Who springs to mind when you consider Europe’s most successful club? Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are likely to come to mind first. Hardly two of these teams make the cut, and neither of them makes the top two.
The number of titles won by a team does not make it better over another, but being the most dominant team in Europe is a source of pride in and of itself.
1. Rangers (120 trophies)
Rangers have a remarkable record of winning 55 Scottish Premier League titles, three lower league titles, 33 Scottish Cups, 27 Scottish League Cups, one Scottish Challenge Cup, and one European Cup Winners’ Cup in their trophy collection. What more do you need in your trophy cabinet? When it’s already overflowing with some of the most pristine accolades.
Rangers have had a tough time in Europe compared to their Glasgow competitors. Their only taste of European victory came in 1972 when they won the European Cup Winners’ Cup against Dynamo Moscow. As a result of their success, they began to emerge from the shadow of a powerful Celtic team led by Jock Stein. During the 1974-75 season, the Rangers won their first championship in 11 years. This was followed swiftly by a treble the remainder of the season.
2. Celtic (112 trophies)
Celtic, which is one-half of Glasgow and one-half of Scottish football’s domination, has had little trouble winning trophies in Scotland, and they’ve also had consistent success in Europe. Celtic have won 51 Scottish Premier League titles, 40 Scottish Cups, 20 Scottish League Cups, and one European Cup.
Celtic won every tournament they participated in under Jock Stein’s leadership, but the most notable of these titles came in Europe. In a match facing Inter Milan, Stein led Glasgow to victory. They were the first British team to win the European Cup with this victory.
3. Real Madrid (90 trophies)
Real Madrid, perhaps one of the most powerful teams in the world, is unsurprising to find on this list. They have a total of 35 La Liga titles, 19 Copa del Rey titles, 11 Supercopa de Espana trophies, a total of 13 European Cup/UEFA Champion League titles, two UEFA Cup titles, four UEFA Super Cup titles, three Intercontinental Cups, and four FIFA Club World Cup titles in their trophy collection.
Between 1956 and 1960, they won five European Championships in a row, earning Madrid the original trophy and the right to wear the UEFA badge of honor.
4. Barcelona (87 trophies)
Barcelona is a significant motivator in Spain, battling against Real Madrid, and has had streaks of supremacy in European championships. Barca has won 26 La Liga titles, 31 Copa del Ray titles, 12 Supercopa de Espana titles, five European Cups/UEFA Champions Leagues, four UEFA Cup Winners Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.
Barcelona has lately struggled financially, prompting Messi’s hesitant departure after 21 years with the club. On the pitch, Barcelona was relegated from the Champions Season for the first time in 17 years. Xavi, a former player, just become Barca’s manager in the hopes of returning to the club.
5. SL Benfica (83 trophies)
SL Benfica, the most dominant team in Portugal, is also one of the greatest popular European teams, ranking fifth. Benfica has won the most Primeira Liga titles (37), the most Taca de Portugal titles (26), the most Taca da Liga titles (7), the most Supertaca Candido de Oliveira titles (8), the most Campeonato de Portugal titles (3), and the most European Cups (2).
These are the top 5 European football clubs to ever exist.
Related:
Here’s a List of Sports that you Should watch if you’re a sports fan