Ranking the 10 Biggest Football Clubs in the World

How do you define the biggest football club in the world? Well, it’s not an easy task at all, as these big clubs have a rich legacy, success, and financial power. From the resounding chants in jam packed stadiums to the sparkling trophies in cabinets, greatness is measured in passion and legacy.

But the real question is, how do we rank these clubs? Is it through their silverware, the depth of their fanbase, or their financial dominance? Well, the answer lies in balancing all these factors and compiling a list. Clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United have shaped football’s history. While modern powerhouses like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain redefine ambition to dominate.

Although fans love to argue about which club stands at the pinnacle but do not expect an objective; we have considered many factors before compiling an unbiased list. Before we continue to our list, what makes a club big? Is it their fanbase? Is it the number of trophies won? Or is it their revenue & valuation? We will now look into all the factors that separate these best clubs from the rest.

Ranking Factors

History: The primary parameter is ranking the biggest football club in the world of all time is to take a look at their history. How well they’ve performed in the past and the amount of success gained.

Trophies Won: The secondary factor in determining our list for the biggest football club in the world is by looking at the number of trophies they have won and how dominant they were.

Popularity: The third parameter we considered for the biggest football club in the world is through their engagement on social media platforms, their fanbase, and popularity.

Financial Stability: While ranking the clubs and determining which club stands at the pinnacle, it can only be possible after having a look at their financial situations and how stable they have been in recent times.

Top 10 Biggest Football Clubs in the World

10. AC Milan

No better club to start our list, AC Milan’s golden era under Sacchi defines European football history. Legendary players like Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten, Franco Baresi, Dida, and more donned the legendary red & black jersey. With the second-most UEFA Champions League titles behind only Real Madrid, it defines their dominance. 

Under Stefano Piolo, the Rossoneri finally lifted the Serie A title after a drought of 11 years. The Rossoneri started to look like how they were during the late 90s and early 2000s, with young star players like Rafael Leao and more making their mark in the league. AC Milan has garnered 55 million fans on different social media platforms.

Domestic Trophies	International Trophies	Global Fanbase	Valuation
34	20	Instagram: 17.4M Facebook: 29M X: 8.6M	$1.43b

9. Chelsea

Since Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003, Chelsea hasn’t looked back at all. Winning numerous silverware in the process defines their sheer will and hard work over the years. Russian businessmen came and provided the financial stability needed to buy and develop players like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and more. With a passionate fan base of more than 124 million combined on Facebook, Instagram, and X, it shows how popular Chelsea is among fans around the globe.

Under the guidance of Roberto Di Matteo, Chelsea won their first UEFA Champions League trophy in 2012. Chelsea has now developed a system to prioritize young players and develop them, like a gem of talent, Mason Mount. The Blues plan to expand and renovate their home stadium, Stamford Bridge, to a seating cap of 60k. 

Domestic Trophies	International Trophies	Global Fanbase	Valuation
27	9	Instagram: 42.5M Facebook: 56M X: 26.2M	$3.13b

8. Paris Saint-Germain

At number eight, we have the French league champions, Paris Saint-Germain. After the investment of Qatar Sports in 2011, PSG has found a footing in the elite list of top clubs in the world. With players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and more donning their jerseys shows the club’s growth over time. PSG has accumulated an immense fan base of 130 million on Instagram, Facebook, and X combined.

While they have dominated the Ligue 1 with a steady flow of victories, their dream of winning the UEFA Champions League continues. PSG suffered a massive blow last season when Mbappe decided to join Real Madrid. But these kinds didn’t affect them as the club has continued to produce some of the finest young talents this season, especially, like Warren Zaire-Emery. They have cemented their spot as the biggest football club in the world of all time.

Domestic Trophies	International Trophies	Global Fanbase	Valuation
51	2	Instagram: 62.8M Facebook: 52M X: 15.2M	$4.4b

7. Juventus

The first thought that comes to the minds of football fans when they hear the word Serie A or Italy is Juventus. That’s how dominant this club has been in the league as well as in the European football circuit. The ‘Old Lady’ has seen some of the pioneers of the game donning its jersey, from the midfield magician Zinedine Zidane, Alessandro Del Piero, to one of the great football players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Despite the financial crisis in recent years, the club remains strong, fueled by a passionate global fanbase and partnerships with Jeep and Adidas. While Juventus has struggled to get a hold of European success since 1996, they have a trophy cabinet filled with many silverware. Juventus is among the top 10 biggest football clubs in the world. Juventus is known for incredible performances in Europe, which has helped them gain a strong social media following of 117 million.

Domestic Trophies	International Trophies	Global Fanbase	Valuation
61	11	Instagram: 60M Facebook: 47M X: 10M	$2.05b

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6. Manchester City

Talk about a turnaround, Man City struggling between the English Football Divisions in the early 2000s to back-to-back Premier League titles, tells a fairytale story. Since the club was backed by Abu Dhabi’s investment in 2008, Manchester City has dominated the English top division. Under Pep Guardiola, they have won six titles in seven seasons, showcasing the amount of hard work and planning.

The Citizens’ decision to build a team around young professionals like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden came to fruition as they won their first-ever UEFA Champions League in 2023, cementing their place as the biggest football club in the world. Man City has established itself as one of the best clubs in recent times, thanks to this, they have fans in every corner of the globe.

