Top 25 Soccer Teams of the Last 25 Years: A Countdown to the Ultimate Champion!

It took some time, but Chelsea’s triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final signified the conclusion of the 25th European football season of the 21st century.

As my colleague Bill Burnwell noted last week, this milestone is akin to reaching the quarter mark of a century. In light of this, he ranked the top 25 NFL teams from the last 25 years. I am now presenting my own list of the top 25 club teams from this century.

The evolution of the game since the year 2000 has been remarkable. Consider that Oleg Brockhin, Franz Beckenbauer, and Johann Cruyff placed first, second, and third in the Ballon d’Or voting in 1975. Reflecting on the highlights from both eras, it’s evident that football has transformed dramatically, even in the same time span since the turn of the century.

However, comparing teams from the last 25 years is still feasible. To establish this ranking, I meticulously analyzed every season from Europe’s top five leagues since 2000. Initially, I ranked teams by combining the points earned and goal difference per game. This was then adjusted according to the league difficulty based on average ratings for each of the past 25 seasons from the Club ELO ratings.

Bonus points were given for accomplishments in the Champions League, including winning the tournament, reaching the final, the semi-finals, the quarter-finals, and the Round of 16. The final rating weighs domestic performance at 70% and Champions League performance at 30%, reflecting the relative consistency of league play compared to the unpredictable nature of the Champions League, which features a more balanced schedule and three times as many matches.

Now, let’s dive into the top 25 teams from the past 25 years…

25. PSG, 2024-25

– Points per game: 2.47
– Goal difference per game: +1.68
– Champions League: Winners

It’s fitting that the 25th best team of the last 25 years is also this year’s best. Previous PSG squads posted higher points in Ligue 1, but Luis Enrique’s team excelled during crucial months from March to May, when it mattered most.

24. Real Madrid, 2023-24

– Points per game: 2.5
– Goal difference per game: +1.61
– Champions League: Winners

Remember the method I discussed earlier? Well, this list seems to be filled with teams that have claimed the last 25 Champions League titles.

In reality, only 12 Champions League winners made this cut. What’s intriguing about Real Madrid is they often secure the Champions League despite less-than-stellar performances in La Liga. In 2002, they won the European Cup with just 66 points and a third-place finish in Spain.

Regarding the 2023-24 squad, they struggled during the first half of the final against Borussia Dortmund but weren’t reliant on late-game heroics this time around. They eliminated Manchester City in a shootout and staged a comeback against Bayern Munich, showcasing their resilience. Ultimately, they finished 10 points ahead of their closest rivals in the league.

23. Barcelona, 2016-17

– Points per game: 2.37
– Goal difference per game: +2.1
– Champions League: Quarterfinals

This marked the final season for the iconic trio of Luis Enrique, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar. While they orchestrated a memorable comeback against PSG, they couldn’t clinch the domestic league title. Nevertheless, they amassed 90 points in La Liga, leading with a goal difference of +79.

22. Real Madrid, 2013-14

– Points per game: 2.29
– Goal difference per game: +1.74
– Champions League: Winners

Despite finishing third in La Liga with 87 points, this Real Madrid squad enjoyed success with a Champions League title, a feat most clubs can only aspire to.

Angel di Maria was phenomenal that year, effectively covering ground that others left open, showcasing his versatility and talent. His impactful performance led to a transfer to Manchester United, where he couldn’t quite replicate his success.

21. Manchester City, 2022-23

– Points per game: 2.34
– Goal difference per game: +1.61
– Champions League: Winners

Arguably the best Premier League team of all time? Many would say yes.

This Manchester City team, reminiscent of PSG’s earlier forms, finally found its stride at the season’s critical moments, although earlier squads had more dominant performances throughout the campaign. Winning the Champions League requires more than peak performance; it often demands a bit of luck as well.

20. Bayern Munich, 2015-16

– Points per game: 2.59
– Goal difference per game: +1.85
– Champions League: Semi-finals

After losing the initial leg of the semifinal to Atletico, Bayern needed a multi-goal victory at home to progress. Unfortunately, they dominated but missed a key penalty that allowed Atletico to advance. Nonetheless, this squad was arguably the finest of Pep Guardiola’s era, falling just short of the final.

19. Barcelona, 2008-09

– Points per game: 2.29
– Goal difference per game: +1.84
– Champions League: Winners

This team featured a stellar lineup with Messi, Samuel Eto’o, and Thierry Henry, and they were a force to be reckoned with, finishing the league season with an impressive goal margin. Yet, surprisingly, this doesn’t rank as the best Barcelona team of the yet-to-end century.

