The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football, coveted by the best teams across the continent.
Its illustrious history has seen many clubs rise to the occasion, but a few have etched their names deeper into the annals of football glory. So, who has won the most Champions League/European Cup titles in history?
Real Madrid: The Undisputed Kings
When it comes to the Champions League, no club comes close to matching the achievements of Real Madrid.
As of writing, the Spanish giants have won the competition a record 14 times, showcasing their dominance from the tournament's early days to the modern era.
Their first victory came in the inaugural European Cup in 1956, and they went on to win the next four editions, establishing an early legacy.
A Legacy of Dominance
Real Madrid's Champions League triumphs span multiple eras, with notable victories in 1966, 1998, 2000, and 2002.
The club's recent golden period came under the management of Zinedine Zidane, where they won three consecutive titles from 2016 to 2018.
Their latest triumph was in 2022, when they defeated Liverpool to secure their 14th title.
Key Figures in Real Madrid's Success
Real Madrid's success in the Champions League/European Cup has been propelled by numerous legendary players and managers.
From Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás in the early years to Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos in recent times, these icons have played pivotal roles in their club's European dominance.
AC Milan: The Italian Powerhouse
AC Milan holds the distinction of being the second-most successful club in Champions League/European Cup history.
The Rossoneri have won the title seven times, with their victories spread out over several decades.
Their first triumph came in 1963, followed by wins in 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, and 2007.
A Rich European Heritage
AC Milan's success in the Champions League is a testament to their rich footballing heritage.
The club's most recent win came in 2007 when they avenged their 2005 final loss to Liverpool.
Under the guidance of legendary managers like Arrigo Sacchi and Carlo Ancelotti, and with players like Paolo Maldini and Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan has cemented its place in European football history.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich: Tied for Third
Liverpool and Bayern Munich are tied for third place with six Champions League titles each.
Both clubs have a storied history in the competition, with periods of dominance and memorable victories.
Liverpool's European Glory
Liverpool's first taste of European success came in 1977, and they quickly followed it up with another win in 1978.
The club added further titles in 1981, 1984, 2005, and 2019. Their 2005 victory in Istanbul is particularly iconic, where they came back from 3-0 down to defeat AC Milan on penalties.
Bayern Munich's Consistent Excellence
Bayern Munich's six titles reflect their consistency at the highest level of European football.
Their first triumph came in 1974, and they successfully defended their title in the next two seasons.
Subsequent victories in 2001, 2013, and 2020 have solidified their status as one of Europe's elite clubs.
Other Notable Clubs
Several other clubs have also enjoyed success in the Champions League. Barcelona has won the title five times, with their most recent victory in 2015.
Ajax, Manchester United, and Inter Milan each have three titles to their name, showcasing the competitive nature of the tournament.
Clubs with Multiple Titles
Barcelona: 5 titles (1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015)
Ajax: 4 titles (1971, 1972, 1973, 1995)
Manchester United: 3 titles (1968, 1999, 2008)
Inter Milan: 3 titles (1964, 1965, 2010)
FAQ
Who has won the most Champions League titles in history? Real Madrid holds the record for the most Champions League titles, having won the competition 14 times.
How many times has Real Madrid won the Champions League? Real Madrid has won the Champions League 14 times, with their victories spanning from the first tournament in 1956 to their most recent win in 2022.
Which club is the second-most successful in Champions League history? AC Milan is the second-most successful club in Champions League history, having won the title 7 times.
How many Champions League titles does AC Milan have? AC Milan has won the Champions League 7 times, with their victories occurring in 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, and 2007.
Which clubs are tied for the third-most Champions League titles? Liverpool and Bayern Munich are tied for the third-most Champions League titles, with each club having won the competition 6 times.
How many times has Liverpool won the Champions League? Liverpool has won the Champions League 6 times, with victories in 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005, and 2019.
How many times has Bayern Munich won the Champions League? Bayern Munich has won the Champions League 6 times, with victories in 1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013, and 2020.
Which club has won the Champions League five times? Barcelona has won the Champions League five times, with their victories in 1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015.
Which clubs have won the Champions League three times? Ajax, Manchester United, and Inter Milan have each won the Champions League three times. Ajax's wins came in 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1995; Manchester United in 1968, 1999, and 2008; and Inter Milan in 1964, 1965, and 2010.
Which club has lost the most Champions League finals? Juventus has lost the most Champions League finals, with a record of seven losses. They were defeated in the finals of 1973, 1983, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2015, and 2017.
Which clubs have lost five Champions League finals? Bayern Munich and Benfica have each lost five Champions League finals. Bayern Munich's losses occurred in 1982, 1987, 1999, 2010, and 2012; Benfica's in 1963, 1965, 1968, 1988, and 1990.
When did Manchester City win their first Champions League title? Manchester City won their first Champions League title in 2023.
