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Manchester City was the most dominant team in world football. Now it can’t win a game.
Right now, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has the look of Roman Emperor Romulus Augustulus when Rome fell in A.D. 476. He knows his masterpiece is falling, and he is powerless to stop it from crumbling.
Last weekend, Manchester City conceded two late goals in the Manchester derby, or rivalry match, to lose to bitter rivals Manchester United 2-1. City fans inside their Etihad Stadium home sat in near silence. Nobody was angry. They’ve witnessed greatness for almost a decade under Guardiola, but this silence was somber. Absolutely nobody saw this run of just one win in the last 10 games in all competitions coming.
Manchester City has won six of the last seven English Premier League titles and eight of the last 13. It’s a dynasty.
A few months ago it became the only team in English soccer history to win four straight top flight titles. It won the treble (the Premier League, European Champions League and FA Cup trophies) the season before that, becoming just the second team in English history to do so. Everything was going historically well. What could possibly go wrong?
Fast-forward a few months, and City is broken. Badly. It has lost five of its last seven Premier League games. It lost just 11 Premier League games in total over the previous three seasons combined.
This feels like the beginning of the end of Guardiola’s incredible reign as City’s marauding, all-conquering emperor in the most competitive league on the planet.
Can Manchester City snap out of this?
Usually we’d say yes. Given the quality of players it has, the depth of its squad and the manager, after a slow start to a season City usually improves in the second half and kicks on to win trophies.
But this feels different. The current signs aren’t good.
City playmaker Bernardo Silva scolded his teammates for their decision-making late on in the shocking collapse against Manchester United last weekend.
“At this level, if it’s a game or two, you can say it’s lucky or unlucky, but if it’s 10 games, it is not about that,” Silva said. “It’s a lot of games lately. … We have to look at ourselves. It’s the decisions that you make. Today, the last minutes, we played like under 15s, and we paid the price.”
And that is the crux of this problem. Guardiola’s “total football” philosophy relies on taking risks in possession, piling players forward to have a numerical advantage in the final third and keeping the ball and making good decisions. But what happens when you don’t and you lose the ball?
City always had Rodri, a defensive midfielder just voted the best player on the planet, to plug the gaps, cover cracks, win the ball back and be the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card.
But Rodri went down with a season-ending knee injury in September against Arsenal. That’s when this all started. Rodri’s importance to City was clear, but nobody realized just how much of an impact his injury would have, simply because he has pretty much been ever-present since he arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
City has tried everything to replace Rodri over the last few months, but Guardiola, usually a genius in solving problems with creative solutions, has run out of ideas.
City’s only hope is to sign a sensationally talented defensive midfielder in the January transfer window to plug the Rodri gap. But that would really only paper over the cracks of an aging, injury-hit squad that has so many stars limping over the hill at the same time.
Has a quick collapse like this happened before?
We’ve seen this happen before in European soccer.
Manchester United’s legendary side under Sir Alex Ferguson aged overnight and descended into chaos, and United haven’t won a league title since he left in 2013. Barcelona’s dream team was kept around too long and was left to crumble together as Lionel Messi kept waving his wand to make it seem like an illusion, until it fell apart. Chelsea’s star core eroded quickly in 2011 aside from its sensational last hurrah in winning the Champions League in 2012. Real Madrid’s famed Galacticos wilted in 2008 just as Barcelona’s young stars emerged.
The only saving grace for City is that there is no clear pretender to take its place as the top dog in English soccer. Yet.
Liverpool is early in its new project under new manager Arne Slot. Arsenal appears to have taken a step back this season. Chelsea’s talented young squad is a few years from realizing its potential. Manchester United is in a massive rebuild, again.
Amid all of its struggles this season, City is still within touching distance of the title, and a win this weekend against Aston Villa and a loss for Liverpool at Tottenham would put it just six points off the top.
But from defending better to finding a Rodri replacement to keeping star players fit, it has to knit it all back together at the same time. Now. There can be no more “under 15s” decision-making. This topsy-turvy Premier League season has given City a chance to salvage its season.
Over the festive period, City can put itself back in the title race with a favorable schedule before it faces Chelsea and Arsenal in early 2025. If it can navigate the next month without a hiccup, and it still can, there’s a chance City can get itself back in the title hunt. A small chance.
What if Guardiola leaves and chaos ensues?
There is, of course, the possibility that Guardiola, who only just signed a new contract that runs until the summer of 2027, could walk away this season.
He isn’t under pressure from the Abu Dhabi-based owners. Guardiola was the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle when he arrived in 2016. He turned City’s expensively assembled machine into a winning juggernaut while playing soccer in its most beautiful form. Even if City finishes outside the Premier League’s top six this season, it will back Guardiola to rebuild the team and go again. If that is what he wants.
