{"id":16196,"date":"2025-07-25T06:17:58","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T10:17:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/"},"modified":"2025-07-25T06:17:58","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T10:17:58","slug":"top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 25 Soccer Teams of the Last 25 Years: A Countdown to the Ultimate Champion!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#25_PSG_2024-25\" >25. PSG, 2024-25<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#24_Real_Madrid_2023-24\" >24. Real Madrid, 2023-24<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#23_Barcelona_2016-17\" >23. Barcelona, 2016-17<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#22_Real_Madrid_2013-14\" >22. Real Madrid, 2013-14<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#21_Manchester_City_2022-23\" >21. Manchester City, 2022-23<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#20_Bayern_Munich_2015-16\" >20. Bayern Munich, 2015-16<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#19_Barcelona_2008-09\" >19. Barcelona, 2008-09<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#18_Liverpool_2021-22\" >18. Liverpool, 2021-22<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#17_Manchester_City_2021-22\" >17. Manchester City, 2021-22<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#16_Real_Madrid_2016-17\" >16. Real Madrid, 2016-17<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#15_Manchester_City_2018-19\" >15. Manchester City, 2018-19<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#14_Barcelona_2015-16\" >14. Barcelona, 2015-16<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#13_Barcelona_2009-10\" >13. Barcelona, 2009-10<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#12_Bayern_Munich_2019-20\" >12. Bayern Munich, 2019-20<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#11_Real_Madrid_2014-15\" >11. Real Madrid, 2014-15<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#10_Manchester_City_2017-18\" >10. Manchester City, 2017-18<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#9_Barcelona_2011-12\" >9. Barcelona, 2011-12<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#8_Barcelona_2012-13\" >8. Barcelona, 2012-13<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#7_Bayern_Munich_2013-14\" >7. Bayern Munich, 2013-14<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#6_Real_Madrid_2015-16\" >6. Real Madrid, 2015-16<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#5_Liverpool_2018-19\" >5. Liverpool, 2018-19<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#4_Barcelona_2010-11\" >4. Barcelona, 2010-11<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#3_Real_Madrid_2011-12\" >3. Real Madrid, 2011-12<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#2_Barcelona_2014-15\" >2. Barcelona, 2014-15<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/25\/top-25-soccer-teams-of-the-last-25-years-a-countdown-to-the-ultimate-champion\/#1_Bayern_Munich_2012-13\" >1. Bayern Munich, 2012-13<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-meta\">\n<ul class=\"authors\">\n<li class=\"mugshot-shown\">\n<div class=\"author-img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/columnists\/full\/ohanlon_ryan.png&amp;h=80&amp;w=80&amp;scale=crop\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<p>Ryan Ohanron<span class=\"timestamp \">July 25th, 2025, 06:00 at<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"author-overlay\">close<\/p>\n<ul>Ryan O&#8217;Hanlon is a staff writer at ESPN.com and the author of &#8220;Netgaines: The Analytical Revolution of Beautiful Games Inside.&#8221;<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>It took some time, but Chelsea&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;Or voting in 1975. Reflecting on the highlights from both eras, it\u2019s evident that football has transformed dramatically, even in the same time span since the turn of the century.<\/p>\n<p>However, comparing teams from the last 25 years is still feasible. To establish this ranking, I meticulously analyzed every season from Europe&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Now, let\u2019s dive into the top 25 teams from the past 25 years&#8230;<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"25_PSG_2024-25\"><\/span>25. PSG, 2024-25<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.47<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.68<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s fitting that the 25th best team of the last 25 years is also this year&#8217;s best. Previous PSG squads posted higher points in Ligue 1, but Luis Enrique&#8217;s team excelled during crucial months from March to May, when it mattered most.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"24_Real_Madrid_2023-24\"><\/span>24. Real Madrid, 2023-24<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.5<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.61<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Remember the method I discussed earlier? Well, this list seems to be filled with teams that have claimed the last 25 Champions League titles.<\/p>\n<p>In reality, only 12 Champions League winners made this cut. What\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding the 2023-24 squad, they struggled during the first half of the final against Borussia Dortmund but weren&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"23_Barcelona_2016-17\"><\/span>23. Barcelona, 2016-17<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.37<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.1<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Quarterfinals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;t clinch the domestic league title. Nevertheless, they amassed 90 points in La Liga, leading with a goal difference of +79.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22_Real_Madrid_2013-14\"><\/span>22. Real Madrid, 2013-14<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.29<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.74<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019t quite replicate his success.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21_Manchester_City_2022-23\"><\/span>21. Manchester City, 2022-23<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.34<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.61<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Arguably the best Premier League team of all time? Many would say yes.<\/p>\n<p>This Manchester City team, reminiscent of PSG&#8217;s earlier forms, finally found its stride at the season&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_Bayern_Munich_2015-16\"><\/span>20. Bayern Munich, 2015-16<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.59<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.85<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Semi-finals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;s era, falling just short of the final.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_Barcelona_2008-09\"><\/span>19. Barcelona, 2008-09<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.29<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.84<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This team featured a stellar lineup with Messi, Samuel Eto&#8217;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\u2019t rank as the best Barcelona team of the yet-to-end century.