The best soccer teams of all time: Legends of the game

The best soccer teams of all time are those that have left an indelible mark on the sport through their dominance, style of play, and memorable victories. Throughout the history of soccer, teams like Barcelona (2008/2009), Ajax (1971/1972), and Real Madrid (2016/2017) have epitomized excellence. These teams have not only won domestic leagues but also shone on the European stage, captivating fans with their unparalleled talent and tactical brilliance. From Barcelona’s tiki-taka to Ajax’s total football, these legendary teams are testament to the power and beauty of the beautiful game. Join Premiumsoccertips as we delve deeper into the top best soccer teams of all time!

Ranking the 8 greatest club teams in football history

8. Benfica (1960/1961)

Back in the previous decade, Benfica conquered Europe with a series of extraordinary performances. They won the league with 46 points, four ahead of rivals Porto, and they saved their best talent for the European Cup. In just their sixth appearance, Benfica dominated the tournament, beating Hearts, Ujpest FC, Aarhus Gymnastikforening and SK Rapid Wien en route to the final.

In one of football’s biggest games, they beat Barcelona 3-2, with Jose Aguas’ early goal setting the pace. The striker was the club’s top scorer that campaign with 43 goals; they couldn’t have done it without him.

7. Liverpool (1976/1977)

A decade and a half after Benfica dominated Europe, Liverpool did the same. This came after they continued to show their power in English football, winning the First Division title for the second season in a row. They finished just one point ahead of Manchester City, while they then lost to arch-rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

This defeat prevented them from becoming the first English club to win three major trophies in the same season, but no one really cared as they showed their power and won the European Cup for the first time. By beating Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1 in Rome, they cemented their place among the greats, with Kevin Keegan securing a British record move to Hamburg the following summer.

6. InterMilan (1964/1965)

Inter Milan are one of the most successful clubs of all time, and in the 1964/65 season they showed their mettle once again. With a squad full of Italian legends, they won Serie A with 54 points, three points ahead of arch-rivals AC Milan. Although they lost the Coppa Italia final, that was all but forgotten as they won the European Cup once again.

Exactly a year after their previous triumph, they successfully defended their European title by beating Benfica at the San Siro, with Jair scoring in a 1-0 win. Helenio Herrera’s dogmatic ‘catenaccio’ style and strong defence were not exactly appealing compared to others, but it paid off.

5. Manchester City (2022/2023)

Manchester City have always been known as the ‘noisy neighbours’. Scorned by Manchester United, they have always spoken loudly but rarely tasted success. However, that was before investment from the Middle East arrived, and – in 2023 – they have finished football.

The Citizens won the Premier League after a fierce battle with Arsenal throughout the campaign, beat rivals United in the FA Cup final thanks to a stunning strike from Ilkay Gundogan and then won the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan. They repeated the treble from the Red Devils in 1999, with Erling Haaland showing why he is always one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or.

4. Manchester United (1998/1999)

At least one Manchester United season will always be on this list. Led by one of the greatest managers of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson, United narrowly won the title by a point over rivals Arsenal, while they followed that up by beating Newcastle 2-0 in the FA Cup final.

However, the Champions League was always the pinnacle, and two stoppage-time goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer against Bayern Munich helped them complete one of the greatest comebacks ever to win 2-1. Although Dwight Yorke was the top scorer, David Beckham was equally important. He was named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year for the 1998-99 season and was runner-up to Rivaldo for the 1999 Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year.

3. Real Madrid (2016/2017)

Real Madrid need no introduction to the footballing world. Nicknamed the ‘Galacticos’ for good reason, they’ve always been at the forefront – and they did so once again in 2016/17. Using one of the best attacking trios ever in Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, they dominated football.

Zinedine Zidane’s side finished three points clear of Barcelona in La Liga, won the Club World Cup and Super Cup – which they qualified for by winning the Champions League – and then won UEFA’s biggest competition by beating Juventus 4-1 in the final. Legends in an incredible era.

2. Ajax (1971/1972)

“Total Football” is now one of the most famous tactical ideas in the sport – and it was invented by Ajax in the 1970s. It is an attacking style of play where every outfield player can play in any position required throughout the game. Ajax perfected it, easily winning the league while also beating ADO Den Haag in the KNVB Cup.

In the European Cup final, they beat Inter 2-0, thanks to two goals from one of the greatest Dutch players of all time, Johan Cruyff. Symbolising the effectiveness of the system Cruyff helped create, it was their second European Cup in a row – and they won it again a season later.

1. Barcelona (2008/2009)

Barcelona’s 2008/09 side has been ranked as the greatest team of all time. Under Pep Guardiola, they dominated football, winning the Champions League again in 2011. Their ‘tiki-taka’ style was spectacular, while the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta – now regarded as some of Barcelona’s greatest ever players – were like a cheat code.

Their 2-0 win in the Champions League final over Man United proved their dominance as they completed a stunning treble. Elegant. World class. In a league of their own. There are not enough words to describe the beauty of that team.

Conclusion

The greatest football teams of all time are remembered not only for their impressive achievements, but also for the way they reshaped the game, creating distinctive styles of play and inspiring generations of players. From Barcelona with their tiki-taka style of play to Ajax and Real Madrid with their legendary European triumphs, each team has its own story of greatness. They are not just champions, but icons of creativity, technique and tactics, admired by fans around the world.

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