But there is a lot going on at City right now.
It has been charged with 115 breaches of Premier League rules, and that hearing has been going on over the last few months, all while City has been crumbling on the pitch. It’s expected that a verdict will arrive soon.
Guardiola has said multiple times he will stay if City is handed a hefty punishment or even relegated from the Premier League to the lower leagues of English soccer.
But nobody ever factored in that City would be struggling to win a game and look such a mess and that Guardiola might not be good enough for the job. Not our words. His.
“I’m not good enough,” Guardiola said after the defeat against Manchester United. “I am the boss, the manager, I have to find solutions, and so far I haven’t.”
“So far” is the key phrase there, though. It suggests Guardiola, one of the greatest and most successful managers in the history of the game, still believes he can turn this around.
But if this keeps on getting worse, Guardiola may decide to leave before his reputation is tarnished.
City will then be in chaos, with no clear successor lined up and a squad of very talented players all recruited to play in a very specific Guardiola way. Plus, it could be looking for a new manager and rebuilding an aging squad all while uncertainty continues about its future because of those alleged breaches of Premier League rules.
Amid this horrendous run of form for one of the greatest teams soccer has ever seen, there is a very real fear among Manchester City fans that things are about to get a lot worse. When a team starts to crumble like this, it happens very suddenly, and there isn’t a quick fix.
City’s fan base has a notoriously downbeat outlook on the team, and that remains despite all the winning in recent years. But if Guardiola leaves and City’s season descends into chaos on and off the pitch, the gallows humor its fans are famous for will intensify. And it might not mask the pain of what is about to come.
The next few weeks are crucial on and off the pitch in determining how Guardiola’s reign will come to an end. Whatever happens this season, he and City can say quite confidently “veni, vidi, vici” when all is said and done.
For now, one of soccer’s great dynasties is limping on.
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Man Utd Crash Out Of Carabao Cup After 7-Goal Thriller | Soccer Laduma
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United reacts to a missed chance during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Manchester United bowed out of the Carabao Cup after losing 4-3 to Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling quarter-final on Thursday night.
Carabao Cup
Result: Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 Manchester United
Date: 19 December 2024
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Marcus Rashford missed out on the matchday squad once again, as Altay Bayindir, Victor Lindelof, Leny Yoro, Christian Eriksen and Antony were all handed starts while Alejandro Garnacho was named on the bench.
It was Spurs who got the breakthrough on 14 minutes when Bayindir could only parry Pedro Porro’s shot into the path of Dominik Solanke, who fired home a first-time finish.
The game was played at a lively pace in the first half but Ruben Amorim’s side were finding it tough to carve out clear-cut chances in the box, as Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund tried their luck from distance.
Amorim was forced to make a change on the stroke of halftime when Lindelöf went down with an injury and was replaced by veteran defender Jonny Evans.
Things got worse for United shortly after the break when Spurs doubled their lead as Lisandro Martinez’s poor clearance landed straight at the feet of Dejan Kulusevksi, who made no mistake from close range.
The home side went on to grab a third goal in the 56th minute when a swift counter-attack ended with Solanke cutting inside to carve out space before firing into the bottom corner to complete his brace.
United give themselves some hope eight minutes later when Fernandes pounced on a poor pass out from goalkeeper Fraser Forster to tee up substitute Joshua Zirkzee to slot into an empty net.
The visitors were gifted another goal in the 70th minute when fellow substitute Amad Diallo charged down Forster in the box and deflected the clearance into the back of the net.
Spurs bagged a fourth goal in the 87th minute when Son Heung-min scored directly from a corner after Bayindir failed to get his hands on the ball on the night that will be remembered for goalkeeper errors on both ends.
Evans did pull a third goal back for United in second-half stoppage time with a glancing header from a corner, but Spurs were able to see out the closing stages to book their spot in the final four.
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The 10 Most Expensive Soccer Teams in the World
The most expensive clubs in soccer span four countries and are all worth billions of dollars each.
It goes without saying that the biggest and most successful teams in soccer are often the ones with the most money. The clubs at the top of the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Ligue 1 have the luxury of signing the world’s best players. With Vinícius Júnior, Rodri, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane just a handful of superstars currently playing for the most expensive teams in the world, it is no surprise the clubs find themselves the favorites to lift silverware at the end of a season.
Here’s the 10 most valuable teams in soccer across the globe, per Forbes.
Value: $6.6 billion
League: La Liga
Real Madrid are both the winningest and most expensive club in the world. Los Blancos have a record 15 Champions League titles and 36 La Liga titles. Some of the best players in the sport’s history have represented the club, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Raúl.
