The Top 20 Football Teams of all Time

Who would win in a fantasy face-off between Pep’s tiki-taka Barcelona and Brazil’s 1970 magicians? Or the ‘Invincibles’ vs Real Madrid’s Galácticos?
The Top 20 Football Teams of all Time

Seán Murray

Steve Madgwick
Steve Madgwick Editor-In-Chief

20 years experience in the online gambling industry crafting and editing content to help punters make smart decisions when gambling online.

Fans Crown Manchester United’s 1999 Treble Winners

It's the kind of pub debate that’s been going on for decades around football, and now, thanks to new research we have commissioned, we finally have some answers.

In a major poll of 2,000 football fans, Manchester United’s iconic 1998–99 treble-winning side has been voted the greatest football team of all time, topping a list packed with legends of the game.

Manchester United’s Crowning Glory

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils edged out Barcelona’s 2008–2012 juggernaut, famous for its hypnotic passing patterns and a core of Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta. In doing so, they claimed the top spot in what fans dubbed the “Ultimate XI” contest—a mix of domestic and international legends ranked together for the first time.

Third place went to the timeless Brazil 1970 World Cup-winning side, a team that redefined attacking football with Pelé, Jairzinho, and Rivellino dazzling under the Mexican sun.

The Top 20: A Golden Roll Call

The top 20 list showcases some of football's most transformative teams; those that not only won silverware but shaped how the game was played and experienced:

  1. Manchester United (1998–99) – Treble winners

  2. Barcelona (2008–12) – Guardiola’s golden years

  3. Brazil (1970) – World Cup brilliance

  4. Liverpool (1975–84) – A decade of dominance

  5. Real Madrid (1955–60) – Five straight European Cups

  6. Spain (2008–12) – Euro and World Cup glory

  7. Arsenal (2003–04) – The ‘Invincibles’

  8. Manchester City (2022–23) – Treble magic

  9. Manchester United (1966–68) – From Busby to Best

  10. Real Madrid (1984–90) – La Liga legends

  11. France (1998–2000) – Zidane and co’s golden era

  12. Manchester City (2017–18) – 100-point centurions

  13. Brazil (1982) – Romantic football at its finest

  14. Barcelona (1993–94) – Cruyff’s influence

  15. AC Milan (1988–90) – “The Immortals”

  16. Nottingham Forest (1978–80) – Clough’s “Miracle Men”

  17. Bayern Munich (1973–76) – European dominance

  18. Ajax (1971–73) – Total football pioneers

  19. West Germany (1972–74) – Grit meets glory

  20. France (1982–86) – The ‘Magic Square’ midfield

Club vs Country: Who Really Rules?

While the ranking combined club and international teams, the club vs country debate still stirs strong opinions. Interestingly:

  • 44% of fans prefer club football over international.

  • 36% said they'd rather see their club win a trophy than their country (only 26% chose national glory).

  • And in a dream match between the best international side and the top domestic XI, the club side just edged it: 41% to 39%.

Jake Ashton

Jake Ashton

Senior News Editor

Trying to agree on the best football team of all time is one of the great debates that unites and divides fans in equal measure. Whether you grew up watching the dominance of Brazil in 1970, the flair of Barcelona under Guardiola, or the invincibility of Arsenal’s 2003–04 squad, everyone’s got a strong opinion—and that’s what makes it so much fun.

What Makes a Truly Great Team?

Fans cited three essential ingredients for greatness:

  • Skill and talent – 64%

  • Exceptional teamwork – 61%

  • Consistency – 56%

But beyond stats and trophies, the heart of what makes these teams unforgettable is more emotional. According to the survey, 73% loved them simply because they were a joy to watch, and 66% felt inspired by their togetherness.

Play the Knockout Game

To take things a step further, we have created a knockout-style tool that pits the top 16 sides against each other. Can Brazil’s flair beat Italy’s grit? Would Arsenal’s unbeaten run hold up against Madrid’s all-conquering ‘50s side? Fans can make their picks and decide who truly deserves the title of GOAT team.


Final Whistle

Whether you're red, blue, or somewhere in between, this debate is about more than just football. It’s about identity, nostalgia, and the moments that made you fall in love with the game.

So go ahead—pick your favourite, relive the highlights, and get ready to argue your case at the pub. After all, the beautiful game is nothing without a little friendly rivalry.

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