Domestic Trophies	International Trophies	Global Fanbase	Valuation
39	4	Instagram: 56M Facebook: 54M X: 18M	$5.1b

5. Liverpool

Liverpool at number five shows how competitive our list is. The Reds’ revival under Jurgen Klopp saw them reclaim their place as one of the top football clubs in the world. Under him, the club won the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League. Legends like Steven Gerrard, Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, and Xabi Alonso donned the jersey while embodying the fighting spirit of the club. Liverpool has gained a massive amount of fans on their social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Their legendary comeback against the mighty AC Milan during the 2005 UEFA Champions League, where they showcased class as they won the title against the star-studded team. Liverpool is all set to win their 20th league title this season and tie Man United for most EPL titles. Players like Alexis Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Trent Alexander-Arnold ensured that Liverpool has a bright future ahead of them.

Domestic Trophies	International Trophies	Global Fanbase	Valuation
59	14	Instagram: 46.8M Facebook: 51M X: 24.7M	$5.37b

4. Bayern Munich

One of the most dominant clubs in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich, saw an 11-year title reign end at the hands of Xabi Alonso-led Bayer Leverkusen in 2024. After Robert Lewandowski’s departure, the club struggled in front of goal for some time before they signed Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur. Bayern has financial stability thanks to its partnerships with brands like Adidas and Audi. The Bavarians are already one of the most supported and followed clubs on social media platforms, with a massive fan base of 111+ million.

With six Champions League titles to their name, including the 2020 treble, they showcase their dominance in the European tournament as well. Their unique 50+1 ownership ensures fan involvement, making it more special. From legends like Franz Beckenbauer to modern great Thomas Muller, Bayern has produced some of the finest and greatest footballers in the world, cementing their place as the biggest football club in the world.

Domestic Trophies	International Trophies	Global Fanbase	Valuation
69	14	Instagram: 42.8M Facebook: 62M X: 6.9M	$5b

3. Manchester United

In 3rd position, we have a club from England with a dominant history and rich legacy, Manchester United. The ‘Theatre of Dreams’ has hosted legends like Sir Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, to modern legends of the clubs, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. The club saw its peak or golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson. They won 38 trophies in 26 years, including the iconic 1999 treble. With over 188 million fans on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Despite their recent struggles, the club has maintained financial stability thanks to its partnerships with elite brands. Their dominance in the English Premier League with 20 titles will soon be matched by Liverpool this season. Although they’re having their worst season in the club’s history, fans are still hoping that things will turn around under Ruben Amorim.

Domestic Trophies	International Trophies	Global Fanbase	Valuation
62	8	Instagram: 64.3M Facebook: 85M X: 38.7M	$6.55b

2. FC Barcelona

We have FC Barcelona in second position on our list of the biggest football club in the world. Their former president, Narcis de Carreras, phrase ‘Mes Que Un Club’ motto which he first spoke in 1968, reflects their pride and history. Under Pep Guardiola, their infamous tiki-taka revolutionized their football. Barca has produced some of the greatest players of all time, from Argentine dribbling maestro Lionel Messi to Brazilian skill crafter Neymar.

Blaugrana underwent struggles in the early 2020s but found a way to bounce back through La Masia graduates like Gavi and Pedri. They have ensured that the club doesn’t need to spend a large amount of money in search of Iniesta and Xavi. Although they have a fan base of around 306 million on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X but their popularity goes far beyond thanks to their rich history.

Although post-Messi, they have failed to find success in European tournaments, they still remain one of the biggest football clubs in the world. La Masia product Lamine Yamal has cemented his place as one of the best players in the world in 2025. Barcelona has won 27 league titles and is on its way to winning its 28th trophy this season if they don’t fumble.

Domestic Trophies	International Trophies	Global Fanbase	Valuation
79	19	Instagram: 138M Facebook: 119M X: 49.8M	$5.6b

1. Real Madrid

Real Madrid gets the first position on our list. From players like Alfredo Di Stefano and Cristiano Ronaldo, the club has seen countless greats don their iconic white jersey. With 71 domestic titles, their international trophy cabinet is as impressive as their domestic one. While young stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler, and Raul Asencio ensure that the club’s future is in safe hands.

Real Madrid’s youth academy has produced some of the great footballers, such as Guti, Manolo Sanchis, and Raul. Under Carlo Ancelotti, their infamous Champions League victory in the 2021-22 season underlines the greatness of the club. 

During the 2023-24 season, the club broke the record and became the first club in football history to cross a billion in revenue. Well, the most followed and supported club in the world is none other than Real Madrid. With a cult-like fan following and a massive 355 followers on social media handles such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Domestic Trophies	International Trophies	Global Fanbase	Valuation
71	35	Instagram: 174M Facebook: 129M X: 52.5M	$6.6b

List of 10 Biggest Football Clubs in the World

Rank	Club	Trophies (Major)
1	Real Madrid	15 UCL, 36 La Liga
2	FC Barcelona	5 UCL, 27 La Liga
3	Manchester United	3 UCL, 20 PL
4	Bayern Munich	6 UCL, 33 Bundesliga
5	Liverpool	6 UCL, 20 PL
6	Manchester City	1 UCL, 10 PL
7	Juventus	2 UCL, 36 Serie A
8	PSG	13 Ligue 1
9	Chelsea	2 UCL, 6 PL
10	AC Milan	7 UCL, 19 Serie A

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