Football is the UK’s biggest sporting export and is watched by hundreds of millions around the world.
Across the globe, people play and watch the sport, with billions tuning in for the World Cup when it rolls around. British people can be proud of the sport that they’ve helped to grow and support for centuries now! But we’re focusing on club football here, and the top football clubs in the United Kingdom.
This may be a tricky topic as there is always some level of debate on this one, so we’re not trying to say which clubs are the best, but when creating the list we’ve considered things like the number of fans a club has, honours, and history. Leave us a comment with any you disagree on!
What's the Oldest Football Club in the UK?
Sheffield FC is recognised by FIFA and the FA as the oldest football club in world history. It played a critical role in the development of the early rules of football.
The history of football in the UK is rich and fascinating, with several clubs claiming to be among the oldest in the world. After Sheffield, these are the oldest football clubs in the UK:
Sheffield FC (Founded in 1857): Recognized by FIFA and the FA as the world's oldest football club, Sheffield FC played a crucial role in developing the early rules of football. The club is still active today and competes in non-league divisions.
Cray Wanderers (Founded in 1860): One of the oldest clubs in the world, Cray Wanderers played a significant role during the early developmental stages of association football.
Hallam FC (Founded in 1860): Known for its historical significance, Hallam FC's home ground, Sandygate Road, is recognized as the oldest football ground in the world.
Notts County (Founded in 1862): Often cited as the oldest professional football club, Notts County was a founding member of the Football League in 1888.
Stoke City (Founded in 1863): Another early club, Stoke City, originally known as Stoke Ramblers, was one of the founding members of the Football League.
Manchester United
Manchester United is definitely one of the most famous football clubs in the UK and one of the most recognised worldwide.
Not everybody realises that the club launched in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR F.C., it became Manchester United in 1902. The club has an unbelievably successful history, highlighted by 20 English League titles, 12 FA Cups, 3 UEFA Champions League titles, and numerous other trophies.
Under the legendary management of Sir Alex Ferguson, the club experienced unprecedented success, including the famous treble in 1999 (Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League).
This era coincided with Premier League football becoming one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, helping to make Manchester United a huge success in the commercial world, too.
The number of fans that follow the Manchester United Instagram profile
Manchester City
Manchester City, which originally started in 1880 as St. Mark's (West Gorton), has become a massive club in English football, particularly in the past decade when the trophies have really started to flow. With significant investment from the Abu Dhabi United Group since 2008, City has won the Premier League time and time again.
Their domestic trophy cabinet also includes FA Cups and a recent Champions League victory under the iconic Pep Guardiola who has assembled a squad of world-beaters.
The club's current identity is known as being founded on attacking football and their state-of-the-art facilities have solidified their place at the top of English football, though they may not be as well-known or successful historically as their North West rivals.
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Manchester City became the first team to win the Premier League four times in a row in 2024.
Liverpool
Liverpool FC, founded in 1892, has a history filled with domestic and international triumphs.
The club has won 19 English League titles, 8 FA Cups, and is particularly renowned for its European success with 6 UEFA Champions League titles.
Legendary managers like Bill Shankly and Jürgen Klopp have built teams that not only won trophies but also played great football. Liverpool hold rivalries with Manchester United as well as local rivals, Everton.
Arsenal
The first of the London football clubs on our list. Arsenal, established in 1886, also happens to be one of London's most successful clubs. The Gunners have won 13 English League titles and a record 14 FA Cups.
Their style of play under long-time manager Arsène Wenger, particularly during the "Invincibles" season of 2003-04, was known as one of the best the league had seen, as the team toppled Manchester United after a period of dominance. Arsenal is known for its strong youth development and commitment to attractive, attacking football, with Emirates Stadium serving as their modern fortress since 2006. Currently, the team is led by Mikel Arteta.
Chelsea
Founded in 1905, Chelsea emerged as a major force in English and European football over the past few decades. They are one of the most successful UK football teams, especially on the European stage. The Blues have won 6 English League titles, and in the 00s, their European successes include 2 UEFA Champions League titles and 2 UEFA Europa League titles.
Significant investment from owner Roman Abramovich since 2003 transformed Chelsea into a global brand, attracting top talent including manager Jose Mourinho. Now, the club is owned by American investor Todd Boehly who is taking spending to new levels.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur, founded in 1882, has a huge amount of history and a fierce rivalry with other North London club Arsenal.
Spurs have won 2 English League titles but these were before the Premier League era. Although they have not won the league in recent times, their consistent performances in the Premier League and regular appearances in European competitions highlight their status, they even made a Champions League final in 2019, losing to Liverpool.
The club's new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of the most advanced in the world and the team is regularly in European competitions.
The new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is used for concerts as well as NFL and of course, football. It is the biggest club stadium in London.
Aston Villa
Recent success has helped to remind everyone what a successful club Aston Villa is, as they become Birmingham’s representation in Europe before the 24/25 season.
