Top English Clubs with the Most UEFA Trophies Won
UEFA trophies – When it comes to European football, nothing compares to the glory of winning a UEFA trophy. These competitions are seen as the highest benchmark of excellence because they bring together the very best football clubs across the continent. For English football, securing victories in UEFA tournaments has become an essential part of history, prestige, and club identity.
While domestic honors such as the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup carry great weight, the ultimate sign of dominance often lies in continental success. From the UEFA Champions League to the Europa League, the Conference League, and the UEFA Super Cup, English teams have battled season after season for recognition on the European stage.
This article highlights the top seven English clubs with the most UEFA trophies, ranking them according to their achievements. Some names on this list are no surprise, while others may shock you with their historic contributions.
Table of Contents
7. Ipswich Town F.C. – 1 UEFA Trophy
When talking about English clubs with UEFA success, few would expect Ipswich Town to appear. Yet, the club earned a place in history by winning the UEFA Cup in the 1980/81 season.
At the time, Ipswich was considered a competitive force in English football, and their triumph against formidable European opponents cemented their legacy. Although the club now plays in the lower divisions of English football, this victory will forever remain a proud part of Ipswich Town’s history. It is proof that even smaller clubs can write their names into the European record books.
7. Manchester City – 1 UEFA Trophy
Manchester City may have dominated English football in recent years under Pep Guardiola, but their European journey took longer to materialize. For years, City struggled to translate their domestic dominance into European success.
That changed dramatically in the 2022/23 season, when they lifted the UEFA Champions League for the very first time in the club’s history. This victory ended decades of frustration and established City as a complete powerhouse on both domestic and European fronts. Although they currently sit with just one UEFA trophy, the trajectory suggests many more could follow in the coming years.
6. Aston Villa F.C. – 2 UEFA Trophies
Aston Villa might not currently be seen as a European giant, but their history tells another story. In the 1981/82 season, Villa shocked Europe by winning the UEFA Champions League (then known as the European Cup). That triumph was followed by a UEFA Super Cup victory in 1982, giving the club two significant UEFA trophies.
Though decades have passed since those glories, Aston Villa remains one of only a handful of English clubs to have won Europe’s most prestigious prize. Their success during that era is still celebrated by fans who proudly remember the club’s greatest European night.
4. Nottingham Forest F.C. – 3 UEFA Trophies
Nottingham Forest’s story in Europe is nothing short of extraordinary. Under legendary manager Brian Clough, the club enjoyed an unbelievable run of success in the late 1970s.
Forest won back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles in 1978/79 and 1979/80, proving that their first victory was no fluke. To add to their glory, they also claimed the UEFA Super Cup in 1979, bringing their total to three UEFA trophies.
While the club has since fallen from its lofty heights, Nottingham Forest’s brief but brilliant dominance in Europe remains one of the greatest fairy tales in football history.
4. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. – 3 UEFA Trophies
Tottenham Hotspur recently silenced critics who claimed they had no significant European pedigree. Spurs’ 2024/25 UEFA Europa League victory brought their tally of UEFA trophies to three, ending years of frustration.
Their other triumphs came decades earlier, with victories in the 1971/72 UEFA Cup and again in 1983/84. With this latest addition, Tottenham showed they are more than capable of competing with Europe’s best when the moment demands.
This win marked a turning point for the club, proving that they belong among England’s elite sides with UEFA glory to their name.
3. Manchester United F.C. – 6 UEFA Trophies
Manchester United’s stature in European football is well established, with six UEFA trophies to their name. The club has captured the Champions League three times – in 1967/68, 1998/99, and 2007/08 – showcasing their ability to thrive across different generations.
In addition, United won the Europa League in the 2016/17 season, a trophy that added to their already prestigious cabinet. They also lifted the UEFA Super Cup in 1991, confirming their European presence long before their more modern successes.
With their rich history and global fan base, Manchester United’s six UEFA trophies make them one of the most decorated English clubs in European competitions.
2. Chelsea F.C. – 7 UEFA Trophies
Chelsea has transformed into a European powerhouse in the 21st century. The Blues reached new heights after their 2025 UEFA Conference League victory, which took their total tally of UEFA trophies to seven.
Their honors include two Champions League titles (2011/12 and 2020/21), two Europa League trophies (2013 and 2019), and two Super Cups (1998 and 2021). With the addition of the Conference League, Chelsea became the only English club to have won all major current UEFA competitions.
This record places them in a unique position in football history, demonstrating their consistency and adaptability across different European tournaments.
1. Liverpool F.C. – 13 UEFA Trophies
At the top of the list, Liverpool reigns supreme as the English club with the most UEFA trophies. With 13 European titles, they stand as the ultimate symbol of English success on the continental stage.
Liverpool has lifted the Champions League six times, in 1976/77, 1977/78, 1980/81, 1983/84, 2004/05, and 2018/19, making them the most successful English side in Europe’s premier competition.
The Reds have also claimed the Europa League three times (1972/73, 1975/76, and 2000/01), and their tally of Super Cup victories stands at four (1977, 2001, 2005, and 2019).
Liverpool’s incredible record is a testament to their resilience, dominance, and unwavering connection to European nights. Their passionate fan base, combined with legendary squads across eras, has made them the undisputed kings of English football in Europe.
The Bigger Picture: How English Clubs Compare to Spain
UEFA trophies – While English clubs boast impressive UEFA records, it is worth noting that Spanish clubs, led by Real Madrid and Barcelona, have enjoyed even greater dominance on the European stage. Spain currently leads the way in overall UEFA trophies.
However, history shows that English clubs may have been even more successful if not for the European ban imposed between 1985 and 1991. That lost era deprived several English giants of opportunities to expand their legacy.
Despite this, English football remains one of the strongest forces in Europe, with clubs consistently competing at the highest level.
Conclusion
UEFA trophies – From Ipswich Town’s surprise success to Liverpool’s unmatched dominance, English clubs have carved out a remarkable story in UEFA competitions. Each triumph represents more than just a trophy; it symbolizes moments of passion, pride, and unforgettable history.
As new competitions like the UEFA Conference League emerge and as the Champions League evolves, English clubs continue to prove their resilience and ambition. The future promises even more drama and glory on the European stage.
Read also: Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Slams ‘Unacceptable’ Racist Abuse of Antoine Semenyo
