November 19, 2025 | 03:28 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Though subjective, discussions about the biggest football clubs in the world almost always bring up familiar names. Giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United rightfully claim the top three spots, according to Sports Illustration, standing above the rest. What sets them apart? It’s a powerful blend of defining factors, from rich histories to global fanbases and on-field achievements.
Here are the top 10 of the biggest football clubs in the world to know, teams that transcend sport and have evolved into global cultural forces.
List of the Biggest Football Clubs in the World
1. Real Madrid
Taking the top spot, Real Madrid is consistently recognized as the biggest football club in the world. This Spanish titan has long asserted its dominance across Europe and on a global scale, especially seen in its record number of UEFA Champions League titles. To name a few, key drivers of Real Madrid’s longstanding success include generations of prestigious coaches and world-class players, as well as the club’s enduring culture of excellence and innovation.
2. Barcelona
One of Real Madrid’s fiercest rivals, Barcelona has perhaps set the bar exceptionally high with its La Masia talent academy. As the heart of the club, it has developed legends like Lionel Messi, redefining the sport into something far more profound. Extending from that legacy, FC Barcelona is also renowned for its unique style of play, the iconic “tiki-taka,” which helped shape modern football.
3. Manchester United
Despite recent on-pitch struggles, Manchester United remains firmly standing as one of the most recognizable English sports brands. With a trophy cabinet full of Premier League titles and the unmatched legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils have influenced generations of football fans. Alongside, its homebase Old Trafford remains one of the best football stadiums in the world.
4. Liverpool
Another English powerhouse, Liverpool shines brightly as one of the biggest football clubs in the world. With six UEFA Champions League titles, the Reds have built a legacy defined by resilience, passion, and of course, unforgettable triumphs under the guidance of legendary managers. Backed by one of the world’s most dedicated fanbases, Liverpool’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” has evolved beyond a song into a cultural symbol of unity and identity.
5. Bayern Munich
The list of the biggest football clubs in the world wouldn’t come complete without Germany’s most precious gem Bayern Munich. Having carved out a legacy of dominance in both the Bundesliga and European competitions, the club’s success is vividly evident in its numerous league titles and multiple UEFA Champions League trophies.
6. Juventus
The pride of Italy, Juventus stands at the forefront of Serie A history with its unmatched collection of league titles. Founded in 1897, the black-and-white club has upheld a winning mentality since 1985, becoming the first ever to triumph in all available international competitions. Icons such as Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini and Cristiano Ronaldo have led the club to victory.
7. Manchester City
Though its rise to global prominence is more recent, Manchester City has transformed into a modern football powerhouse. With a string of Premier League titles in the past decade and a landmark UEFA Champions League win, City’s success stems from the 2008 strategic investment, world-class coaching under Pep Guardiola, and a fluid style of play admired worldwide. Its rapid ascent has reshaped English football, particularly after it became the first team to win the Premier League four times in a row.
8. AC Milan
AC Milan is one of the most historically significant clubs in Europe, known for its rich legacy in both Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. With a trophy cabinet filled with European glory, Milan’s dominance was most evident in the 1990s, when they had legendary players like Marco van Basten.
9. Chelsea
Chelsea is another club that achieved success through substantial investment, done by former owner Roman Abramovich. Since then, the London-based club has remained in the elite group, even under Todd Boehly’s ownership. Fueled by a passionate fan base and the signing of big-name players, Chelsea has won numerous honours, from the Premier League title to the Champions League.
10. Paris Saint-Germain
As France’s biggest and most influential football club, Paris Saint-Germain owes much of its success to the major revamp in 2011. This Qatari investment later led to the signing of high-profile players such as David Beckham and Edinson Cavani, further cementing PSG on the global stage. Alongside this, PSG has elevated Ligue 1’s visibility while shaping a distinctive brand that blends culture, fashion, and sport.
Each of these biggest football clubs in the world prove that dominance goes beyond performance on the pitch. It’s the dedication poured into strategy and investment that brings global fame, passionate fans, and long-standing success. To enhance your experience of the sport, take a look at the world’s highest-paid football players and their net worth.
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