Best Football Leagues in the World 2025: Top 10 Rankings

Football is arguably the most popular sport in the world. Europe has become the global center of world football. According to the International governing body for association football (FIFA), there are 210 professional men’s football leagues in the world. Countries that are widely considered to have the best football leagues are England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. These leagues are not just for entertainment but also for the development of football at grassroots level.

Be it La Liga, Premier League, Serie A or any other league, these leagues have continued to shape the future of world football by delivering thrilling derby matches, showcasing passionate fanbases, and entertainment. Football leagues have also provided the world with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and many more. We have ranked the top 10 leagues in the world based on their quality, popularity, financial prowess and more. Let’s take a look at the eminent list of the top 10 football leagues in the world in 2025, and Let’s see which one is the best league in the world.

Criteria for Ranking the Best Football Leagues

Popularity: The amount of viewership and fans garnered worldwide is one of the critical factors in ranking the best football leagues in the world. Not to forget, superstars like Mbappe, Neymar, Lionel Messi and more playing in the league help increase the value of the football league. A league’s viewership showcases its capacity to interact with fans across different continents, often voiced by the presence of iconic players who draw international attention. Social media engagement further highlights a league’s cultural impact, as millions interact with highlights, player updates, and live match discussions on the social media platform. The more you are viewed across different continents the more fans or viewers you will attract ( Example – English club posting about south asians festival to gain viewership and popularity from countries like China and India).

Competitiveness: Unpredictability, player quality, squad depth & competitiveness between the teams for the title, making it easier to rank. Competitiveness is essential for ranking the best football leagues because it determines the excitement and quality of the competition, keeping fans engaged throughout the season. A league where multiple teams can realistically challenge for the title creates unpredictability, making every match significant and thrilling for Example ( You may predict the winner of Ligue 1 but you may fail to predict the winner of Premier League.

Revenue: Broadcasting deals like TV rights, and commercial partnerships i.e. merchandise sales as well as ticket sales. Revenue is a vital factor in ranking the best football leagues as it indicates financial stability and the ability to sustain growth, attract talent, and expand global influence. At last these leagues need money to run it daily operations and give wages to people involved in thee smooth functioning. For that leaguemust have some revenue source. The more revenue a club earns the more exciting it will be.

Top 10 Football Leagues in the world (May 2025 Edition)

10. Major League Soccer (USA)

The American was founded in the year 1993, It was created to support USA’s bid to host 1994 FIFA World Cup. This league includes total of 29 teams divided into two parts, Eastern and Western conferences. Major League Soccer ranks seventh with $1.6 billion in revenue and 400 million viewers (table data; web ID: 4). Its average stadium attendance of 21,310 and 2 million viewers per game reflect its growing popularity, outpacing regional rival Liga MX in viewership, which is the Mexican Football League.

Since the arrival of Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023 to play for Inter Miami and soon after many other star players like Luis Suarez, Emil Forsberg, and Jordi Alba have moved to the United States to play in the Major Soccer League. Subsequently, the MLS has garnered an immense amount of viewership and ratings this season. The American league ranks higher than Eredivisie and Primera Liga in terms of viewership and that is the reason for this league being ranked this higher in the list of top 10 football leagues in the world in 2025. The league is divided into the Eastern and Western conferences due to the size of the country. It has been watched by an average of 2 million fans per match and the marketing of MLS is astonishing, luring global brands and media rights to increase their reach around the world.

Statistic	Numbers
Total Clubs	29
All-time Top Scorer	Chris Wondolowski (169)
Total Viewership	4400 million
Total Revenue	$1.6 billion

9. Liga MX – Mexico

In the ninth position, we have liga MX, a Mexican League. Mexican top flight league and one of the most competitive leagues in Americas. Known for its electric stadium atmospheres and deep-rooted football culture, Liga MX consistently ranks among the most-watched leagues in the Western Hemisphere. The league generated an estimated $900 million in revenue, with broadcasting deals extending across Latin America, the United States, and parts of Europe.

Clubs like Club América, Chivas Guadalajara, and Tigres UANL have massive fanbases, and derby matches draw millions of viewers globally. While Liga MX has historically focused on developing local talent, recent years have seen a growing influx of international players from South America and Europe, further elevating its quality and visibility. With talks of potential integration with MLS in future competitions, Liga MX is firmly positioning itself as a football powerhouse beyond the Americas.

Statistic	Numbers
Total Clubs	18
All-time Top Scorer	Evanivaldo Castro
Total Viewership	900 million
Total Revenue	$1.3 billion

8. Primeira Liga

The Primeira Liga was established in the year 1934 and features 17 team with each team playing 34 matches per season. The league is actually dominated by the Big-3 teams Sporting, Benfica and Porto. With $1.3 billion in revenue and 350 million viewers, the Primeira Liga ranks 9th. The league’s revenue, driven by TV rights and sponsorships, supports its growth, while its 350 million viewers highlight its global appeal.

