Top 20 Football Teams in History as Voted by Fans

Football debates never end. Whether it's the best players, the Ballon d'Or winners, or legendary goals, opinions always differ. The same goes for naming football's greatest teams. Many squads have left lasting legacies, some influencing culture beyond the pitch, making ranking them a tough job.

Thanks to fan votes collected by OLBG and reported by The Sun, here are the top 20 football teams ever, ranked by the number of votes they received.

Teams Ranked 20 to 11

Just outside the top 10 lie some iconic sides. The French team dominating European internationals from 1982-1986 under Michel Platini starts this group. Following are West Germany’s team led by Gerd Muller and Johan Cruyff, then Ajax from the early 1970s.

Bayern Munich’s trio of European Cup wins in the 1970s comes next, along with Nottingham Forest’s consecutive European Cup victories—a personal favorite of Jamie Carragher. The Barcelona squad from 1993-94 follows closely behind Brazil’s 1982 World Cup team. Manchester City's record-breaking 2017/18 season under Pep Guardiola, where they set Premier League points and wins records, also just missed the top 10. France’s side that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, starring Zinedine Zidane, rounds out this segment.

• 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)

Real Madrid (1984-1990): A Golden Era

Between 1984 and 1990, Real Madrid enjoyed a golden period with "La Quinta del Buitre"—Emilio Butragueno, Michel, Miguel Pardeza, Manolo Sanchis, and Rafael Martin Vazquez. Known for exciting attacking play, they dominated Spain. Under Luis Molowny and Leo Beenhakker, they won five straight La Liga titles (1985-1990), two UEFA Cups, a Copa del Rey, and three Spanish Super Cups.

• Honours: 5x La Liga, Copa del Rey, Copa de la Liga, 3x Supercopa de España, 2x UEFA Cup

Manchester United (1966-1968): Triumph After Tragedy

Recovering from the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, Manchester United became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968. Sir Matt Busby rebuilt the team with stars like George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, and Nobby Stiles. Best, Law, and Charlton remain the only trio to hold the Ballon d'Or simultaneously while playing for the same club.

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

Manchester City (2022-2023): Historic Treble Winners

In 2022-23, Manchester City became the second English club to win a treble: the Premier League, FA Cup, and their first Champions League. Guided by Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland scored a record 52 goals, supported by Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri. This achievement cemented City's place among the elite.

• Honours: Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League

Arsenal (2003-2004): The Invincibles

Managed by Arsene Wenger, Arsenal went unbeaten throughout the 2003-04 Premier League season. Thierry Henry led the scoring, while Patrick Vieira captained the side. Though they only won one trophy during their 49-game unbeaten run, they remain one of England’s finest teams.

• Honours: Premier League

Spain (2008-2012): International Dominance

Spain’s national team mastered tiki-taka between 2008 and 2012, winning UEFA Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012 consecutively. Their midfield, including Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, and others, was unmatched. Defenders like Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol made the defense solid. The current Spanish squad continues this legacy with recent major tournament wins.

• Honours: 2x European Championship, 2010 World Cup

Real Madrid (1955-1960): Early European Kings

Real Madrid claimed the first five European Cups from 1955 to 1960, led by Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, and Paco Gento. Their 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 final is legendary. This era established Madrid as a global football powerhouse.

• Honours: 3x La Liga, 5x European Cup, Intercontinental Cup

Liverpool (1975-1984): A Dominant Dynasty

From 1975 to 1984, Liverpool dominated with seven league titles, three European Cups, a UEFA Cup, and four League Cups. Stars like Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Kevin Keegan, and Ian Rush made this side unforgettable.

• Honours: 7x First Division, 3x European Cup, UEFA Cup, 4x League Cup, 5x Charity Shield

Brazil (1970): The Greatest National Team

The 1970 Brazilian team brought joy with their attacking flair, winning all six World Cup matches and defeating Italy 4-1 in the final. Pele, Jairzinho, Tostao, and Carlos Alberto starred in a team widely considered the best ever.

• Honours: World Cup

Barcelona (2008-2012): Tiki-Taka Masters

Under Pep Guardiola, Barcelona played tiki-taka with Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta leading the way. They won three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, and multiple domestic and international trophies. Their 2011 Champions League win over Manchester United remains iconic.

• Honours: 3x La Liga, 2x Copa del Rey, 3x Supercopa de España, 2x Champions League, 2x Club World Cup

Manchester United (1998-1999): The Ultimate Treble

Manchester United were the first English team to claim the treble, overcoming tough competition from Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Bayern Munich. Managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, their dramatic comebacks are part of football folklore.

• Honours: Premier League, FA Cup, European Cup

Top 20 Football Teams Ranked by Fans

• 10: Real Madrid (1984-1990)
• 9: Manchester United (1966-1968)
• 8: Manchester City (2022-2023)
• 7: Arsenal (2003-2004)
• 6: Spain (2008-2012)
• 5: Real Madrid (1955-1960)
• 4: Liverpool (1975-1984)
• 3: Brazil (1970)
• 2: Barcelona (2008-2012)
• 1: Manchester United (1998-1999)