Clubs That Won 20+ League Titles
By: Anthony Tazbaz
Image Credit: Simone Daino
On Monday April 22, Italian giants Inter Milan defeated city rivals AC Milan by a 2-1 score. This victory sealed Inter’s 20th league title and their first following a victory against their archrivals.
As a result, I Nerazzuri join an elite cohort of major European clubs that won 20 league titles, thereby having the right to engrave the famous second star above their crest. Inter Milan join the following major European clubs from the top five leagues — Serie A, Bundesliga, Premier League and La Liga — that have won 20 league titles. (No Ligue 1 club has claimed 20 league titles.)
Italy: Juventus (36 titles, originally 38)
Starting not too far away from Milan, Juventus became the first Italian club to achieve this exceptional accolade. The Piedmont-based club won their first Scudetto in 1905, a time when the league was named Prima Categoria. Their second league title was achieved under the format of the 1925-26 Prima Divisione, which comprised two conferences in the top division, with the top team from each conference facing off in the final. In the 1926 final, Juventus defeated Bologna following a 2-1 tiebreaker victory.
Their next eight league titles — won under the Serie A format hereafter — occurred during a period between the 1930-31 and 1957-58 seasons. Then, Juventus reached 20 league titles following the 1981-82 season, which included five titles within a span of seven seasons from 1971-72 to 1977-78.
As of the 1980s, Juventus claimed a myriad of titles that included two additional titles in three seasons — in 1983-84 and 1985-86 — and three titles in four seasons from 1994-95 to 1997-98.
Following a tumultuous first decade of the 21st century — which included four consecutive league titles from 2001-02 to 2004-05 and a relegation to Serie B in 2005 following the Calciopoli scandal — Juventus rose into a dynasty during the 2010s. In 2011-12, Juventus went on a 43-match unbeaten run and won their first league title in nine years. Juventus would go on to win another eight consecutive Scudetti, with their 30th league title earned following the 2013-14 season. Their 36th and final league title to date would be hoisted following the 2019-20 season during the Cristiano Ronaldo and not-so-pleasant COVID-19 era.
Note: In addition to relegation to Serie B in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal, Juventus were also stripped of their 2003-04 and 2004-05 league titles, with the latter awarded controversially to Inter Milan.
Germany: Bayern Munich (33 titles)
Across the Alps and into Bavaria lies Bayern Munich, which won 33 league titles in their 124-year history. Similar to Juventus, Bayern won their first league title in 1932 under a differently branded and formatted league — the German football championship — following a 2-0 victory in the competition’s final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Entering the “Golden Years,” Bayern won their first league title (second overall) under the current German professional football format — with the Bundesliga at the top of the German football pyramid — during the 1968-69 season. Then, Bayern won three consecutive league championships from 1971-72 to 1973-74. The “Golden Years” coincided with the rise of an elite West German national team that captured the 1972 UEFA European Championship and the 1974 FIFA World Cup.
In the 1980s, Bayern continued exhibiting their dominance with six additional titles, including a three-peat from 1984-85 to 1986-87. Aside from their three-peat Bayern earned their three additional titles during the following seasons: 1979-80, 1980-81 and 1988-89.
Over the next 20 years — from 1990 to 2010 — Bayern Munich won an additional 11 league titles, including two instances that comprised consecutive championships — in 1998-99 and 1999-2000, as well as 2004-05 and 2005-06.
Then, after a two-year drought marred by back-to-back league titles — in 2011 and 2012 — for rivals Borussia Dortmund, Bayern became Die Meister once more… for the next eleven seasons between 2012-13 and 2022-23, a German record. During that time, Bayern won two trebles — the league title, the domestic cup and the UEFA Champions League — during the 2012-13 and 2019-20 seasons. However, Bayern’s streak of league titles ended this season by Bayer Leverkusen, which won its first Bundesliga title.
However, one may notice that Bayern Munich’s crest sits below five stars, rather than a conventional three stars following 30 titles. Bayern’s kits display five stars because the Deutsche Fussball League’s matchwear guidelines indicate that 30 titles earns five stars. With this system in place, Bayern earned their second star after five titles; the first star is awarded to a club following their third title. Finally, 10 titles earn three stars, whereas 20 titles earn a fourth star.
England: Manchester United (20 titles)
Between the former First Division and the current Premier League Manchester United* are the only English club — during their 146-year history — to hoist 20 league titles. Their first league title arrived in 1907-08, which marked the 20th anniversary of the First Division. The Red Devils won their second league title only three years later during the 1910-11 season. After that, The Red Devils did not win another league title until the 1951-52 season. After that season, Manchester United won two additional league titles during the 1950s, which United won consecutively in 1955-56 and 1956-57.