Los Blancos have an operating income of $76 million.
Value: $6.55 billion
League: Premier League
Not far behind Real Madrid are Manchester United. The club is one of the biggest and best clubs in Premier League history. The Red Devils topped England’s top-flight a record 13 times and lifted the Champions League trophy three times.
Manchester United have an operating income of $187 million.
Value: $5.6 billion
League: La Liga
Barcelona rank as the third most valuable club in 2024. The Catalans have an overflowing trophy cabinet, featuring five Champions League titles and 27 La Liga titles. Countless soccer legends can trace their careers back to Barcelona, with Lionel Messi atop the list.
Barcelona have an operating income of $145 million.
Value: $5.37 billion
League: Premier League
Liverpool are the second-most expensive Premier League team, worth $1 billion less than Manchester United. Despite claiming 18 First Division titles, the Reds only have one Premier League title. The club has found plenty of success in Europe, though, taking home six Champions League titles, the most of any Premier League club.
Liverpool have an operating income of $102 million.
Value: $5.1 billion
League: Premier League
No Premier League side has been more dominant over the last decade than Manchester City. The Citizens claimed four consecutive EPL titles in as many years, bringing the club’s total to eight. Under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City lifted their first Champions League trophy in 2023.
Manchester City have an operating income of $148 million.
Value: $5 Billion
League: Bundesliga
Bayern Munich are the only Bundesliga team with a place in the top 10 most expensive teams of the year. The German giants have an incredible 32 Bundesliga titles and won 11 in a row before Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen took the crown in 2024. Bayern Munich also topped Europe four times.
Bayern Munich have an operating income of $84 million.
Value: $4.4 billion
League: Ligue 1
Unsurprisingly, Paris Saint-Germain rank above all the other French clubs when it comes to value. The French giants have topped Ligue 1 a record 12 times and have been represented by the sport’s greats, including Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman wound up leaving for Real Madrid, though, after PSG failed to win the Champions League yet again.
PSG have an operating income of $126 million.
Value: $3.2 billion
League: Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur are the only English club in the top 10 that have not won the Premier League. Spurs have yet to top the Champions League as well, though they did come close in 2019 when they lost in the final to Liverpool.
Tottenham have an operating income of $161 million.
Value: $3.1 billion
League: Premier League
Chelsea’s value comes in just under Spurs’ at $3.1 billion. The Blues won the Premier League an impressive five times, the third-most of any club behind only Manchester United and Manchester City. Chelsea are also the only team not named Manchester City or Real Madrid to win the Champions League in the last four years.
Chelsea have the lowest operating income of all the teams in the top 10 at $400,000.
Value: $2.6 billion
League: Premier League
Arsenal round out the top 10 most expensive clubs in soccer. The Gunners are also the final member of the Premier League “Big Six” on the list, giving England’s top-flight the most representation. Although Arsenal has never lifted the Champions League trophy, the club has three Premier League titles to its name, including its “Invincibles” season in which the team did not suffer a single EPL defeat.
Arsenal have an operating income of $140 million.
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Source: https://www.si.com/soccer/the-10-most-expensive-soccer-teams-in-the-world
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Tottenham vs. Man United Livestream: How to Watch Carabao Cup Soccer From Anywhere
Watch the EFL Cup in the UK from £15 with Now
Now
Watch the Carabao Cup in Canada from CA$30 a month
DAZN
The last of this week’s English Football League Cup quarterfinals sees defending champs Man United travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London to face Spurs.
Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils come into this big cup tie having claimed local bragging rights. They beat beleaguered rivals Manchester City last Sunday with a dramatic 2-1 win in the English Premier League.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, has a proud tradition of always winning something in his second season at a club and will be keen to uphold that record, with this tournament currently looking like the inconsistent Lilywhites’ best hope of silverware this term.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game live wherever you are in the world.
This Carabao Cup quarterfinal tie between Spurs and Manchester United takes place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 19. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. GMT local time in the UK, 3 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. PT in the US, and 7 a.m. AEDT on Friday, Dec. 20, in Australia.
Trying to choose between Paramount Plus Essential and Paramount Plus with Showtime plans? Essential is the cheaper of the two and is ad-supported. Paramount Plus with Showtime isn’t completely ad-free but only displays commercials on “live TV and a few shows.” If you want Showtime programming, the ability to download titles and your local live CBS station, you’ll only get that with Paramount Plus with Showtime.
Latest Tests DNS leaks detected, 25% speed loss in 2024 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Sky subsidiary Now offers streaming access to Sky Sports channels with a Now Sports membership. You can get a day of access for £15, or sign up to a monthly plan from £35 per month right now.