The Primeira Liga, also known as Liga Portugal is considered one of the best leagues in Europe. The most successful clubs in Portugal’s history are Benfica (37 titles) followed by Porto (29 titles) and Sporting CP (18 titles). Over the years, the league has seamlessly developed an endless cycle of talented young players who have made it to some of the biggest European clubs in the world. The Portuguese top flight has produced legendary players such as Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Joao Felix. Its standards, huge fanbase, club-rich legacy, top-class footballers, and global following make it one of the top football leagues in the world by all means.

Statistic	Numbers
Total Clubs	17
All-time Top Scorer	Jardel (177)
Total Viewership	350 million
Total Revenue	$1.0 billion

7. Eredivisie – Netherlands

The Eredivisie ranks 7th on our list of the top 10 best leagues in the world, with $1.5 billion in revenue and 500 million viewers. Its average stadium attendance of 18,010, and broadcasts in over 100 countries, with high-profile matches like Ajax vs. PSV drawing 1.46 million viewers in 2021, Some of the famous clubs from this league are PSV, Ajax, and Feyenoord, also termed as the Big 3 of the Netherlands.

Over the years, this league has produced the word class legendary players who have made their mark in football, such as the likes of Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay, Matthijs de Ligt, and Frenkie de Jong; all risen rose to prominence in Dutch before joining big clubs.

Statistic	Numbers
Total Clubs	18
All-time Top Scorer	Willy van der Kuijlen (511)
Total Viewership	500 million
Total Revenue	$1.5 billion (est.)

Also Read: Top 5 best soccer leagues in the world

6. Serie A (Brazil)

Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, was founded in the year 1959 and is run by the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF). Features 20 teams with each team playing 38 matches per season, playing twice with same opponent, one away game and one home game. Palmeiras are the most successful team in this league. This league is also famous for producing stars like Neymar Jr., Endrick, Rodrygo, Coutinho and many more. This league have become a scouting spot for big clubs, every year recognized clubs target youngsters who perform and sign them. You want to see players dancing with the ball? Start watching Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

Some of the most iconic clubs in the South American football league are Flamengo, Palmeiras, Corinthians, and Sao Paulo, and act as the supply chain for producing talent for the European clubs. This league has a rich history, a dedicated fan base, tradition, and a high level of competition in the league. Brazilian clubs from Serie A mostly dominate and play the continental competitions like Copa Libertadores (equivalent to UEFA Champions League) and qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. With the return of Neymar back to the league, many fans around the globe have started following this league once again.

Factors	Numbers
Total Clubs	20
All time Top Scorer	Fred (158)
Total Viewership	200 million
Total Revenue	$0.9 billion (est.)

5. Ligue 1 – France

The league was founded in 1932 and is operated by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP). There’s a vast difference between PSG, the league’s most dominant force in recent years, and the rest of the clubs in the league. This league is ranked in 5th position among the top 10 best football leagues in the world in 2025. With $3.88 billion in revenue and 900 million viewers. The French first-tier league has produced world-class players, the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, and Raphael Varane, but only a few names.

After the exit of players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Sergio Ramos, viewership of this league has fallen. A few years back, Ligue 1 was one of the best leagues in the world. The viewership of Ligue 1 had spiked in recent years with the arrivals of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Sergio Ramos. However, since the departure of these superstar players, the French league has struggled to attract major sponsors and sell its broadcasting rights worldwide, regardless, it still maintains its place in the top-five league.

Statistic	Numbers
Total Clubs	20
All-time Top Scorer	Delio Onnis (299)
Total Viewership	900 million
Total Revenue	$3.88 billion

4. La Liga – Spain

Ranking fourth and just fell short of securing the top 3 position in the list of best league in the world, La Liga whose clubs prominently Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Real Madrid CF have continued to be threatening on the European and world stage over the last few decades. It’s currently home to some of the best players and managers in the world such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, Lamine Yamal, and coaches like Carlo Ancelloti and Hansi Flick.

Many expect La Liga to be the natural runner-up to the Premier League among the best leagues in the world, but the Spanish first-tier league has seen a significant decline in its viewership and popularity since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. In South Asia – they have failed to attract any major television broadcast deal. According to the stats, around 76 million viewers from across the world watch the league on average.

