Sports
20 Biggest Clubs in British Football History [Ranked]
Attaining some of the world’s biggest footballing institutions, British football has long captured the interest of football fans, attracting some of the greatest talents from around the globe.
Known for its end-to-end speed, physicality, and more direct play, British football has a frantic style that is incredibly entertaining to watch. Having adapted slightly to a more technical route in recent years due to the arrival of Pep Guardiola, the UK game has still stayed true to its roots, with the physical demands on players being at an all-time high.
After Chelsea’s Club World Cup success, and then Crystal Palace’s surprise victory in the Community Shield against Liverpool ahead of the 2025/2026 Premier League season, this article takes a closer look into the history of football in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, selecting our top 20 biggest football clubs in Britain.
Ranking factors
- Domestic achievements (Premier League, Scottish Premiership, FA Cup, etc.)
- Longevity in the top-flight
- European success (Champions League, Europa League, Conference League)
- Size of fanbase
20
Blackburn Rovers
Current Division: Championship
Beginning the list with the side that experienced its glory years way back during the 1880s and early in the 20th century, Blackburn Rovers won two First Division titles, six FA Cups, and a Super Cup during that period. However, in more modern times, they have suffered.
Last winning the Premier League title in the 1993/94 season and the League Cup in 2001/02, Blackburn were relegated from the top flight in 2012 and have never returned since. Now 13 seasons out of the Premier League, the Rovers are desperate to get back into the big time again, currently stuck in the Championship.
|
Blackburn Rovers Statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
English Champion |
3 |
|
First Division Points |
3702 |
|
European Titles |
0 |
|
Domestic Cups |
8 |
19
Derby County
Current Division: Championship
Coming in at 19th is Derby County, who have not been seen in England’s top-flight division since the 2007-08 campaign, where they were relegated in their first season back after second-division promotion. Despite barely featuring in the Premier League era, Derby still remain 17th in the all-time English first-division ladder.
They won two English titles in the 1971/72 and 1974/75 campaigns, the FA Cup in 1946, and the Super Cup in 1975. In 1891, the Rams recorded their greatest-ever victory in league football, producing a stunning victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in Division One, beating them 9-0 in a one-sided beatdown.
|
Derby County Statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
English Champion |
2 |
|
First Division Points |
3303 |
|
European Silverware |
0 |
|
Domestic Cups |
2 |
18
Sheffield Wednesday
Current Division: Championship
Another side that has spent a considerable chunk of its recent history outside of the top flight of English football, Sheffield Wednesday, are the next team to place on this list. Being one of the founding Premier League clubs, the Owls have now spent 24 years out of the big time after their relegation in 2000.
Despite this, the club is still considered one of the biggest in English football, winning four first-division titles, both being back-to-back. The first two came in the 1902/03 and the 1903/04 campaigns, and then, after a 25-year wait, they did it once again in the 1928/29 and 1929/30 seasons.
|
Sheffield Wednesday Statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
English Champion |
4 |
|
First Division Points |
3552 |
|
European Titles |
0 |
|
Domestic Cups |
5 |
17
Leicester City
Current Division: Championship
Holding one of the most mind-boggling achievements in not only football history but sporting history, Leicester City will always be remembered for defying 5000/1 odds to win the Premier League title in the 2015/16 campaign. Coming up from the Championship in the 2013/14 season and having only just survived in the first division the season beforehand, it was incomprehensible for them to become champions, but somehow, they did it.
This stunning title win was then followed up on in the 2020/21 season, where the Foxes were crowned FA Cup winners, beating Chelsea in the final, and their second Super Cup in 2021/22. Before their recent era of success, Leicester also won three League Cups, in the 1999/00, 1996/97, and 1963/64 seasons.
|
Leicester City Statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
English Champion |
1 |
|
First Division Points |
2798 |
|
European Titles |
0 |
|
Domestic Cups |
6 |
16
Nottingham Forest
Current Division: Premier League
One of the few sides in the list to have claimed more European titles than top-flight championships, Nottingham Forest ranks in this list as 16th. The majority of the club’s success was achieved during the 1970s and 1980s, as they went on to win eight major trophies throughout that period, including two European Cup Winners’ Cups, a First Division title, four League Cups, and a UEFA Super Cup.
One of the only clubs to win the previous equivalent of the Champions League in back-to-back seasons during the 1978/79 and 1979/80 campaigns, the Tricky Trees have quite a unique history despite recent woes.
|
Nottingham Forest Statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
English Champion |
1 |
|
First Division Points |
3041 |
|
European Titles |
3 |
|
Domestic Cups |
7 |
15
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Current Division: Premier League
A side with a rich cup history between the 1950s and 1970s, the majority of Wolverhampton Wanderers successes came back long before the formation of the Premier League, lifting their last piece of silverware in the 1979/80 season, where they won the League Cup.