A DAZN subscription currently costs CA$30 a month or CA$200 a year and will also give you access to the Champions League, Europa League and EFL Championship soccer, plus Six Nations rugby and WTA tennis.
As well as dedicated apps for iOS and Android, there’s a wide range of support for set-top boxes and smart TVs.
beIN Sports is available via pay TV packages such as Foxtel, but cord-cutters can also sign up to beIN Sports as a standalone streaming subscription.
Priced at AU$15 per month or AU$130 for an annual subscription, beIN is currently offering a free one-week trial. As well as Carabao Cup action, a subscription will also give you access to Ligue 1, Serie A, Bundesliga and EFL football coverage.
Soccer-European Leagues say they were not consulted on rebranded Super League
Soccer-European Leagues say they were not consulted on rebranded Super League
SOCCER-EUROPE-SUPERLEAGUE:Soccer-European Leagues say they were not consulted on rebranded Super League
– The European Leagues said on Thursday they were not consulted by the promoters of the proposed European Super League regarding the relaunch of the breakaway concept as the Unify League.
The original European Super League , backed by 12 of the continent’s biggest clubs, was controversially launched in 2021 only for support to collapse after a fan backlash.
Unlike the original plans which guaranteed the 12 clubs a place in the ESL, Sports development company A22 said the new 96-club format across four leagues would be merit-based and more competitive than UEFA’s current club competitions.
It also promised free streaming for fans on its own advertising-backed platform and a return to the home and away format ditched in the revamped Champions League group phase.
“The European Leagues notes this week’s announcement from A22 and reject any suggestion that a consultation took place with our organisation,” it said in a statement.
The European Leagues consists of 39 professional leagues and associations from 33 countries covering more than 1,130 clubs.
The organisation said they remain committed to the current structure in which clubs qualify for UEFA club competitions based on annual domestic performances.
“The A22’s competition model, which is not requested and unsubstantiated, would increase the number of international matches in an already congested calendar,” the European Leagues added.
“Supporters and stakeholders across the game have consistently made it clear that any attempt from existing or new international club competitions to expand their calendars at the expense of domestic competitions will be rejected …
“European Leagues and FIFPro Europe have asked the European Commission to ensure that no decision can be made about the International Match Calendar without the formal agreement of domestic leagues and player unions.”
It added that they will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to “maintain a complementary and sustainable balance between domestic and international football.”
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
See more
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American billionaire’s net worth as he plans to revolutionise UK soccer team
US billionaire Dan Friedkin is the new owner of Premier League soccer club Everton.
In its second attempt to buy the iconic team, The Friedkin Group reached an agreement to buy Everton in September. The takeover has finally been given the green light by the Premier League and the American businessman will begin working on ways to help push the Toffees up the table.
Ending Farhad Moshiri’s controversial eight-year spell at Everton, Friedkin will become chairman of the board. Here’s a closer look at how Friedkin made his fortune, as well as his net worth compared to Everton’s city rivals Liverpool.
Net worth
According to Forbes, Friedkin boasts a net worth of $7.9bn. The 59-year-old took over as CEO of TFG and Gulf States Toyota after his father, Thomas, retired in 2000.
Gulf States Toyota sold $11bn worth of cars in 2023, and it holds exclusive rights to sell Toyotas in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Expanding his business portfolio, Friedkin became chairman of Auberge Resorts Collection in 2013, a company that owns a collection of luxury resorts and hotels across the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe, the Caribbean, and Fiji.
In 2017, Friedkin co-founded the film production company 30West and later co-founded the entertainment studio Imperative Entertainment. The Everton takeover is not his first venture into soccer either, as Friedkin became the owner of Italian giants Roma in 2020. The extent of his wealth is best displayed when compared to Liverpool owner John W. Henry.
Friedkin is estimated to be worth $5bn more than Henry, who also owns the Boston Red Sox and NHL francise the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images)
There’s already been big movement at Everton following the takeover, with Friedkin primed to become chairman of the board and Marc Watts instilled as executive chairman to oversee operations. TFG CFO Ana Dunkel will also join the Everton board.
“I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution,” Friedkin said.
“Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world. We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”
US ownership of Premier League clubs is becoming increasingly common, with as many as 11 clubs either joint or majority-owned by Americans. While Everton fans will hope the takeover will lead to an influx of signings, TFG will also be aware that the club suffered two points deductions last season for failing to follow financial rules.
Source: https://www.themirror.com/sport/soccer/everton-dan-friedkin-premier-league-868093
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Wolves hire Vitor Pereira as boss after O’Neil axe
Wolverhampton Wanderers have hired Vitor Pereira as their new manager following the departure of Gary O’Neil, it was confirmed on Thursday.