Statistic	Numbers
Total Clubs	20
All-time Top Scorer	Lionel Messi (474)
Total Viewership	2.8 billion
Total Revenue	$5.33 billion

Also Read: Top 5 Most Watched Football Leagues in the World

3. Seria A – Italy

Founded in 1898, the Serie A is one of the oldest football leagues in the world and was once regarded as the undisputed superior league. The Italian first division brags some heavy European giants such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Napoli. It is one of the most competitive and defensive leagues in the world. Despite financial challenges in the past, Serie A’s resurgence, driven by competitive title races and deep runs in European competitions, has reaffirmed its status as a footballing powerhouse. Serie A ranks fourth with $4.7 billion in revenue and 1.0 billion viewers worldwide. Its financial model relies heavily on broadcasting rights and sponsorships,

Serie A has had four different winners in the last four years: Napoli, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus. The average stadium attendance is 24.7 thousand per game and 2 million worldwide viewers ship through various means of broadcasting. The league has been among the top 10 football leagues in the world since the late 20th century. Seria A was so popular back then (2000s ero) that all the famous player wanted too play there especially in teams like AC Milan & Inter Milan.

Statistic	Numbers
Total Clubs	20
All-time Top Scorer	Silvio Piola (274)
Total Viewership	1.0 billion
Total Revenue	$4.7 billion

2. Bundesliga – Germany

Unsurprisingly, the Bundesliga is the second most popular football league in the world in 2025, with Bayern Munich being the most successful club in the German top flight and they have enjoyed some serious success in Europe as well. It attracts one of the highest numbers of attendees in world football and the league is watched by 361,000 people on average. They are gaining attention again with young talents loud, passionate fanbase and more competition than ever. Some of the top football clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, and flaunting the most passionate fanbase play in the German top division.

Players like Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Muller, Harry Kane, and Florian Wirtz are the prominent names are playing in the Bundesliga. Generating $4.9 billion in revenue and attracting 1.1 billion viewers, the Bundesliga secures third place (table data; web ID: 12). Its €4.4 billion annual revenue comes from lucrative broadcasting deals with networks like Sky Germany and sponsorships from Adidas and Deutsche Telekom, while its global telecast reaches nearly every country

Statistic	Numbers
Total Clubs	18
All-time Top Scorer	Gerd Müller (365)
Total Viewership	1.1 billion
Total Revenue	$4.9 billion

1. Premier League – England

Still wondering which is the best league in the world ? Undoubtedly the most-watched football league in the world is the English Premier League and it comes as no surprise that some of the most valued clubs in the world as well as players are part of this division. Therefore, it occupies the first spot in the list of top 10 football leagues in the world. The likes of Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Kevin De Bruyne all ply their trade in England. The English top flight is regarded as one of the most difficult leagues in the world due to the top-quality teams such as Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur.

And world-class players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Mo Salah and elite managers namely Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Arne Slot and Ange Postecoglou all compete in this league. As per breaking the line, the league boasts 643 million viewers and 38,181 people average stadium attendance per game, with over 3.2 billion TV audiences across 212 overseas territories- astronomically high compared to any other leagues in this list. With that huge viewership Premier league retain the position of being the best league in the world.

Statistic	Numbers
Total Clubs	20
All-time Top Scorer	Alan Shearer (260 Goals)
Total Viewership	4.7 billion
Total Revenue	$6.6 billion

Football League Rankings

Rank	League	Country	Total Revenue	Total Viewership
1	Premier League	England	$6.6 billion	4.7 billion
2	Bundesliga	Germany	$4.9 billion	1.1 billion
3	Serie A	Italy	$4.7 billion	1.0 billion
4	La Liga	Spain	$5.33 billion	2.8 billion
5	Ligue 1	France	$3.88 billion	900 million
6	Série A	Brazil	$0.9 billion (est.)	200 million
7	Eredivisie	Netherlands	$1.5 billion (est.)	500 million
8	Primeira Liga	Portugal	$1.0 billion (est.)	300 million
9	Liga MX	Mexico	~$0.9 billion (est.)	~300 million (est.)
10	Major League Soccer	USA & Canada	$1.1 billion	300 million

Also Read: Best Champions League Teams in History

Emerging Leagues to Watch in 2025

Below is the table for emerging leagues in the world, based on their growth potential increasing global interest and investment. Since exact figures for 2024/2025 are unavailable, revenue and viewership are estimated based on trends and historical data from web sources.

Rank	League	Country	Total Revenue	Total Viewership
1	Kings League	Spain/Global	$300 million (est.)	500 million (est.)
2	Chinese Super League (CSL)	China	$800 million (est.)	300 million (est.)
3	J1 League	Japan	$600 million (est.)	250 million (est.)
4	Indian Super League (ISL)	India	$500 million (est.)	200 million (est.)
5	United Soccer League (USL)	USA & Canada	$400 million (est.)	150 million (est.)

Also Read: An Overview of the English Football Pyramid

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