Top 20 Football Teams in History According to Fans

Football sparks endless debates. From the best players to the most iconic moments, opinions vary widely. The same goes for the greatest teams in history. Many clubs and national sides have left unforgettable marks, some even influencing culture beyond sport. Sorting them is tough, but fans have spoken through a poll conducted by OLBG, reported by The Sun, naming the top 20 teams ever.

Teams Ranked 20 to 11

The list just outside the top ten features remarkable squads. The French side led by Michel Platini from 1982 to 1986 tops this group, followed by West Germany's 1972-74 team with stars like Gerd Muller and Johan Cruyff's Ajax of the early 70s. Bayern Munich’s trio of European Cups in the 70s and Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest, also a back-to-back European Cup winner, appear next. The 1993-94 Barcelona team and Brazil’s dazzling 1982 World Cup side are close behind. Manchester City's record-breaking 2017-18 team and France's double-winning squad of 1998-2000 round out this section.

• 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)

10th: Real Madrid (1984-1990)

This era featured "La Quinta del Buitre," including Emilio Butragueno and Manolo Sanchis, who led Madrid to five straight La Liga titles and two UEFA Cups. Coached by Luis Molowny and Leo Beenhakker, their style was attacking and thrilling, capturing domestic and European glory before the Galacticos period.

• Titles: 5 La Liga, 1 Copa del Rey, 3 Supercopa de España, 2 UEFA Cups, Copa de la Liga

9th: Manchester United (1966-1968)

Rebuilding after the tragic 1958 Munich Air Disaster, Sir Matt Busby's team combined youth and experience. With legends like George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law, they became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968, defeating Benfica at Wembley.

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

8th: Manchester City (2022-2023)

Manchester City made history by securing the English treble under Pep Guardiola, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and their first Champions League. Erling Haaland scored 52 goals, driving their attack alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri.

• Titles: Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League

7th: Arsenal (2003-2004)

Arsenal's 'Invincibles' finished the Premier League season unbeaten. Managed by Arsene Wenger, stars like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira led this team, which transformed English football despite only securing the league trophy during their 49-game undefeated run.

• Title: Premier League

6th: Spain (2008-2012)

Spain dominated international football with tiki-taka, winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012 consecutively. Their midfield featured Xavi, Iniesta, and Fabregas, supported by a strong defense with Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol.

• Titles: 2 European Championships, 1 World Cup

5th: Real Madrid (1955-1960)

Madrid claimed the first five European Cups, setting a record that stands today. Led by Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas, they dazzled with an attacking style. The 7-3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in 1960 remains legendary.

• Titles: 3 La Liga, 5 European Cups, Intercontinental Cup

4th: Liverpool (1975-1984)

Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan guided Liverpool to seven league titles, three European Cups, and multiple domestic trophies. Players like Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, and Graeme Souness made this team a dominant force known for consistency and success.

• Titles: 7 First Division, 3 European Cups, UEFA Cup, 4 League Cups, 5 Charity Shields

3rd: Brazil (1970)

Brazil's 1970 World Cup team embodied joy and skill, winning all six matches and defeating Italy 4-1 in the final. Legends Pele, Jairzinho, Tostao, and Carlos Alberto starred in what many consider football at its most beautiful.

• Title: World Cup

2nd: Barcelona (2008-2012)

Under Pep Guardiola, Barcelona perfected tiki-taka, combining pressing, short passes, and positional play. With Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, they won three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, and other trophies. Their 2011 Champions League win over Manchester United is still celebrated.

• Titles: 3 La Liga, 2 Copa del Rey, 3 Supercopa de España, 2 Champions League, 2 Club World Cups

1st: Manchester United (1998-1999)

Manchester United's treble-winning side overcame tougher competition in England and Europe. Managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, they defeated Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, with dramatic comebacks securing their place as the greatest team in fans’ eyes.

• Titles: Premier League, FA Cup, European Cup