Pereira, the club’s third Portuguese boss, arrives from Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab with a wealth of experience having managed in eight countries over the last 11 years and will be tasked with keeping Wolves in the Premier League after a poor start to the season.
“We are delighted to welcome Vitor Pereira to Wolves as the new head coach of our men’s first-team. Vitor is a highly respected and experienced coach who has achieved success across different leagues and will bring a new approach for the test ahead,” club chairman Jeff Shi said.
“This is a challenging moment for the club, and we want to thank Vitor for taking on this responsibility. We have full confidence in his ability to guide us back on track, alongside the players and staff, and the entire club will be united in supporting him to achieve success.”
O’Neill was sacked following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town at Molineux, which left Wolves 19th in the table with only two wins from 16 games.
FC Porto after succeeding Andre Villas-Boas in 2011, leading the team to back-to-back Primeira Liga crowns. He has also won league titles in Greece with Olympiacos and China with Shanghai SIPG, while an eclectic managerial career has also taken him to Al Ahli, Fenerbahce, 1860 Munich, Corinthians, Flamengo and most recently Al Shabab.
The 56-year-old was heavily linked with the Everton job in 2022 before fan protests led to the club hiring Frank Lampard, but now gets his chance in England.
Wolves face fellow strugglers Leicester City on Sunday before tough matches against Manchester United and Tottenham.
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/42982753/wolves-hire-vitor-pereira-new-boss-gary-oneil-exit
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Kaizer Chiefs set to lose R40 million man for free?
Kaizer Chiefs could be set to miss out on an opportunity to cash in on one of their key players.
Chiefs were believed to be ready to listen to offers for midfielder Edson Castillo, provided their price was met.
At the start of the previous season, Chiefs signed Castillo from his native Venezuela. He seemed liked a genius signing, starting life in South Africa brightly. He has tenacious in the tackle, provided energy around the park and he was a threat at set piece time. The box-to-box star was also very good at arriving late in the opposition box and scoring.
Castillo was at valued at R40 million last season
But when former coach Molefi Ntseki was sacked, Castillo fell out of favour with interim coach Cavin Johnson. That then saw him lose his place in the Venezuelan national team but also grow unhappy at Chiefs. This was to the extent that he was believed to have been pushing for a move to North Africa. Zamalek were reportedly quoted R40 million by Amakhosi’s top brass for his services. In the end, their transfer ban proved to be a stumbling block for the deal.
Castillo then stayed put at Chiefs and proved as the season went on. He then suffered an unfortunate serious leg injury. That has since kept him out for a few months. Now according to Soccer-Laduma, his future at the club is now in jeopardy.
Chiefs putting him in limbo
“The club (Chiefs) had initiated the talks for the contract extension before the injury when they saw they needed him (Castillo) and he could play a vital role but with the injury the whole situation has changed. You know for now the club is taking full care of him but the question is after the injury, will he be the same? Such things have happened to Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly and even now, George Matlou. After recovering from their injuries they have not been the same so the team is just being cautious and careful. But talks will resume when he is fully recovered and the club is convinced he can contribute to the team. For now it’s believed the talks are on hold,” said the source.
A second source said that Chiefs stalling could work in the favour of Castillo.
Should he stay or should he go?
“This could work to the advantage of the player (Castillo) as well. You remember he wanted to leave at one stage? So, if they (Chiefs) delay the negotiations it would give him the chance to be a free agent and leave for a team of his choice. But also, the injury is the stumbling block. So his future will only be decided after he fully recovers,” said the source.
Chiefs fans should Castillo get another contract or is it time to move on?
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Ranking the 50 Best Soccer Teams Of All Time
When you create a list of the 50 greatest soccer teams of all time, there are so many metrics to consider. You need to take into account the size of the club’s trophy haul, the quality of the competition they faced and their longevity.
There is another factor, however, which is perhaps less easy to measure but no less important. That is, their lasting impact on the game and beyond the pitch. The culture. This criterion is fundamental because it reflects the sheer importance of soccer as a driver of societal change.
That’s why Sports Illustrated’s list of the greatest soccer teams includes the very best women’s and Paralympic sides as well as men’s.
50. Preston North End (1888-89)
Before Arsene Wenger’s legendary Arsenal side, there was the original Invincibles. They were the first team to go an entire season unbeaten (18W-4D-0L) and the first English side to win the domestic double of the league and FA Cup.
49. Porto (2004)
Soccer fans don’t get enough underdog stories, which is why Porto’s Champions League win was so remarkable. Led by the Special One himself, Jose Mourinho masterminded victories over Real Madrid and, most memorably, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in the quarter-finals on the road to victory.
