful English clubs
Manchester United supporters hold a deep appreciation for the immense success that Sir Alex Ferguson brought to the club during his tenure. The former Aberdeen manager's dominance in the Premier League with the Red Devils saw the club claim all 13 of their Premier League titles under his stewardship.
While Manchester United was already a formidable club prior to Ferguson's arrival, having secured the English top flight title seven times before the inception of the Premier League in 1992, his leadership elevated the club to unprecedented heights. Despite their rich domestic success, United have experienced less triumph on the European stage compared to Liverpool, with three Champions League titles and a Europa League crown secured under Jose Mourinho's management in 2017.
3. Arsenal (30 major and minor titles) - Most successful English clubs
It has been twenty years since Arsenal last claimed the pinnacle trophy in English football. This triumph stands out as one of the most remarkable successes in the league's history, as Arsene Wenger's star-studded squad, featuring iconic names like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pires, clinched the league title without suffering a single defeat.
The Invincibles, as they were famously known, remain the last Arsenal side to secure the Premier League title. However, the Gunners have continued to add to their trophy cabinet with multiple FA Cup victories since then. Over the past decade, Arsenal has lifted the FA Cup on five occasions, with the most recent triumph marking Mikel Arteta's first silverware as the current manager.
4. Manchester City (26 major and minor titles)
Manchester City made history in June 2023 by clinching their first-ever Champions League title after defeating Inter Milan in Istanbul. Rodri's solitary goal secured a 1 - 0 victory for Pep Guardiola's squad, capping off a remarkable season where they also secured the Premier League and FA Cup, completing an unprecedented treble.
With this triumph, Manchester City has surpassed Chelsea to claim the fourth position among English clubs with the most major trophies. They now trail Arsenal by just four major trophies, although catching up to the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, who have dominated English football for decades, remains a formidable task. With seven Premier League titles to their name, Manchester City's reign at the top looks set to endure in the foreseeable future.
5. Chelsea (25 major and minor titles) - Most successful English clubs
Before Roman Abramovich's takeover in July 2003, Chelsea had enjoyed modest success, including a First Division title and several domestic cup victories. However, it was the appointment of Jose Mourinho in 2004 that marked a significant turning point in the club's fortunes. Mourinho, the Portuguese manager, was the first to benefit from a substantial transfer budget at Stamford Bridge—a trend that has persisted to the present day.
He enjoyed immediate success, securing back-to-back Premier League titles in his first two seasons in charge. Since then, Chelsea has added two more league titles to their tally, along with two Champions League triumphs and numerous cup victories. Mourinho's tenure laid the foundation for Chelsea's transformation into one of Europe's elite clubs.
6. Aston Villa (20 major and minor titles) - Most successful English clubs
Aston Villa currently holds the sixth position, comfortably ahead of Tottenham and Everton. While many of their 20 major accolades were not achieved recently, there is optimism that Unai Emery may restore success to Villa Park in the near future.
It may surprise some modern fans to learn that Aston Villa claimed the European Cup back in 1982. This achievement puts them on par with Manchester City in terms of continental success and one trophy ahead of Arsenal in this regard. With a rich history, Aston Villa boasts seven First Division trophies, with their most recent triumph occurring in 1981.
7. Tottenham (17 major and minor titles)
Tottenham often becomes the target of jokes from rival fans due to their lack of recent success. The last major silverware brought back to the white side of north London was in 2008, when Jonathan Woodgate scored the winning goal in the League Cup final against city rivals, Chelsea.
While this drought may be frustrating for fans who have endured it with the players and managers over the past 15+ years, it also underscores the club's historical success, as Spurs still comfortably hold a position in the top 10. The majority of Tottenham's 17 trophies are represented by their eight FA Cup triumphs.
8. Everton (15 major and minor titles) - Most successful English clubs
Speaking of trophy droughts, Everton hasn't secured any major silverware since 1995. The Merseyside club clinched the FA Cup at the conclusion of the 1994/95 campaign but hasn't come close to adding to their tally of 15 trophies on many occasions since then.
Their defeat in the final of the same competition against Chelsea in 2009 marks the closest the Toffees have come, and even that was over a decade ago. Nevertheless, Everton boasted significant success in the early decades of the 20th century and again in the 1980s. The club boasts nine First Division titles and five FA Cups to their name. While they didn't secure a European Cup during their peak, there was a notable Club World Cup triumph.
9. Blackburn Rovers (10 major and minor titles) - Most successful English clubs
Blackburn Rovers fans have faced the challenge of life in the second tier of English football for over a decade now, yet the club remains one of the most illustrious in the country when it comes to major honors. Rovers made history as the first team outside of Manchester United to clinch the Premier League trophy, achieving this feat in the 1994/95 season.
It was a moment of immense joy for the club, with Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton leading the charge with their prolific goal-scoring. However, this triumph also marked the beginning of a downward spiral for Blackburn. Since that memorable victory nearly 30 years ago, there has been no glimpse of success. The other nine major accolades in the club's history came during the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century.
10. Newcastle United (10 major and minor titles)
Newcastle United also secures a spot in the top 10. Given the financial backing of their owners, it wouldn't be surprising if the Magpies were to enhance their trophy collection in the coming years. Eddie Howe's squad came agonizingly close to adding the EFL Cup to their tally, which would have propelled them ahead of Blackburn Rovers, but their hopes were dashed with a defeat in the final against Manchester United.
Similar to several other clubs on this list, Newcastle's fans have endured a prolonged drought in terms of major honors in recent decades. The club's last significant trophy was the FA Cup in 1955. With over half a century having passed since then, everyone associated with the Tyneside club is eager to lift more silverware in the foreseeable future.
Conclude
So, above are the top 10 most successful English clubs of all time. These clubs have significantly contributed to shaping the essence of the sport, not only in England but also worldwide. With incomparable achievements and everlasting emotions they evoke, they have become symbols of passion and timeless fame. For more related information, feel free to visit the top 100 bookmaker website daily. Thank you, and see you again.
See also: Top 10 manager with most trophies in football ever