Since then, Wolves have limboed up and down the top three divisions of the English pyramid, currently spending their seventh consecutive season back in the big time. However, during their glory years, they did manage to amass an impressive amount of silverware, winning three league championships, four FA Cups, two League Cups, and four Super Cups.
|
Wolverhampton Wanderers Statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
English Champion |
3 |
|
First Division Points |
3683 |
|
European Titles |
0 |
|
Domestic Cups |
10 |
14
Sunderland
Current Division: Premier League
A club that has had many bleak times over the last 10 years following back-to-back relegations in 2017 and 2018, Sunderland possesses a deep history of winning league titles during the late 1890s and early 1900s. In that period, the Black Cats attained five First Division titles, winning their sixth in 1936.
Unable to claim any major silverware since their FA Cup triumph back in 1973 and spending three seasons lingering in League One, it has been a very barren run on the seaside in the North East. However, focusing on acquiring new young talent around Europe, it has been a dramatic and exciting rise to the Premier League.
|
Sunderland Statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
English Champion |
6 |
|
First Division Points |
4560 |
|
European Silverware |
0 |
|
Domestic Cups |
3 |
13
Newcastle United
Current Division: Premier League
Heading across the river to the Tyneside, Newcastle United get the nod above their major North East rivals, having achieved slightly more success, and spending more time in the top flight. Likewise for Sunderland, the majority of Newcastle’s success came in the early 1900s, winning four league titles in that period, as well as six FA Cups and a Super Cup.
But after lifting their last trophy in 1955, the Magpies finally ended their long hoodoo by beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in March 2025, stopping a 70-year wait to get their hands on some silverware. Eddie Howe’s side did the unthinkable by beating arguably the best side in Europe in the 2024/2025 season in Liverpool, as well as defeating the likes of Arsenal along the way to their League Cup success.
|
Newcastle United Statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
English Champion |
4 |
|
First Division Points |
5139 |
|
European Titles |
0 |
|
Domestic Cups |
8 |
12
West Ham United
Current Division: Premier League
A side that has been a stable member of the Premier League roster for quite some time now, West Ham United achieved the majority of their successes during the 1960s and 70s. During this period, the Hammers went on to win a Cup Winners’ Cup, three FA Cups, and a Super Cup.
In more recent times, the London outfit has been starved of silverware, until their 2022/23 UEFA Conference League campaign, where, despite finishing 14th in the league, they went on to lift the second European title in the club’s history. West Ham is also home to one of the most iconic figures in English football history, Bobby Moore, who captained England’s only-ever international title, winning the World Cup in 1966.
|
West Ham United Statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
English Champion |
0 |
|
First Division Points |
3400 |
|
European Titles |
2 |
|
Domestic Cups |
4 |
11
Leeds United
Current Division: Premier League
Best known for being the first English side to discover Eric Cantona and for their feuded rivalry with Manchester United, Leeds United rank 11th on this list. Despite having spent much of their recent history stuck in the Championship, Leeds have still maintained a phenomenal fanbase and always carry a vibrant atmosphere at Elland Road.
Under Marcelo Bielsa, they recently had a stint in the Premier League but were unable to sustain their position following the Argentinian’s sacking in early 2022. But they finally made their return to the top-flight for the 2025/2026 season under Daniel Farke. In their history, the Whites have won three league titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and a Super Cup, winning the majority of that silverware in the 1960s and 70s.
|
Leeds United Statistics |
|
|---|---|
|
English Champion |
3 |
|
First Division Points |
3189 |
|
European Titles |
0 |
|
Domestic Cups |
4 |
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Manchester United have been forced back into the transfer market looking for midfield options, after being rejected by West Ham ace Mateus Fernandes.
The Red Devils were interested in a deal for the Portuguese star, but in the end, it was Tottenham who won the race for his signature, agreeing a transfer worth up to £85 million.
Those were figures that Man United weren’t willing to match, and the player quickly opted to join Spurs, with some final touches needed before the deal gets sealed.
It means Michael Carrick and his team will go back to the drawing board to look at other midfielders who could join the club instead.
So, with that said, here’s a look at five options Man United could consider for the midfield moving forward.
Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)
With Tottenham spending a lot on Fernandes, the path may now be clear for Man United to go and sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.
The Italian international appears open to an exit, and has shown plenty of quality during his time in the Premier League so far, and may offer exactly what the club need in an all-round midfielder.
There may be some concerns over a fee, considering it could reach £100 million, but the 26-year-old could bring some quality that has been missing in the middle of the park.
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
Another Newcastle star who should be considered is Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian has arguably been more important to the Magpies than Tonali, providing plenty of quality as a box-to-box presence.
With just two years remaining on his contract, there could be an opportunity for Man United to seal a deal for a player entering the peak years of his career.
Guimaraes would add plenty of off-the-ball quality, while bringing some threat to the opposition box with the final-third chaos he is capable of causing.
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
If Man United want a different profile and look towards adding a number six to their midfield, then look no further than Adam Wharton.
The England international is the king of progressive passes, always looking to receive the ball from the backline before punching through balls to those in front of him.
Considering Man United’s verticality in their attacking play, Wharton would be an ideal addition for covering the deeper role, potentially freeing up a box-to-box presence next to him as well as Bruno Fernandes in a more advanced role.
You scored
out of 20
Carlos Baleba
Man United have historical interest in Carlos Baleba, and could revisit that once again this summer. The Brighton star was a target last summer, but Brighton ultimately turned down a late approach for the Cameroon international.
