The 10 Most Successful English Football Clubs
- Think Football Ideas
- Jan 29, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 9
We often watch English clubs dominate both at home and abroad, showcasing incredible talent and passion. Over the years, some clubs have risen above the rest, cementing their place in football history through consistent success, legendary players, and unforgettable moments.
But which truly stand out as the most successful English football clubs of all time? Can you guess who holds the top spot? Let’s dive into the achievements and iconic moments of the powerhouses that have shaped the game.
Here Are The Most Successful English Football Clubs of All-Time
1. Liverpool (70)
At the heart of Merseyside, Liverpool is more than a football club, it’s a heartbeat. The Reds’ trophy cabinet, overflowing with 70 major honours, is a reflection of decades of dominance at home and in Europe.
From the disciplined genius of Bill Shankly to Bob Paisley’s near-perfect stewardship, Liverpool set the template for English football supremacy.
The 1970s and ’80s saw them become a European powerhouse, with the Kop erupting at every Anfield goal. Legends like Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush embodied the club’s identity: fearless, relentless, and gloriously ambitious.
Fast forward to the present day, and under Jürgen Klopp’s leadership, Liverpool continues to thrill, with their 2024–25 Premier League title won by Arne Slot in his debut season, reinforcing that history is a living, breathing thing at Anfield.
2. Man Utd (68)
Few clubs evoke as much awe, controversy, and devotion as Manchester United. Their 68 major honours chronicle an evolution from the Busby Babes’ elegance and tragedy to Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign of unprecedented dominance.
United’s story is one of resilience, overcoming heartbreak, reinventing itself through eras, and collecting trophies along the way.
Even in the post-Ferguson years, the club has tasted moments of triumph, the FA Cup in 2024 under Erik ten Hag, a thrilling 2–1 victory over Manchester City at Wembley.
Now, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe steering football operations after a £1.3bn investment, the Red Devils face a pivotal chapter. Every fan knows the weight of expectation at Old Trafford, and every trophy adds to the enduring myth of a club whose identity is inseparable from English football itself.
3. Arsenal (48)
Arsenal’s story is elegance in motion. Forty-eight major trophies chart the journey from Herbert Chapman’s tactical revolution to Arsène Wenger’s “Invincibles” and Mikel Arteta’s modern renaissance.
The Gunners have always prized style alongside substance, blending innovative management with a philosophy of technical excellence.
The 2003–04 unbeaten league season remains a defining symbol of perfection, a benchmark still referenced across the sport.
Even today, Arsenal’s triumph in the 2020 FA Cup over Chelsea feels like a reminder that history is not just preserved, it’s relived, season after season, in North London.
4. Chelsea (35)
Chelsea’s rise is a tale of transformation. Once overshadowed by London rivals, the Blues became a global force in the 21st century, fuelled by Roman Abramovich’s investment. Stamford Bridge became a fortress, and silverware came in torrents: Premier League titles, FA Cups, and UEFA Champions League glories.
Chelsea’s strength has long been rooted in adaptability, the ability to attract elite talent, evolve tactically, and sustain a culture where winning is expected rather than hoped for. Even after the 2022 ownership transition to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, the club added the 2025 Europa Conference League to its honours list.
Some may debate the competition’s stature, but silverware rarely apologises for itself. It remains evidence of a club still intent on collecting trophies, reinforcing the idea that legacy is shaped not only by historic triumphs, but by an ambition that refuses to settle.
5. Man City (33)
Once dismissed as the noisy neighbours, Manchester City now define modern dominance. Their transformation under Sheikh Mansour and Pep Guardiola has been breathtaking, with four consecutive Premier League titles (2020–21 through 2023–24), domestic cups, and a consistent presence in Europe.
The dawn of their resurgence came under Roberto Mancini, with the first major trophy in 35 years. Guardiola’s arrival elevated City into a footballing juggernaut, blending tactical genius with elite talent.
Their trophy cabinet reflects more than success. It tells the story of a club reshaped, reimagined, and relentlessly ambitious.
6. Tottenham Hotspur (27)
Spurs are a club of flair and resilience. With 27 trophies, their story is punctuated by moments of brilliance and the weight of long droughts.
Yet, on 21 May 2025, Tottenham roared back to life, defeating Manchester United 1–0 in the Europa League final at San Mamés, ending a 17-year silverware famine.
Ange Postecoglou’s vision, bold, attacking, unapologetically Spurs, has reignited belief, proving that even clubs outside the “Big Six” can etch themselves back into history with a single defining moment.
7. Aston Villa (25)
Villa’s history is one of tradition and tenacity. With 25 trophies, the Birmingham club has a storied past, peaking under Ron Saunders in the early 1980s.
Villa’s contributions to English football extend beyond silverware; they’ve shaped tactical trends and produced players whose influence reaches far beyond Villa Park.
Today, under Unai Emery, the club balances nostalgia with ambition, aiming to return to consistent domestic prominence while nurturing a proud historical identity.
8. Everton (24)
Everton’s history is proud, if currently quieter. With 24 trophies, including league titles and FA Cups, the Toffees shaped early English football dominance.
Recent financial turbulence and a 10-point deduction in 2023–24 challenged their status, but survival under Sean Dyche proved resilience runs deep.
Their last major triumph, the 1995 FA Cup win over Manchester United, may seem distant, yet Everton remains a club where heritage and hope intertwine, a reminder of the enduring pulse of the game in Liverpool.
9. Newcastle 16
Newcastle United is football theatre in motion. With passionate fans that make St James’ Park one of the most intimidating grounds in England, the Magpies have now collected 16 trophies.
On 16 March 2025, Eddie Howe guided them to a 2–1 Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool, ending a 70-year wait and rewriting modern history. For Newcastle, every title is more than silverware, it is an affirmation of identity, pride, and a fanbase that never lets history fade.
10. Nottingham Forest & Wolves 13
Forest and Wolves may share the tenth spot, but both have etched unforgettable chapters. Nottingham Forest, under Brian Clough, achieved European glory back-to-back in the late 1970s, while Wolves’ domestic and continental success reminds us of the rich tapestry of
English football beyond the traditional powerhouses. Their stories prove that success is measured not just in numbers but in legacy, innovation, and moments that linger in memory long after the final whistle.
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