48. Leicester City (2016)
At a time when money dictates so much of what happens in the beautiful game, The Foxes’ winning of the Premier League was a fairytale that, to this day, makes anything feel possible in soccer.
47. Monterrey (2010s)
The Mexican side dominated the Concacaf Champions League with five titles in one decade. This incredible run included three back-to-back titles from 2011-2013. Mentality giants.
46. Chelsea Women (2015-2024)
Largely under the stewardship of the hugely impressive Emma Hayes, the Bluebells bagged eight titles in 10 seasons. Now managed by Sonia Bompastor, they are on target to win the WSL again this season.
45. Egypt (2006-10)
With three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations triumphs, The Pharaohs dominated African international soccer thanks to quality throughout the squad and an incredible team spirit.
44. Al Ahly (2000s)
Key to Egypt’s international success was the fact that the core of its side was made up of players who were having similar joy as part of Al Ahly. The Egyptian club side won five CAF Champions Leagues in just over a decade (2001, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2012).
43. New York Cosmos (1970s)
Pele. Beckenbauer. Chinaglia. Alberto. The Cosmos were not just a soccer team, they were a super team. A cultural phenomenon surrounded by glitz and glamour, they helped kickstart the sport in the US with the launch of the NASL. To fully understand the wonderful madness that surrounded the club during that era, check out the documentary “Once in a Lifetime”.
42. Galatasaray (2000)
A season unlike any other for a Turkish side, either before or since. Masterminded by ‘The Emperor’ Fatih Terim and an iconic roster of players, Gala won the domestic double before dispatching Arsenal in the UEFA Cup final and Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.
41. VfL Wolfsburg Women (2013–2014)
Back-to-back domestic doubles and UEFA Women’s Champions League titles established this side as one of the finest ever seen in women’s soccer.
40. Celtic (1967)
The first British team to win the European Cup were crowned champions in Lisbon, Portugal. What made the Lisbon Lions even more remarkable is that the entire squad was born within a 30-mile radius of Celtic Park in Glasgow. Homegrown.
39. Leeds United (1974)
A team renowned for being as tough as it was successful. They dominated the English first division through the aggressive play of Jack Charlton and Norman Hunter, which allowed the more subtle charms of Eddie Grey, Johnny Giles and Peter Lorimer to shine through.
38. FC Barcelona Femení (2020–present)
Home to not just one but two double Ballon d’Or winners, Alexia Putella and Aitana Bonmatí, the Spanish side are the pioneers of modern women’s soccer. Playing the same scintillating tiki-taka as the men’s team, they have been finalists in the last four Women’s Champions League, winning two of them.
37. Dynamo Kyiv (1975)
Valeriy Lobanovskyi’s side won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the European Super Cup and, in the process, revolutionized soccer. Along with the Dutchman Rinus Michels, Lobanovskyi was recognized as the inventor of ‘Total Football,’ a fluid system where any outfield player can take on the role of any other player on the team.
36. Steaua Bucharest (1986)
Triumph in the European Cup final over giants Barcelona remains the pinnacle of Romanian soccer’s achievements and a source of great national pride.
35. Red Star Belgrade (1991)
The first and only club from the former Yugoslavia to defy the odds to win the European Cup. The victory provided a rare moment of unity for the region that was on the brink of war at the time.
34. Atletico Madrid (2014)
Diego Simeone’s punk upstarts upset Real Madrid and Barcelona’s duopoly of La Liga, which had remained uninterrupted for over a decade. Heartbreakingly, they were denied an incredible double over their Madrid rivals when they conceded an equalizer in the 93rd minute of the Champions League.
33. Feyenoord (1970)
The club’s first and only European Cup success paved the way for the rise of Dutch soccer in the Seventies. Known as Feijenoord back then, they changed their name in 1974 so people from outside the Netherlands were able to pronounce it.
32. Juventus (1981–1985)
The Bianconeri were imperious during this period, winning 11 trophies. Led by two European Footballers of the Year, Paolo Rossi and Michel Platini, they became the first club to win every trophy available.
31. Sevilla (2014–2020)
The most successful club in the history of the UEFA Europa League. In 2023, they added an almost silly seventh Europa League trophy to their collection after defeating AS Roma.
30. Real Madrid (2016–2018)
Three consecutive Champions League titles under Zinedine Zidane is ridiculous, even by the insanely high standards set in Europe by Los Blancos.
29. Arsenal (2003–2004)
One season before they achieved Invincible status, Arsene Wenger commented he thought the Gunners could go a season unbeaten. He was widely mocked. Who’s laughing now?
28. Barcelona (2014–2015)
The famous MSN frontline (Messi, Suarez, Neymar) won the treble and the hearts of fans worldwide with the kind of soccer rarely seen outside of PlayStation.
