Top 20 Greatest Football Teams as Voted by Fans

Top 20 Greatest Football Teams as Voted by Fans

Fans have cast their votes to identify the 20 greatest football teams in history. This list highlights squads that not only dominated on the pitch but, in some cases, left a cultural mark beyond the sport.

Teams Ranked 20 to 11

Just outside the top ten are several legendary sides. The French team that controlled European international football from 1982 to 1986, led by Michel Platini, ranks 20th. West Germany’s team from the early 1970s with stars like Gerd Muller and Johan Cruyff is 19th, while Ajax’s golden era (1971-1973) sits at 18.

Bayern Munich’s squad, which secured three straight European Cups in the 1970s, comes in at 17. Nottingham Forest’s back-to-back European Cup wins under Brian Clough, hailed by Jamie Carragher as English football's greatest story, rank 16. AC Milan’s late 1980s team is 15, followed by Barcelona’s 1993-1994 lineup at 14. The Brazilian side of 1982 also makes the cut at 13.

Manchester City's record-breaking 2017/2018 season—winning 32 out of 38 matches and collecting more points than any other Premier League team—claims 12th place. France's iconic squad from 1998-2000, winning both the 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 1984-1990 Era

Ranked 10th, this Real Madrid team was led by the famous "La Quinta del Buitre" group—Emilio Butragueno, Michel, Miguel Pardeza, Manolo Sanchis, and Rafael Martin Vazquez. Known for an attractive attacking style, they dominated Spanish football, winning five La Liga titles in a row, two UEFA Cups, one Copa del Rey, and three Spanish Super Cups during this period. Coached by Luis Molowny and Leo Beenhakker, this team embodied Madrid’s traditional style before the Galacticos era.

• Real Madrid (1984-1990) Honours: 5x La Liga, 1x Copa del Rey, 1x Copa de la Liga, 3x Supercopa de España, 2x UEFA Cup

Manchester United’s Comeback Triumph (1966-1968)

In ninth place, Manchester United rose from tragedy following the 1958 Munich Air Disaster. Under Sir Matt Busby’s leadership, the club rebuilt, blending youth and experience. Key figures included George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, and Nobby Stiles. Their 1968 European Cup win over Benfica marked the first time an English club lifted the trophy, cementing United's special place in football history.

• Manchester United (1966-1968) Honours: First Division, FA Charity Shield, European Cup

Manchester City’s Historic Treble (2022-2023)

Manchester City achieved a remarkable feat by winning the English treble: the Premier League, FA Cup, and their first Champions League title. Under Pep Guardiola, the team displayed tactical excellence, edging out Arsenal for the league and beating Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Erling Haaland’s 52 goals were key, supported by Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri. This success placed City among the world’s elite clubs.

• Manchester City (2022-2023) Honours: Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League

Arsenal’s Invincibles (2003-2004)

Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League season earned them the nickname 'The Invincibles.' Managed by Arsene Wenger, the team blended modern European influences with English football culture. Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, and Sol Campbell starred. Despite their dominance over 49 matches, they only won the league trophy that year.

• Arsenal (2003-2004) Honours: Premier League

Spain’s International Supremacy (2008-2012)

Spain's national team from 2008 to 2012 mastered possession football, inspired by Guardiola’s tiki-taka style. They won three major tournaments consecutively: UEFA Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2012. Their midfield featured legends like Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Busquets, and Alonso, backed by defenders Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, and Carles Puyol.

• Spain (2008-2012) Honours: 2x European Championship, 1x World Cup

Real Madrid’s Early European Dominance (1955-1960)

This team defined early European football dominance, winning the first five European Cups in a row. Led by Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Paco Gento, Raymond Kopa, and Jose Santamaria, they played with flair and pace. Their 7-3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 European Cup final remains legendary.

• Real Madrid (1955-1960) Honours: 3x La Liga, 5x European Cup, Intercontinental Cup

Liverpool’s Golden Era (1975-1984)

Liverpool built one of football’s most successful dynasties under Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan. Between 1975 and 1984, they won seven First Division titles, three European Cups, one UEFA Cup, and four consecutive League Cups. Iconic players included Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Kevin Keegan, Ian Rush, Alan Hansen, and Ray Clemence.

• Liverpool (1975-1984) Honours: 7x First Division, 3x European Cup, 1x UEFA Cup, 4x League Cup, 5x Charity Shield, 1x Super Cup

Brazil’s Magical 1970 World Cup Team

The 1970 Brazil team is often called the greatest national team ever. Their attacking flair and technical skill dazzled the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, winning all six matches. Legends Pele, Jairzinho, Tostao, Rivelino, and Carlos Alberto formed an unstoppable force. Pele became the first player to win three World Cups, while Carlos Alberto’s final goal remains iconic.

• Brazil (1970) Honours: World Cup

Barcelona’s Revolution (2008-2012)

Under Pep Guardiola, Barcelona perfected tiki-taka, a playing style based on pressing, short passing, and positional play. They won three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, two Copa del Rey trophies, and two FIFA Club World Cups during this era. Lionel Messi led a golden core with Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Their 2011 Champions League final win over Manchester United is considered one of the best performances ever.

• Barcelona (2008-2012) Honours: 3x La Liga, 2x Copa del Rey, 3x Supercopa de España, 2x Champions League, 2x Super Cup, 2x Club World Cup

Manchester United’s Historic Treble (1998-1999)

Manchester United’s 1998-1999 treble remains unmatched by many fans. Facing tougher competition in England and Europe, they overcame Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and European Cup. Their unforgettable comebacks in the final sealed their place as the greatest team according to fan votes.

• Manchester United (1998-1999) Honours: Premier League, FA Cup, European Cup

Top 20 Greatest Football Teams 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)