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_Liverpool_2021-22\"><\/span>18. Liverpool, 2021-22<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.42<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.79<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Runner-up<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This season stands out as Liverpool\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_Manchester_City_2021-22\"><\/span>17. Manchester City, 2021-22<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.45<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.92<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Semi-finals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This roster might just be the most proficient City team during Guardiola&#8217;s time. They showcased an impressive attacking depth but fell short against Real Madrid in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_Real_Madrid_2016-17\"><\/span>16. Real Madrid, 2016-17<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.45<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.71<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Manchester_City_2018-19\"><\/span>15. Manchester City, 2018-19<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.58<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.90<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Quarterfinals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Barcelona_2015-16\"><\/span>14. Barcelona, 2015-16<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.39<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.18<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Quarterfinals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Barcelona_2009-10\"><\/span>13. Barcelona, 2009-10<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.61<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.95<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Semi-finals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This season is often viewed as underwhelming, considering they traded Eto&#8217;o for Ibrahimovic, but they still achieved impressive points in La Liga, illustrating the competition&#8217;s intensity.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Bayern_Munich_2019-20\"><\/span>12. Bayern Munich, 2019-20<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.41<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.0<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Real_Madrid_2014-15\"><\/span>11. Real Madrid, 2014-15<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.42<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.11<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Semi-finals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Manchester_City_2017-18\"><\/span>10. Manchester City, 2017-18<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.63<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.08<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Quarterfinals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This was an extraordinary City team that dominated the Premier League but faltered in the Champions League, showcasing the unpredictability of knockout tournaments.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Barcelona_2011-12\"><\/span>9. Barcelona, 2011-12<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.39<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.24<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Semi-finals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Despite not clinching the title, this Barcelona squad produced stunning statistics, underlining their dominance in La Liga.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Barcelona_2012-13\"><\/span>8. Barcelona, 2012-13<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.63<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.98<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Semi-finals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This season marked a historical achievement as they tied the record for points in La Liga. Vilanova\u2019s tenure was significant despite his health struggles during the campaign.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Bayern_Munich_2013-14\"><\/span>7. Bayern Munich, 2013-14<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.65<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.10<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Semi-finals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In Pep Guardiola\u2019s inaugural season, Bayern was dominant in the league but suffered a notable setback in the Champions League against Real Madrid.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Real_Madrid_2015-16\"><\/span>6. Real Madrid, 2015-16<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.37<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.0<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>While they didn&#8217;t secure the league title, they produced exceptional performances in the Champions League, marking one of Ronaldo&#8217;s most prolific seasons.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Liverpool_2018-19\"><\/span>5. Liverpool, 2018-19<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.55<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.76<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This Liverpool team made history, achieving both high league points and a Champions League victory in the same season, a rare accomplishment.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Barcelona_2010-11\"><\/span>4. Barcelona, 2010-11<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.53<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +1.95<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Real_Madrid_2011-12\"><\/span>3. Real Madrid, 2011-12<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.63<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.34<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Semi-finals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This season is seen as underrated, particularly as the team accumulated astonishing statistics under Mourinho&#8217;s management, despite not clinching the Champions League.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Barcelona_2014-15\"><\/span>2. Barcelona, 2014-15<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.47<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.34<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Barcelona&#8217;s incredible performance led them to a Champions League title while pushing aside critics who believed they were in decline.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Bayern_Munich_2012-13\"><\/span>1. Bayern Munich, 2012-13<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>&#8211; Points per game: 2.68<br \/>&#8211; Goal difference per game: +2.35<br \/>&#8211; Champions League: Winners<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Bayern Munich&#8217;s 2012-13 team stands as the clear best of the 21st century, achieving unprecedented success in both domestic and international competitions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fan Take: This ranking not only celebrates the pinnacle of club football over the past 25 years but also sparks discussions about the evolving nature of the game. For fans, understanding how past teams succeeded can enhance appreciation of current and future squads, creating a deeper connection to the sport\u2019s rich history.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ryan OhanronJuly 25th, 2025, 06:00 at close Ryan O&#8217;Hanlon is a staff writer at ESPN.com and the author of &#8220;Netgaines: The Analytical Revolution of Beautiful Games Inside.&#8221; It took some time, but Chelsea&#8217;s triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final signified the conclusion of the 25th European football season of the 21st [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16197,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[241,2460,40,46,45,1291,84,1446,316],"class_list":{"0":"post-16196","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-champion","9":"tag-countdown","10":"tag-football","11":"tag-news","12":"tag-soccer","13":"tag-teams","14":"tag-top","15":"tag-ultimate","16":"tag-years"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16196","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16196"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16196\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16197"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16196"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16196"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}