Villa, founded in 1874, is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in English football. Villa has won 7 English League titles and 7 FA Cups. They also achieved European glory by winning the 1982 European Cup.
Aston Villa’s current crop of players includes many international players and Unai Emery as manager, as the team enters another European era.
Birmingham City
Birmingham City, established in 1875, is another historic club from Birmingham. While not as decorated as some of their rivals (and currently playing at a much lower level) "The Blues" have won 2 League Cups.
The club has a rivalry with Aston Villa, and their Birmingham-based clashes are among the most-viewed fixtures in the UK and the club has consistently got large attendances in the past.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United, established in 1892, is one of the most passionately supported clubs in England. Known as "The Magpies," Newcastle have won 4 English League titles and 6 FA Cups but have been trophyless for a long time now.
St James' Park, their historic stadium, is renowned for its atmosphere. Despite periods of struggle, Newcastle's loyal and massive fan base could see new investment make them a leading club in English football once again.
Leeds
Another club who would love more in the trophy cabinet in recent years, but still have a huge following. Leeds United first played in 1919 and the club has won 3 English League titles and 1 FA Cup.
Leeds have ambitions to become one of the more successful clubs in the country, but have recently spent time in both the top flight and the second tier of English football, so they haven't had it all their own way.
Celtic
Glasgow's football scene is also massively important in the UK. Celtic, founded in 1888, is one of all of Scotland's most successful and popular clubs.
Celtic's most famous achievement is winning the European Cup in 1967, becoming the first British club to do so. Celtic is influenced by the huge Irish population, and the club's rich past and intense rivalry with Rangers make it an icon of Scottish football.
Rangers
Celtic’s rivals have their place on the list, too, thanks to a huge base of followers and massive number of trophies throughout history.
Rangers won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1972. Their rivalry with Celtic, known as the Old Firm, is one of the fiercest in world football, deeply rooted in Glasgow's culture. Now, they tend to play second fiddle to Celtic, but the fans are hoping for a new era of success.
Hearts
Heart of Midlothian, more commonly known as Hearts, was founded in 1874 and is one of Edinburgh's major football clubs.
They have won the Scottish League title 4 times and the Scottish Cup 8 times. Hearts play their home matches at Tynecastle Park and have rivalries with other Edinburgh clubs.
Hibernian
Hibernian, founded in 1875, is another historic club from Edinburgh. Hibs have won the Scottish League title 4 times and the Scottish Cup 3 times. The club is widely followed and has produced some big stars over the years. Edinburgh’s football clubs are not quite as big as Glasgow’s, but still have a huge role in Scottish football.
Which UK Football Clubs Are in Premier League 2024/25?
The 2024/25 Premier League season features a diverse array of football clubs from across the United Kingdom, each with its own unique history and highlights:
| Club | Location | Stadium | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | London | Emirates Stadium | 13 league titles, famous for their 'Invincibles' season |
| Aston Villa | Birmingham | Villa Park | 7 league titles, 1982 European Cup winners |
| Bournemouth | Bournemouth | Vitality Stadium | Known for their rapid rise through the football leagues |
| Brentford | London | Brentford Community Stadium | Promoted to Premier League in 2021 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | Brighton | Amex Stadium | Promoted to Premier League in 2017 |
| Burnley | Burnley | Turf Moor | 2 league titles, known for their strong defensive play |
| Chelsea | London | Stamford Bridge | 6 league titles, 2-time Champions League winners (2012, 2021) |
| Crystal Palace | London | Selhurst Park | Known for their passionate fanbase |
| Everton | Liverpool | Goodison Park | 9 league titles, long-standing top-flight presence |
| Fulham | London | Craven Cottage | Known for their picturesque riverside stadium |
| Ipswich Town | Ipswich | Portman Road | 1962 league champions, 1981 UEFA Cup winners |
| Leicester City | Leicester | King Power Stadium | 2016 Premier League champions |
| Liverpool | Liverpool | Anfield | 19 league titles, 6-time Champions League winners |
| Luton Town | Luton | Kenilworth Road | Known for their dramatic rise to the Premier League |
| Manchester City | Manchester | Etihad Stadium | 9 league titles, dominant force in recent years |
| Manchester United | Manchester | Old Trafford | 20 league titles, 3-time Champions League winners |
| Newcastle United | Newcastle upon Tyne | St James' Park | Known for their passionate supporters |
| Nottingham Forest | Nottingham | City Ground | 2-time European Cup winners (1979, 1980) |
| Sheffield United | Sheffield | Bramall Lane | Known for their historic ground |
| Tottenham Hotspur | London | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 2 league titles, known for their attacking style |
| West Ham United | London | London Stadium | Known for their academy and producing talented players |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | Wolverhampton | Molineux Stadium | 3 league titles, known for their strong Portuguese influence in recent years |
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