18. Liverpool, 2021-22

– Points per game: 2.42
– Goal difference per game: +1.79
– Champions League: Runner-up

This season stands out as Liverpool’s best under Jurgen Klopp, bolstered by strong defensive and offensive talents. Unfortunately, they narrowly missed the chance to become the first English side to achieve a historic quadruple.

17. Manchester City, 2021-22

– Points per game: 2.45
– Goal difference per game: +1.92
– Champions League: Semi-finals

This roster might just be the most proficient City team during Guardiola’s time. They showcased an impressive attacking depth but fell short against Real Madrid in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter.

16. Real Madrid, 2016-17

– Points per game: 2.45
– Goal difference per game: +1.71
– Champions League: Winners

This season stands out for Zinedine Zidane, who secured more Champions League titles than league titles during his managerial tenure. Remarkably, he achieved both in a single season.

15. Manchester City, 2018-19

– Points per game: 2.58
– Goal difference per game: +1.90
– Champions League: Quarterfinals

City faced a significant setback in the Champions League quarterfinals against Tottenham, missing critical opportunities that led to an untimely exit. Had they converted chances effectively, their season might have looked entirely different.

14. Barcelona, 2015-16

– Points per game: 2.39
– Goal difference per game: +2.18
– Champions League: Quarterfinals

Since 2000, only two European teams have surpassed 110 goals while conceding under 30; this Barcelona team was one. Their offensive prowess made them formidable, although they fell short of advancing in Europe.

13. Barcelona, 2009-10

– Points per game: 2.61
– Goal difference per game: +1.95
– Champions League: Semi-finals

This season is often viewed as underwhelming, considering they traded Eto’o for Ibrahimovic, but they still achieved impressive points in La Liga, illustrating the competition’s intensity.

12. Bayern Munich, 2019-20

– Points per game: 2.41
– Goal difference per game: +2.0
– Champions League: Winners

This season was marked by coaching changes and the unusual circumstances of the pandemic, yet Bayern managed to win the Champions League, making history by winning every match they played in the tournament.

11. Real Madrid, 2014-15

– Points per game: 2.42
– Goal difference per game: +2.11
– Champions League: Semi-finals

During this season, Real Madrid set a Spanish record with 22 consecutive victories, netting an astonishing 118 goals and marking one of their most exceptional campaigns.

10. Manchester City, 2017-18

– Points per game: 2.63
– Goal difference per game: +2.08
– Champions League: Quarterfinals

This was an extraordinary City team that dominated the Premier League but faltered in the Champions League, showcasing the unpredictability of knockout tournaments.

9. Barcelona, 2011-12

– Points per game: 2.39
– Goal difference per game: +2.24
– Champions League: Semi-finals

Despite not clinching the title, this Barcelona squad produced stunning statistics, underlining their dominance in La Liga.

8. Barcelona, 2012-13

– Points per game: 2.63
– Goal difference per game: +1.98
– Champions League: Semi-finals

This season marked a historical achievement as they tied the record for points in La Liga. Vilanova’s tenure was significant despite his health struggles during the campaign.

7. Bayern Munich, 2013-14

– Points per game: 2.65
– Goal difference per game: +2.10
– Champions League: Semi-finals

In Pep Guardiola’s inaugural season, Bayern was dominant in the league but suffered a notable setback in the Champions League against Real Madrid.

6. Real Madrid, 2015-16

– Points per game: 2.37
– Goal difference per game: +2.0
– Champions League: Winners

While they didn’t secure the league title, they produced exceptional performances in the Champions League, marking one of Ronaldo’s most prolific seasons.

5. Liverpool, 2018-19

– Points per game: 2.55
– Goal difference per game: +1.76
– Champions League: Winners

This Liverpool team made history, achieving both high league points and a Champions League victory in the same season, a rare accomplishment.

4. Barcelona, 2010-11

– Points per game: 2.53
– Goal difference per game: +1.95
– Champions League: Winners

This Guardiola-led team is often regarded as one of the most exceptional in football history, with a blend of talent that captivated fans worldwide.

3. Real Madrid, 2011-12

– Points per game: 2.63
– Goal difference per game: +2.34
– Champions League: Semi-finals

This season is seen as underrated, particularly as the team accumulated astonishing statistics under Mourinho’s management, despite not clinching the Champions League.

2. Barcelona, 2014-15

– Points per game: 2.47
– Goal difference per game: +2.34
– Champions League: Winners

Barcelona’s incredible performance led them to a Champions League title while pushing aside critics who believed they were in decline.

1. Bayern Munich, 2012-13

– Points per game: 2.68
– Goal difference per game: +2.35
– Champions League: Winners

Bayern Munich’s 2012-13 team stands as the clear best of the 21st century, achieving unprecedented success in both domestic and international competitions.