Top 20 Greatest Football Teams According to Fans

Fan Rankings of the 20 Greatest Football Teams in History

Football fans have voiced their opinions on which teams stand as the greatest ever to grace the pitch. A recent poll by OLBG, reported by The Sun, compiled votes from supporters worldwide to rank the top 20 teams based on their impact and achievements.

Teams Ranked 20 to 11

Just outside the top ten are some legendary squads. The French team from 1982-1986, captained by Michel Platini, holds the 20th spot after dominating European football during that period. West Germany’s 1972-1974 side, led by Gerd Muller and Johan Cruyff, ranks 19th, followed by Ajax from 1971-1973 at 18th place.

Bayern Munich's trio of consecutive European Cup wins in the 1970s earns them 17th place, while Nottingham Forest's back-to-back European Cups under Brian Clough secure 16th. The 1993-1994 Barcelona team and Brazil’s 1982 World Cup squad also feature closely.

Manchester City's 2017-2018 season, when they set a Premier League record for points, finishes 12th. Meanwhile, France’s late 1990s team, which captured the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with Zinedine Zidane shining, ranks 11th.

• 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’s Golden Era: 1984-1990

At 10th is Real Madrid during their 1984-1990 peak, driven by the famous "La Quinta del Buitre" group. This squad won five straight La Liga titles, two UEFA Cups, one Copa del Rey, and three Spanish Super Cups. Their style was attacking and captivating long before the Galacticos era.

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

9th to 1st: Iconic Teams and Unforgettable Achievements

• 9. Manchester United (1966-1968): Rebuilt after the Munich Air Disaster, led by Sir Matt Busby and featuring George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law. They became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.
• 8. Manchester City (2022-2023): The second English team to claim the treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and their maiden Champions League. Erling Haaland's 52 goals fueled this historic success.
• 7. Arsenal (2003-2004): Known as 'The Invincibles' for completing an unbeaten Premier League season under Arsene Wenger, with stars like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
• 6. Spain (2008-2012): Dominated international football with tiki-taka style, winning Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012 with a midfield including Xavi, Iniesta, and Fabregas.
• 5. Real Madrid (1955-1960): Pioneered European dominance by winning the first five European Cups consecutively, led by Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas.
• 4. Liverpool (1975-1984): A dominant force with seven league titles and three European Cups, featuring legends like Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush.
• 3. Brazil (1970): Celebrated as the greatest national team ever, capturing the World Cup with Pele and Carlos Alberto delivering unforgettable performances.
• 2. Barcelona (2008-2012): Guardiola’s team revolutionized football with tiki-taka, winning multiple La Liga titles, Champions Leagues, and Club World Cups, led by Lionel Messi.
• 1. Manchester United (1998-1999): Their treble-winning season stands out for overcoming tough European opponents and thrilling comebacks under Sir Alex Ferguson.

• 9: Manchester United (1966-1968) - First Division, FA Charity Shield, European Cup
• 8: Manchester City (2022-2023) - Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League
• 7: Arsenal (2003-2004) - Premier League
• 6: Spain (2008-2012) - 2x European Championship, World Cup
• 5: Real Madrid (1955-1960) - 3x La Liga, 5x European Cup, Intercontinental Cup
• 4: Liverpool (1975-1984) - 7x First Division, 3x European Cup, UEFA Cup, 4x League Cup, 5x Charity Shield, Super Cup
• 3: Brazil (1970) - World Cup
• 2: Barcelona (2008-2012) - 3x La Liga, 2x Copa del Rey, 3x Supercopa de España, 2x Champions League, 2x UEFA Super Cup, 2x FIFA Club World Cup
• 1: Manchester United (1998-1999) - Premier League, FA Cup, European Cup