In the following season, however, the club suffered a major tragedy when their team plane crashed during take-off in Munich; eight Manchester United players lost their lives and two players suffered career-ending injuries. While chasing a third consecutive title, Manchester United dropped 21 points during the final 14 matches and finished (ironically) 21 points behind Wolverhampton Wanderers, which won their second league title.
Over the next 35 years, the club experienced a rocky period during which winning trophies occurred sporadically. However, they enjoyed a five-year window between 1963 and 1968, which included two league titles — in 1964-65 and 1966-67 — one FA Cup in 1962-63 and a European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) in 1967-68.
On November 6 1986, Manchester United unknowingly made the best decision in their club’s history: hiring Sir Alex Ferguson (SAF) as manager. After coaching Scotland — his home country — during the 1986 FIFA World Cup, SAF presided over a club in turmoil and promised United a return to the glory days preceding the Munich disaster.
His promise began to pay off in the 1990s after winning the inaugural and second Premier League titles in the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons, respectively. In the second half of the 20th century’s final decade, United won three titles in 1995-96, 1996-97 and 1998-99. During the 1998-99 season, United achieved ultimately glory, winning first (and only) treble — winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and UCL — in club history.
At the turn of the century — still under SAF’s reign — United continued their elite form and captured two consecutive league titles, which culminated in the club’s first three-peat. Amid the rise of the “Invincibles“ at Arsenal and José Mourinho’s impeccable championship-level management at Chelsea, SAF managed to win only one league title — in 2002-03 — over the following five seasons. However, Arsenal’s relative decline and Mourinho’s sacking in fall 2006 enabled SAF to steer United towards another three-peat from 2006-07 to 2008-09, during which the club also claimed a third UCL title in 2007-08.
Over the next four years — the last of SAF as manager of the club — United won their 19th and 20th league titles in 2010-11 and 2012-13, respectively. However, in 2009-10 and 2011-12, The Red Devils infamously lost the league title on both occasions during the last matchday at the hands of Chelsea and Manchester City.
After returning to championship status in 2013, SAF announced his retirement on a very high note and the club later hired David Moyes from Everton FC as SAF’s replacement. Since then, United have gone on a roller coaster and have not won another league title. Moreover, they continue looking for a lasting identity, which has resulted in management turnover approximately every second year.
Spain: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona (27 titles)
Travelling back to southern Europe, we discover two clubs within Spain that have won as many as 27+ league titles. First, there lies FC Barcelona within the Catalunya region. The club’s first title came during La Liga’s inaugural season in 1929, which was then named Primera División. That season consisted of 10 clubs, each of which played 18 matches. Barcelona emerged on top with 25 points (a win earned two points).
Barcelona would return to a championship pedigree immediately after World War II — a period also marred by domestic political turmoil and civil war — by winning titles in 1944-45, 1947-48 and 1948-49. The Primera División comprised 14 clubs in each of those seasons, with each club playing a total of 26 matches.
In the 1950s, Barcelona won three additional league titles, which were followed by one more championship in 1959-60. In an era of 16 clubs contending for the league title, Barcelona’s consecutive titles in 1959 and 1960 earned the club its first and second berths to the new European Cup (now UCL). Barcelona entered the 1960s on an incredibly high note with seven league titles and standing high as two-time defending league champions.
Then, however, the Catalan club endured a 14-year drought without a league title. The 1960s proved an incredibly difficult year for the club, winning only two Copa del Rey titles — the Spanish cup — in 1962-63 and 1967-68. Barcelona’s eighth league title finally materialized in 1973-74, a season dominated by the flair of legendary Dutch forward Johan Cruyff. At this point, the league was rebranded to “La Liga” and consisted of 18 clubs.
Although Barcelona managed to win four additional Copa del Rey titles — 1970-71, 1977-78, 1980-81 and 1982-83 — they would not win another league title until 1984-85, which constituted English manager Terry Venables’s first season at the helm and the first time that the club was managed by an Englishman. The club also mustered three titles in the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1978-79, 1981-82 and 1988-89. Spanish clubs would qualify for this competition after winning a Copa del Rey championship.
Despite the iconic stature of the Catalan club, Barcelona became a bona fide elite club only within the past few decades. The club earned their 10th title and a first star on their crest in 1990-91, with a squad that included the likes of superstars Ronald Koeman and Romario. This achievement kickstarted a period of domestic dominance that included four consecutive league titles and three titles in the relatively new Supercopa de España — Spanish super cup — between 1991 and 1994. The club also won their first European Cup in 1991-92, which was the competition’s final year under the old format and brand. Barcelona also won their first UEFA Super Cup that same year.