While he struggled in the campaign that followed, there is still plenty of quality and potential there for Baleba that United could tap into.
He could prove to be a much cheaper acquisition than some of the others, and could grow into the player that the club needs in the midfield for years to come.
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Lucas Bergvall
With Tottenham bolstering their midfield, there is a potential exit on the cards for Lucas Bergvall this summer. The Swedish star has asked to leave the club in search of a new challenge, with the competition intensifying in his position.
While Spurs haven’t got the most out of him, the youngster has shown some quality and the potential to grow further, which clubs will be looking to tap into this summer.
Man United could be the beneficiaries of that, if they push for a deal. Bergvall may need some work and more experience to get to the top, but much like Baleba, he could grow into a star for the future.
FIFA have released a statement after Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann described a controversial VAR call as a ‘scandal’ during his side’s penalty shootout loss to Paraguay on Monday evening. Die Mannschaft are still struggling to get back on track in recent years, and a World Cup Round of 32 exit once again shocked the nation as Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah failed to convert from the spot.
The latter, however, is still wondering how his late goal during extra time didn’t help the Germans progress. Tah rose highest to glance a headed winner into the back of the net in the 12th minute, but after the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor to review the goal, defender Waldemar Anton was deemed to have impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
After the four-time winners were knocked out on penalties for the first time in their history, Nagelsmann looked back at the controversial call and labelled the decision to overturn it as a “scandal”. In response, FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina issued an explanation for the call.
FIFA Release Statement Explaining Germany’s Disallowed Winner vs Paraguay
Via a FIFA statement, Collina said (watch the incident below): “Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing opponents’ movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyse the incident and intervene.”
“This is especially the case when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from being able to defend the goal. Coaches and players were informed, so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls.”
Jurgen Klopp came out after the match and made a dig about how Arsenal would have gotten away with a goal like Germany’s, proving there’s a grey area between the rules for countries and clubs. While the ‘obstruction’ seems soft, though, the rules were followed appropriately by the referees.
You scored
out of 20
Germany Only Have Themselves to Blame
Nagelsmann can cry wolf all he wants, but the fact is that Germany can only blame themselves for another wretched tournament this summer. Monday was their first knockout game since the final in Brazil in 2014, when the Germans beat Argentina 1-0 to capture their fourth World Cup title.
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The Germans were eliminated from the group stage at the past two World Cup tournaments, while Euro 2024 saw them knocked out at the quarter-final stage by Spain – the first time they had come up against one of the favourites of the tournament. It’s a sombre reality that they just aren’t as good as they used to be.
While this current squad has all the attacking ability, the togetherness of the dressing room seems worlds apart from the well-oiled machines of yesteryear. Nobody can quite be sure why that’s the case, but Nagelsmann’s constant fury on the touchline might be a good indicator.
Everton have been exploring the possibility of signing an Arsenal star this summer, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari, as they ramp up efforts to improve their forward lines.
The Toffees have been hard at work to land some new options for David Moyes, with Hayden Hackney set to join from Middlesbrough in a deal worth up to £25 million.
While he will improve the midfield, he is likely to be joined by Tyrique George, who is set to make his loan move from Chelsea permanent after the club agreed a fee below his original buyout clause in his deal.
Further additions could now follow up front, with Gabriel Jesus the latest to be linked with a move to Everton.
Everton Explore Gabriel Jesus Transfer
According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Everton are now exploring a move for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus as the next option to bolster the squad’s forward options.
The Brazilian striker has entered the final 12 months under contract at the Emirates Stadium, and could leave this summer, if clubs match the asking price set by the Gunners.
It’s claimed that the Toffees are only looking into a deal as things stand, and it’s unclear whether that will result in a firm bid made for the serial winner.
Jesus was a transformative signing for Arsenal when he made the switch from Manchester City, reflected in his £265,000-a-week wages that made him one of the top earners at the club.
The versatile star largely played as a centre-forward and added a mixture of skill and physicality that had been lacking from the team up to that point.
Arsenal quickly became title challengers, and while they finally got a bid over the line last season, Jesus has seen his influence slowly dwindle over time.
That has mainly been due to injury issues and a general decline in form that has stemmed from it. Now, he could leave Arsenal, with Everton hopeful he could have the same impact on them if he does move to Merseyside.
You scored
out of 20
Gabriel Jesus Is A Risky Transfer Prospect
While Gabriel Jesus could offer plenty of quality, there is a real risk that comes with such a transfer for Everton heading into this summer’s market.
The forward has consistently struggled with injury issues, meaning his impact will need to be greater in the moments that he will be available for.
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Everton are busy in the summer window.
So far, the signs at Arsenal have shown little to suggest he could do that. Add onto that the fact that he is nearing the latter end of his peak years, and may ask for strong wages, and it creates a nightmare situation for a club like Everton if the move doesn’t work out.
Switching to young talent for the future may bring a greater deal of promise as well as upward mobility in the league. It remains to be seen whether the club will go ahead with a deal for Jesus, but it could prove a risky one.
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