Since its founding in 1955, the UEFA Champions League has evolved into Europe’s premier club competition, uniting the top teams from each country to compete for one of the sport’s most prestigious trophies. Originally known as the European Cup until 1992, the tournament has a list of numerous champions over its rich history.
The format has undergone significant changes over the decades. In its inaugural 1955–56 season, the tournament featured just 16 teams—primarily national league winners and a few invited clubs—competing in a straight knockout format. Today, the competition includes 36 teams in a league phase before transitioning into knockout rounds, reflecting the Champions League’s ongoing evolution.
Each season, Europe’s elite clubs crisscross the continent in pursuit of Champions League glory. To make sure you don’t miss a moment, follow every game on the World Soccer Talk Champions League TV schedule. For fans looking to understand not only the current format but also the legacy of the tournament, the Champions League Beginner’s Guide is a great place to start.
List of Champions League winners
With the competition established in the mid-20th century, here’s the complete year-by-year list of UEFA Champions League winners:
2023-2024: Real Madrid2022-2023: Manchester City2021-2022: Real Madrid2020-2021: Chelsea2019-2020: Bayern Munich2018-2019: Liverpool2017-2018: Real Madrid2016-2017: Real Madrid2015-2016: Real Madrid2014-2015: Barcelona2013-2014: Real Madrid2012-2013: Bayern Munich2011-2012: Chelsea2010-2011: Barcelona2009-2010: Inter2008-2009: Barcelona2007-2008: Manchester United2006-2007: AC Milan2005-2006: Barcelona2004-2005: Liverpool2003-2004: Porto2002-2003: AC Milan2001-2002: Real Madrid2000-2001: Bayern Munich1999-2000: Real Madrid1998-1999: Manchester United1997-1998: Real Madrid1996-1997: Borussia Dortmund1995-1996: Juventus1994-1995: Ajax1993-1994: AC Milan1992-1993: Olympique Marseille1991-1992: Barcelona1990-1991: Red Star Belgrade1989-1990: AC Milan1988-1989: AC Milan1987-1988: PSV Eindhoven1986-1987: Porto1985-1986: Steaua Bucharest1984-1985: Juventus1983-1984: Liverpool1982-1983: Hamburg1981-1982: Aston Villa1980-1981: Liverpool1979-1980: Nottingham Forest1978-1979: Nottingham Forest1977-1978: Liverpool1976-1977: Liverpool1975-1976: Bayern Munich1974-1975: Bayern Munich1973-1974: Bayern Munich1972-1973: Ajax1971-1972: Ajax1970-1971: Ajax1969-1970: Feyenoord1968-1969: AC Milan1967-1968: Manchester United1966-1967: Celtic1965-1966: Real Madrid1964-1965: Inter1963-1964: Inter1962-1963: AC Milan1961-1962: Benfica1960-1961: Benfica1959-1960: Real Madrid1958-1959: Real Madrid1957-1958: Real Madrid1956-1957: Real Madrid1955-1956: Real Madrid
Most Champions League titles
Topping the Champions League winners list, Real Madrid stands as the most successful club in the competition’s history, with a record 15 titles since their triumph in the inaugural 1955–56 edition. The Spanish giants are followed by other multiple-time champions:
Real Madrid: 15AC Milan: 7Bayern Munich: 6Liverpool: 6Barcelona: 5Ajax: 4Manchester United: 3Inter: 3Chelsea: 2Benfica: 2Nottingham Forest: 2Juventus: 2Porto: 2Celtic: 1Hamburg: 1Steaua Bucharest: 1Aston Villa: 1Olympique Marseille: 1Feyenoord: 1Borussia Dortmund: 1Red Star Belgrade: 1PSV Eindhoven: 1Manchester City: 1