In the late 1990s, Barcelona rose once more to domestic prominence after winning two consecutive league titles in 1997-98 and 1998-99, while also claiming Copa del Rey titles in 1996-97 and 1997-98, the Supercopa de España in 1996, a fourth and final UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup title in 1996-97 and a second UEFA Super Cup in the same year. Then, in part owing to the rise of the Galácticos era at Real Madrid, Barcelona would have to wait until 2005 and 2006 for their 17th and 18th league titles, with the latter year ending with Barcelona winning their second UCL title under Dutch manager Frank Rijkaard.
However, the Catalan club closed the 2000s on an incredibly high note under Pep Guardiola by winning their first treble — La Liga, Copa del Rey and UCL — in club history, which was then followed by an eighth Supercopa de España, a third UEFA Super Cup and their first FIFA Club World Cup title in club history.
From a domestic perspective, Barcelona dominated the 2010s, winning three La Liga titles in the first four years — 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2012-13 — the first of which being the club’s 20th league title, thereby earning a second star on their crest. In 2010-11, Barcelona also won a fourth UCL title, their fourth UEFA Super Cup and their second FIFA Club World Cup. During this period, Barcelona also achieved a 28th Copa del Rey title.
Then, Barcelona won a second treble in 2014-15 under Luis Enrique, which was followed by a joint-record fifth UEFA Super Cup and a third FIFA Club World Cup. However, the second half of the 2010s comprised no European silverware; the club won three additional league titles, three Copa del Rey titles and two Supercopa de España titles.
Since 2020, Barcelona squandered several chances at gaining domestic and European success. As the fifth season of the decade is coming to an end, Barcelona have mustered only one league title and a record 14th Supercopa de España in 2023, as well as a record 31st Copa del Rey title in 2020-21.
Although they possess a record number of Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España titles, the record number of La Liga titles belongs to the only club to win the Club of the Century award: Real Madrid.
Real Madrid (36 titles)
Arguably the most successful club in the sport’s history, Real Madrid became a powerhouse during the 1930, which included two consecutive league titles in 1931-32 and 1932-33 and two Copa del Rey titles in 1934 and 1936, which were the club’s sixth and seventh such titles. During World War II and the Spanish Civil War, a certain Santiago Bernabéu became president of the club and began rebuilding the club once both conflicts came to an end. After acquiring legendary Argentine Alfredo Di Stéfano, Madrid immediately rose to prominence, winning the Copa del Rey in 1946 and 1947, respectively, as well as four La Liga titles in a five-year span between 1953-54 and 1957-58.
Madrid continued their dominance in the 1960s, winning five league titles between 1960-61 and 1964-65, including their 10th title – and thus earning their first star above their crest – in 1964, and the Copa del Rey in 1961-62. Despite finishing runners-up only one point behind local rivals Atlético Madrid – which won their fourth league title – Madrid returned to champion status from 1966-67 to 1968-69. During this 15-year period – from 1956 to 1969 – Madrid also became a European powerhouse, winning the newly formed European Cup during the competition’s first five years of existence between 1955-56 and 1959-60, as well as during their league title-less season in 1965-66. While Madrid slid to sixth place in the 1969-70 season, the club nevertheless managed to win their 10th Copa del Rey title during that season.
Although the first half of the 1970s comprised only one La Liga title in 1971-72 and a Copa del Rey title in 1973-74, Madrid dominated the Spanish first division in the second half of that decade; the club won five La Liga titles during a span of six seasons from 1974-75 to 1979-80, which included their second and third league doubles in 1974-75 and 1979-80. The club exited the 1970s as one of the best clubs in the world and entered the 1980s with their 20th league titles, which earned them a second star to engrave above their crest.
Similar to the 1970s, the first half of the 1980s – from 1980-81 to 1984-85 – included only one Copa del Rey title in 1981-82 and their first UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League) – Europe’s second most prestigious trophy after the European Cup – in 1984-85. However, Madrid would win a consecutive UEFA Cup in 1985-86 and return to dominance in Spain with 21st league title during that year. While the club would never again hoist the UEFA Cup, they maintained their prestige in Spain, winning La Liga for an additional four consecutive seasons from 1986-87 to 1989-90, which brought the club to a quarter-century worth of titles. During that period, Madrid also achieved their third league double with a Copa del Rey title in 1988-89. The club also won their first three Supercopa de España between 1988 and 1990, which rendered the 1988-89 season as a novel treble-winning season.
Interestingly, the 1990s mirrored the 1970s and 1980s, with Madrid winning only one Copa del Rey title and a Supercopa de España during the first half of the decade; both titles were won in 1993. In the second half of the decade, however, Real Madrid returned to their usual selves, capturing two league titles in 1994-95 and 1996-97, a Supercopa de España in 1997 and a seventh (now-) UEFA Champions League title in 1996-98 after defeating Juventus 1-0 in the final. This UCL title constituted their first such triumph in 32 years.