27. Uruguay (1930–1950)
From success at the first-ever World Cup in 1930 to their victory over home favorites Brazil in the 1950 Final, Uruguay dominated international soccer for 20 years through a stunning combination of technical and physical ability. After that, not so much.
26. Dick, Kerr’s Ladies FC (1917-1921)
Established in 1917 in Preston, England, they were one of the world’s first organized women’s soccer teams. They took their unusual moniker from the Dick, Kerr and Co. ammunitions factory where the players worked. This pioneering side played the first women’s international in 1920 against France and drew enormous crowds of over 50,000 spectators until The Football Association banned the women’s game in 1921.
25. Benfica (1961–1962)
Inspired by the extraordinary talent of Eusebio, the Eagles became the first side to win the European Cup in consecutive seasons.
24. Chelsea (2004–2005)
Jose Mourinho signed for Chelsea in the summer and promptly turned them into defensive monsters. The Blues ran out Premier League winners, conceding just 15 goals all season. A defensive record that still stands today in the Premier League.
23. River Plate (2018)
Already the fiercest rivalry in world soccer, The Game of the Century saw River Plate face Boca Juniors for the first time in the Copa Libertadores final. The matchup between Argentina’s two teams was so explosive that the second leg had to be moved to Madrid after Boca’s bus was attacked. Following a 2-2 draw in the first leg, Los Millonarios won 3-1 in the Bernabeu and were crowned continental champions for a historic fourth time.
22. Flamengo (1981)
He was known as the White Pele, and in 1981, Zico was the greatest player in the world. He led his incredibly talented side to the club’s first-ever Copa Libertadores title and then went one step further, conquering Bob Paisley’s Liverpool in the Intercontinental Cup to make them world champions.
21. Boca Juniors (2000–2003)
Three Copa Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups in the space of four years established Boca as one of the greatest teams in the world. Led by tactical mastermind Carlos Bianchi, opposition sides were repeatedly subdued by Boca’s beauty and the beast, Joan Román Riquelme and Carlos Tevez.
20. Manchester City (2017-2023)
An unprecedented era of dominance for the previously unfancied Citizens. Backed by Emirati royalty, Pep Guardiola turned City into serial record-breakers. They won the Premier League with an unheard-of 100 points in 2018, won five domestic titles in six years and then topped it off with a historic treble including the club’s first Champion League trophy in 2023.
19. Liverpool (1977–1984)
Under the stewardship of Bob Paisley, Liverpool established a reputation as European giants. Playing an evolution of Bill Shankly’s pass-and-move, Dalglish and company swept all before them, capturing six domestic titles and four European Cups in just seven years.
18. Brazil (1958)
The legend of Samba Football began at the World Cup in Sweden. Pelé, just 17, transfixed all with his artistry and flair. The iconic yellow kit made its debut and became a symbol of joyful attacking verve that continues to this day. The Seleção won the final 5-2 against the hosts and became the first-ever team to win the World Cup outside their continent.
17. France (1998–2000)
Les Blues line-up at this time was basically a roll-call of the world’s greatest players. Zidane, Deschamps, Vieira, Henry, Trezeguet, Desailly, Thuram… the list goes on. The back-to-back World Cup and European titles not only established France as a soccer powerhouse but also symbolized unity thanks to the multi-racial nature of the squad known as “Black, Blanc, Beur” (Black, White, Arab).
16. Santos (1962–1963)
They weren’t even one of the biggest sides in Brazil when Pele joined them, but arguably the greatest player who ever lived helped turn them into two-time South American and world champions in just two seasons.
15. Brazil (2002)
After the disappointment of 1998 when they lost the final to France, Brazil came back stronger to become the first side to win the World Cup five times. Upfront, they dazzled thanks to the attacking swagger of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho. Ronaldo particularly enjoyed himself. Having recovered from a career-threatening injury, he scored eight goals, including two in the final against Germany, winning the Golden Boot and FIFA World Player of the Year.
14. Germany Women (2001–2007)
Die Frauen-Nationalmannschaft were the undisputed leaders in women’s soccer during this period. Led by powerful goal scorer Birgit Prinz, their tactical discipline, solid defense, and creative attacking play helped them win two consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups and the UEFA Women’s Euros.
13. Brazil Paralympic team (2004-2020)
The Seleção have demonstrated an unbelievable level of dominance in Paralympic blind soccer since its inception. Led by player-turned-coach Fábio Vasconcelos, they remained unbeaten for 16 years, winning five consecutive Golds.
