Most successful football clubs of all time: Top 10 most decorated clubs in football history

Football is the world’s most popular sport, watched by billions for its passion, drama and excitement, yet at its heart, it is a game measured by success.

While transfers, tactics and star players often grab attention, it is trophies that define greatness, shaping history, inspiring fans and creating lasting legacies.

From dominant forces at home to clubs that have conquered Europe, the chase for silverware has delivered some of football’s most unforgettable moments.

Even as the modern game evolves, success remains the true benchmark, and with that in mind, Sports Mole highlights the 10 most successful clubs of all time.

10. Porto (Portugal)

Several periods of dominance in Portugal have made Porto one of the most successful football clubs on the planet, including 30 Portuguese league titles and 20 Portuguese Cup trophies.

Porto have also enjoyed success on the European stage, most notably lifting the Champions League trophy on two occasions - in 1986-87 and 2003-04.

Their impressive trophy haul ranks them as the 10th most successful football club of all time with a staggering 82 trophies.

9. Benfica (Portugal)

Benfica narrowly place above their Portuguese rivals with 83 trophies throughout their history, including a record 38 Portuguese league titles and 26 Portuguese Cups.

Benfica have also lifted the Champions League trophy on two occasions, winning the prestigious award in back-to-back seasons in 1960-61 and 1961-62.

8. Bayern Munich (Germany)

Bayern Munich's unmatched dominance in Germany has significantly helped them in becoming one of the world's most successful football clubs, boasting a record 34 Bundesliga titles and 20 German Cups.

Bayern have also enjoyed plenty of European success, including winning the Champions League on six different occasions, lifting the iconic trophy in 1973-74, 1974-75, 1975-76, 2000-01, 2012-13 and 2019-20.

Alongside other trophies, from Club World Cups to German Super Cups, and Bayern Munich have lifted a total of 85 trophies throughout their history.

7. Barcelona (Spain)

Barcelona have shared dominance in Spain with rivals Real Madrid, but the Catalan side have lifted a record 32 Spanish Cups and 15 Spanish Super Cups.

Barcelona have also won a massive 28 La Liga titles, including beating their rivals to become champions most recently in 2024-25, while they have enjoyed success in Europe and worldwide as well.

Five Champions League trophies, three FIFA Club World Cups and a number of other trophies have contributed to Barcelona lifting 95 trophies in their history.

6. Real Madrid (Spain)

Real Madrid finish narrowly above their Spanish rivals with 103 trophies in total, largely thanks to their record 36 La Liga titles and unmatched European success.

Los Blancos boast a remarkable 15 Champions League trophies throughout their history, including a sensational three-peat in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Alongside 20 Spanish Cups, 13 Spanish Super Cups and a plethora of other trophies, it is clear to see why Real Madrid are one of the biggest clubs in the world.

5. Penarol (Uruguay)

One of two teams to have dominated Uruguayan football, Penarol have managed to become one of the most successful clubs in the world.

Penarol have an unmatched 52 Uruguayan top division titles as well as winning a multitude of other domestic silverware, while an impressive five Copa Libertadores also adds to their tally.

Altogether, Penarol have lifted a sensational 108 trophies throughout their illustrious history.

4. Nacional (Uruguay)

Nacional are narrowly above their fellow Uruguayan opposition with 111 trophies in their 126-year history.

The Pockets have won 49 Uruguayan top division titles - just three less than Penarol - but boasting a plethora of other domestic and continental silverware, Nacional sit three trophies ahead of their rivals.

3. Celtic (Scotland)

Celtic have asserted themselves as the dominant force in Scottish football in recent years, with their most recent league title in 2024-25 meaning they have drawn level with a record 55 Scottish Premiership titles.

The Bhoys also boast the record number of Scottish Cup victories, 42, as well as an impressive 22 Scottish League Cup triumphs, while they have also lifted the Champions League on one occasion in 1966-67.

Those trophy victories take Celtic to a marvellous 120 trophies throughout their prestigious history.

2. Rangers (Scotland)

Rangers were once by far the most successful team in Scottish football, but the Gers have fallen behind Celtic in the pecking order in recent times, allowing their Old Firm rivals to quickly close the gap.

However, Rangers still hold two more trophies than their arch rivals, thanks to a joint-record 55 league titles, 34 Scottish Cups and a record 28 Scottish League Cups, as well as a host of other trophies.

Altogether, Rangers have won 122 trophies throughout their history, but they will be acutely aware of how their rivals Celtic are now right on their tails.

1. Al Ahly (Egypt)

Finally, Al Ahly have cemented their place at the top of the list of most successful clubs in world football thanks to their domination over Egyptian and African football.

Al Ahly hold the record number of Egyptian league titles, Egyptian Cups, Super Cups among others, while they have also lifted a record 12 CAF Champions League trophies.

Tallying all of the silverware won throughout their stunning 118-year history and Al Ahly have lifted 125 trophies altogether.