Top 10 Champions League Winners

This article explores the Top 10 Champions League winners, their triumphs, legacy, and impact on the sport. The tournament, originally known as the European Cup, was established in 1955. It has since evolved into the modern UEFA Champions League, featuring an expanded format and increased competition.

European clubs have battled fiercely to claim the title, but only a handful have amassed multiple trophies.

Spanish teams lead the way with 20 victories, followed by English clubs with 14 and Italian sides with 12.

Below is the most Champions League winners list, ranked by total titles won.

Top 10 Champions League Winners: Clubs with the Most Titles

10. FC Porto (2 Titles)

FC Porto, one of Portugal’s most successful clubs, has won the Champions League twice, in 1987 and 2004. Their first triumph came under Artur Jorge, while their second title was masterminded by a young José Mourinho, who led Porto to a historic treble. Despite being considered underdogs, Porto have shown their place among Europe’s elite.

9. Juventus (2 Titles)

Juventus, Italy’s most successful club domestically, has surprisingly won the Champions League only twice (1985, 1996). Despite reaching the final on multiple occasions, the club has suffered heartbreaking defeats. The 1996 triumph, led by Marcello Lippi, remains Juve’s last European conquest. They continue to chase continental glory, often falling just short.

8. Inter Milan (3 Titles)

Inter Milan have won the Champions League three times (1964, 1965, 2010). The club’s first two triumphs came under the legendary Helenio Herrera, whose tactical innovations revolutionized the game. Their third title came in 2010, when José Mourinho guided them to an unprecedented treble, defeating Bayern Munich in the final.

7. Manchester United (3 Titles)

Manchester United have etched their name in Champions League history, lifting the trophy three times (1968, 1999, 2008). Sir Matt Busby led them to their first title in 1968, making them the first English club to win the tournament. The club’s iconic 1999 victory, under Sir Alex Ferguson, featured a last-minute comeback against Bayern Munich. Their 2008 triumph came via a dramatic penalty shootout against Chelsea.

6. Ajax (4 Titles)

Ajax are among Europe’s most successful clubs, having won the Champions League four times (1971, 1972, 1973, 1995). They became only the second team to win three consecutive titles, showcasing the dominance of Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels’ Total Football philosophy. Their 1995 victory, led by Louis van Gaal, continues to ring a bell in modern football history.

5. FC Barcelona (5 Titles)

FC Barcelona have won the Champions League five times (1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015). The club’s golden era came under Pep Guardiola, who built one of football’s greatest teams. Their 2009 and 2011 triumphs, led by Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, cemented their legacy. Barcelona’s attacking philosophy and tiki-taka style have left an indelible mark on the sport.

4. Bayern Munich (6 Titles)

Bayern Munich have dominated both German and European football, winning the Champions League six times (1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013, 2020). They secured their first three titles in the 1970s under Franz Beckenbauer before returning to glory in the 21st century. Their most recent triumph in 2020, led by Hansi Flick, saw them win every possible title that season.

3. Liverpool (6 Titles)

Liverpool have won six Champions League titles (1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005, 2019). Their legendary comeback in the 2005 final against AC Milan, known as the Miracle of Istanbul, remains one of football’s greatest moments. Under Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool ended a 14-year wait by lifting the trophy again in 2019.

2. AC Milan (7 Titles)

AC Milan are Italy’s most successful club in the Champions League, with seven titles (1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007). They dominated European football in the late 1980s and early 1990s under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello. Their most recent triumph in 2007 saw Kaká lead them to victory against Liverpool.

1. Real Madrid (15 Titles)

Real Madrid are the undisputed kings of the Champions League, with a record 15 titles (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024). Their dominance spans generations, from the Di Stéfano era to the Galácticos and the modern reign of Karim Benzema and Vinícius Jr. The club’s recent 2024 victory over Borussia Dortmund reaffirmed their status as football’s greatest dynasty.

Champions League Winners: The Last 10 Years

The Champions League has seen fierce competition in the last decade. Here’s a look at the Champions League winners last 10 years:

• 2015: FC Barcelona
• 2016: Real Madrid
• 2017: Real Madrid
• 2018: Real Madrid
• 2019: Liverpool
• 2020: Bayern Munich
• 2021: Chelsea
• 2022: Real Madrid
• 2023: Manchester City
• 2024: Real Madrid

Who Has Won the Most Champions League Titles as a Player?

The record for the most Champions League titles won by a player belongs to Paco Gento (6 titles with Real Madrid). In the modern era, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record with five titles, won with Manchester United and Real Madrid.