12. Nottingham Forest (1979–1980)
On May 7, 1977, Forest scraped into the English First Division on the last day of the season. Managed by the hugely charismatic Brian Clough, they went on to win the league title the following season before gate-crashing the very highest echelons of the game by not only winning the European Cup in 1979 but retaining it in 1980.
11. Netherlands (1974)
The greatest team to never win the World Cup. The Oranje may not have taken home a trophy from Germany, but they did win hearts and minds with their high-pressing, fluid Total Football. Masterminded by coach Rinus Michels and epitomized on the pitch by mercurial captain Johan Cruyff, this team has since inspired some of the greatest minds in the game, including Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.
10. Manchester United (1998–1999)
The Red Devils’ finest moment. Sir Alex Ferguson led his team to an unprecedented Treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. The latter came close to eluding him, with Bayern Munich leading in the 90th minute before injury-time goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rescued the match in what is widely known as ‘Fergie Time’.
9. Ajax (1971–1973)
The Total Football philosophy of Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff helped Ajax to completely dominate European soccer. The pioneering strategy of fluid positional play and high-octane pressing saw the Dutch side win three European Cups in succession. After that, soccer was never the same again.
8. West Germany (1972–1974)
The English striker Gary Lineker once said: “Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes, and at the end, the Germans always win.” This inevitability began with the West German victories at the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup. The mental strength, tactical discipline and technical proficiency of players like Franz “Der Kaiser” Beckenbauer, Paul Breitner and Gerd “Der Bomber” Muller were to become the hallmark of German teams for decades to come.
7. US Women’s National Team (2015-2019)
With successive World Cups and four Olympic Golds, the USWNT took women’s soccer to the next level. Stars like Mia Hamm, Alex Morgan and Hope Solo became worldwide household names and, in the case of Megan Rapinoe, transcended the sport, becoming cultural icons leading the fight for equal pay and LGBTQ rights.
6. Spain (2008–2012)
Thanks to tiki-taka and a team blessed with unbelievable talent, Spain became the first national men’s team to win three tournaments in a row. Their possession-based soccer, short, rapid style passing hypnotized the opposition into submission, allowing La Roja to end its 44-year trophy drought with a 2008 European Championship win over Germany. Xavi and Iniesta, perhaps the greatest-ever midfield pairing in international soccer, drove the team towards victory in the 2010 World Cup and then again in the 2012 European Championships.
5. AC Milan (1988–1994)
The golden era of Milan was sparked under the revolutionary leadership of Arrigo Sacchi and then built upon by Fabio Capello. The sides were defensive masters and deadly on the counter-attack. Boasting generational talents like Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard and Ruud Gullit, they cruised to three European Cup victories and conceded just 15 goals in 34 matches during the 1991–92 Serie A season, during which they went unbeaten.
4. Olympique Lyonnais Féminin (2016–20)
The greatest club team in women’s soccer history. Lyon won five successive Champions Leagues thanks to their abundance of talent—from the giant Wendie Renard at the back to the prolific Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg up front. Continued success came as a result of the club’s progressive attitudes. They treated the men’s and women’s teams on an equal footing and, in doing so, took the professionalization of the women’s game to new heights.
3. Real Madrid (1955–1960)
This era marked the birth of the club’s audacious reputation as European aristocracy. Five successive European Cups were won through a blend of individual brilliance and tactical organization that remains the club’s hallmark to this day. Their reputation for collecting Galacticos also began back then, with Madrid hoovering up the game’s most iconic players, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás, bringing unparalleled stardust to their roster.
2. Barcelona (2008–2012)
“They get you on that carousel, and they make you dizzy with their passing.” That was Sir Alex Ferguson’s verdict after watching his Manchester United team get dispatched by Barcelona in the 2008 Champions League semi-finals. Managed by the genius Pep Guardiola and starring arguably soccer’s greatest-ever talent, Lionel Messi, this was the finest men’s club side in history. Playing the same irrepressible tiki-taka as the national team, they plundered Europe, winning two Champions League, three La Ligas and two UEFA Super Cups.
1. Brazil (1970)
The golden team. No other in soccer’s rich past has inspired so much love for Joga Bonito. Brazil’s third World Cup triumph was achieved by a side made up of prodigious talents that blended so perfectly they blew away the opposition. In Tostao, Jairzinho and Rivelino, they boasted impossible levels of teamwork, creativity and flair… and then there was Pele who, according to poet Eduardo Galeano, “climbed into the air as if it were a staircase” to score the opening goal of the final. Brazil went on to beat Italy 4-1, but as with that entire tournament, it wasn’t just about the winning, it was the unprecedented style with which they went about it that made them so unique.
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Source: https://www.si.com/soccer/ranking-the-50-best-soccer-teams-of-all-time
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