At the turn of the century, the club seemingly lost their domestic dominance at the hands of Catalan rivals FC Barcelona. Madrid would win only two league titles in the first half of the 2000s, particularly in 2000-01 and 2002-03, which were accompanied by the Supercopa de España on both occasions. However, Madrid kept their swagger in Europe, hoisting the UCL twice – the club’s eighth and ninth such titles – in a three-year period between 1999-2000 and 2001-02, the latter of which was won courtesy of the iconic Zinedine Zidane volley goal in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. As well, Real Madrid won their first UEFA Super Cup in 2002 following a 3-1 victory against UEFA Cup winners Feyenoord.
While Madrid’s European prestige faded during the second half of the 2000s, they returned to winning ways in La Liga, claiming back-to-back titles in 2006-07 and 2007-08. The first of these two titles earned the club a third star above their crest, becoming the first Spanish club to achieve this elite accolade.
As the club entered the second decade of the 21st century – a period dominated by club superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi – in 2010-11, Madrid captured their first Copa del Rey title in 18 years after defeating rivals Barcelona 1-0 to win their 18th title; the club won their 19th title in 2013-14 against Barcelona as well, this time emerging victorious in a 2-1 score.
With respect to league titles, Madrid once again struggled to overcome their early decade curse, winning only one title under “The Special One” José Mourinho in 2011-12; the club also won a Supercopa de España during that year. Then, it would not be until 2016-17 that the club would return as La Liga champions, which was followed by the club’s 10th Supercopa de España title.
However, it is worth noting that Madrid claimed their 10th UCL title – known colloquially as La Decima – in 2013-14 after defeating local rivals Atlético Madrid 4-1 after extra-time in the competition’s final. Managed by Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid became the first club to win 10 UCL titles. Madrid then won a second UEFA Super Cup and a first FIFA Club World Cup.
In addition, by the time Madrid won their 33rd La Liga title in 2017, the club also won their second of three consecutive UCL titles under manager and former Madrid player Zinedine Zidane, defeating Juventus once again in the final. In 2018, club midfielder Luka Modrić broke the Ronaldo-Messi dominance by winning the 2018 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Croatian to win the award. Madrid became the first club to win a three-peat of UCL titles since Bayern Munich accomplished this between 1973-74 to 1975-76. What’s more, Madrid’s three UCL titles were followed by two UEFA Super Cup titles (Atlético Madrid defeated Real Madrid 4-2 in the 2018 edition) and three FIFA Club World Cup titles.
As the turn of the decade was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ensuing lockdowns and hiatuses of football leagues across the world, Real Madrid returned to action with a comeback in the 2019-20 La Liga table, ultimately surpassing rivals Barcelona and capturing their 34th league title and hoisting the trophy unceremoniously behind closed doors. During that season, the club also won their 11th Supercopa de España title.
This time, Madrid managed to break their elusive curse as they won La Liga and the Sueprcopa de España in 2021-22 under Ancelotti’s second stint as Real Madrid manager. Moreover, the club overcame all odds and achieved their 14th UCL title, which earned then club forward Karim Benzema his first Ballon d’Or. Once again, this UCL title preceded a fifth UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup, respectively – both of which constitute all-time records. The following season, Madrid won their 20th Copa del Rey title, winning 2-1 against Pamplona-based club CA Osasuna.
This year, Madrid continued to display their prowess – and their ignorance of the curse that eluded the club from gaining success during the early years of a decade – under Ancelotti. As the 2023-24 season comes to an end, Madrid managed to win a 13th Supercopa de España in January and clinched their 36th La Liga title in early May.
At the time of publishing, Real Madrid also clinched a return to the UCL final – which will be held on June 1 against German club Borussia Dortmund – and a chance to win a staggering 15th UCL title. Featuring in their 17th UCL final – 14 wins and only two losses – it would be all the more impressive if they can achieve a third said title under Ancelotti, which would place the Italian as the all-time record winner with four UCL titles.
Other European Clubs
Outside of Europe’s top five leagues, eight clubs have achieved the elite accolade of winning 20 league titles. The clubs to have achieved this include:
Portugal — Liga NOS:
SL Benfica — 38 league titles (a record among clubs from European major European leagues)
FC Porto — 30 league titles
The Netherlands — Eredivisie:
Ajax — 36 league titles
PSV Eindhoven — 24 league titles
Belgium — Belgian Pro League:
Anderlecht — 34 league titles
Türkiye — Süper Lig
Fenerbahçe — 28 league titles
Galatasaray — 24 league titles
Besiktas — 21 league titles
*Unless indicated otherwise, all information for Manchester United is cited from this source.
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